Across more than 300 hectares in the countryside around Laa, a vegetable is grown that is prized throughout Austria. Although many growing regions use artificial irrigation, here they have deliberately relied on natural rain alone for over 80 years.
From August 14 to 16, 2026, the municipality invites you to the popular harvest festival—more specifically, the Onion Festival in Laa an der Thaya—on the town square, so you can experience regional culture and culinary delights up close. Admission is free, as the festival is intended to be open to all visitors. The onion takes center stage here—and not just in culinary terms.
Delicious treats right on the town square
The black sandy soil is what gives the yellow and red onions their high quality . As a result, the crop grows more slowly and becomes particularly firm and long-lasting. Local restaurateurs also offer hearty delicacies and fine wines from nearby vintners.
You can also take advantage of free taxi rides to the onion field, which run on Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. directly from the Volksbank. In addition, direct sellers such as the Hummel Organic Berry Garden will be showcasing local specialties.
Entertainment for the whole family
The festival kicks off on Friday at 12:00 p.m. with food and drinks, before the ORF live broadcast featuring Charlien and Pablo Grande begins at 3:00 p.m. Afterward, starting at 8:30 p.m., the band Nordwand will get the crowd going on the main stage. On Saturday evening, the Kreuttaler Lederhos’n will really get you fired up.
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In addition, the popular and legendary Onion Relay Race will take place on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. While the runners compete for victory with onion sacks in hand, children can try their hand at archery at the Bürgerspital or participate in face painting.
Excursions in the Region and How to Get There
In addition, a free bus will run to Falkenstein on Sunday afternoon between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., provided you register in advance at the information tent. Since public transportation connections are well-developed, you can travel there easily and comfortably on the S2 directly from Vienna. For this reason, the trip is a perfect recommendation for the weekend.
But don’t forget to set aside some time if you want to visit the Laa Carriage Museum or the South Moravian Local History Museum. That way, nothing will stand in the way of a successful day trip to the Weinviertel.
📍 Onion Festival in Laa an der Thaya
🎟️ Free admission
📅 Date: August 14–16, 2026
🕒 Hours: Friday from 12:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday all day
