Halloween is fast approaching, and soon it’ll be time to say “Trick or treat!” again. If you want to really let loose, Vienna definitely has plenty of opportunities for that. But there’s also plenty on offer for those of you who aren’t big on partying, and kids won’t be left out either. Here are the 6 spookiest and most fun things to do on your Halloween night!
Dance the night away at Austria’s biggest Halloween party
The Praterdome is Austria’s largest nightclub and, naturally, also hosts the country’s biggest Halloween party. On three dance floors, you can party until dawn to EDM, hip-hop, and party classics. To unwind in between, head to the rooftop bar. If you arrive early, you’ll have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to win an annual pass. Until 11 p.m., you can have your picture taken in your costumes in front of the photo wall and upload the photos to the club’s app. The snapshot with the most likes wins!
From October 15 to November 1, the over 750-year-old Friedensburg Schlaining is transformed into a spookily beautiful Halloween world! Hundreds of light sculptures, vibrant laser projections, and miles of string lights perfectly showcase the ancient walls. The ultimate mix of thrills and fun awaits visitors of all ages: spooky walking acts on stilts, a neon wonderland, a straw castle, delicious Halloween snacks, and a phenomenal view from the castle tower. The historic fortress simply offers the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable, family-friendly Halloween bash.
Join the Vienna Halloween Run
Run for your life at the Vienna Halloween Run! Together with witches, ghosts, and vampires, you’ll tackle a 5-kilometer course that’s sure to give you the creeps with its spooky decorations. For athletic families, there’s a 2.5-kilometer course, and for the especially brave kids who want to race on their own, there’s a separate 800-meter run.
After working up a sweat, you can take part in the other activities at the Prater, such as pumpkin carving and face painting for kids. Or snap a few souvenir photos in the photo booth. Finally, celebrate at the big after-show party!
Experience “Cosmic Horrors” at the Planetarium
Our universe, infinite expanses. Enough space for hidden beauties—and absolute nightmares. In this one-of-a-kind planetarium show, you’ll learn more about the destructive forces and deadly radiation lurking in space. Immerse yourself in a world full of eerie energy, but also dreamlike beauty. After your 25-minute journey through space, you’ll appreciate life on Earth all the more.
Experience a spine-tingling classical concert surrounded by hundreds of candles, which lend the concert hall an eerie yet romantic atmosphere. On October 23, a musical journey through the greatest Halloween hits of all time awaits you in the Musensaal at the Albertina—from major pop artists to unforgettable movie soundtracks. Let the musical performance send shivers down your spine when it’s time to say once again: “It’s Halloween!” In addition, more candlelight concerts await you, featuring tributes to successful bands from the ’70s and ’80s or gentle melodies for the little ones. You can find the full program here.
A Spooky Tour with the archäNOW Halloween Special
Embark on a scavenger hunt with a twist and discover Vienna’s spooky side with archäNOW’s Halloween Special. Armed with a flashlight and a map, you’ll set out to explore the city’s dark corners. Along the way, you’ll solve puzzles and get closer and closer to a hidden treasure. Learn more about the city’s history in a fun way and venture into places you’d never have stumbled upon otherwise. As a reward, a few treats await you in the treasure chest.
