Our favorite time of year is in full swing and brings with it a whole host of events: Vienna is transformed into a whole world of experiences full of events in summer. From culture and sport to tradition – there’s something for everyone. Here are some highlights that you should definitely not miss in Vienna in July.
Film festival on Rathausplatz
The Film Festival has been a classic among Vienna’s summer festivals for 35 years: throughout July and August, Rathausplatz is transformed into a vibrant open-air meeting place. Night after night, you can experience musical gold from opera, classical music, pop and rock – with free admission. There’s no better way to describe summer in Vienna!
📍 Location: Rathausplatz
📅 Date: July 1 to 30
Planet of the Animals – a 360-degree journey
Discover the animals of this world in the immersive exhibition “Planet of the Animals” and experience the fascinating creatures of the earth as close as never before! Marvel at lifelike images in impressive 24K resolution that make you believe the animals are standing right in front of you – or that you yourself are in the middle of their natural habitats. Roam the adventurous wilderness or dive deep into the mysterious world of the oceans. This fascinating experience is perfect for young and old and brings the wonders of nature to life in a unique way. “Planet of the Animals” takes you on a spectacular 360-degree journey into the diverse world of animals.
📍 Venue: Immersium Vienna
Cultural Summer Vienna
July in Vienna brings us the wonderful Kultursommer with cabaret, music, dance, literature and theater – all free of charge. There is a varied program on nine stages throughout the city, creating a festival atmosphere in the open air. The events are aimed at all age groups and invite you to experience Vienna’s cultural scene in a relaxed atmosphere.
📍 Location: various locations
📅 Date: July 1 to 30
2nd Vienna Opera Summer: La Traviata
If you’re in the mood for some classical music, the Vienna Opera Summer is just the thing. On twelve evenings, you can experience first-class open-air concerts: the opera arena covers a whole 6,000 m² and is located right next to the Wiener Konzerthaus. Verdi’s “La Traviata” is performed here. On stage is none other than the Oscar-winning Austrian actor Karl Markovics.
📍 Location: Opera arena at Heumarkt
📅 Date: July 1 – July 19
Johann Strauss – New Dimensions
Immerse yourself in the fantastic soundscapes of Johann Strauss and let yourself be enchanted by his unmistakable melodies in a three-dimensional listening experience. This immersive permanent exhibition, in honor of the Viennese composer, takes you into the musical world of the Waltz King and allows art and technology to merge in a unique way. Learn exciting facts about the artist’s life and work, enjoy his compositions in breathtaking acoustics and get active yourself: compose, play music or dance the Viennese waltz. Who knows – you might discover a hidden talent in the process.
📍 Location: Johann Strauss Museum
Popfest Vienna
An absolute highlight in July in Vienna is the Popfest. Popfest Vienna is taking place for the 16th time. 50 acts await you with free admission! Over 50,000 music enthusiasts gather on and around Karsplatz to celebrate the latest music and well-known classics.
📍 Location: Karlsplatz
📅 Date: July 24 – 27
A dance show that brings Sleeping Beauty to life
The world-famous fairy tale and important ballet piece composed by Tchaikovsky comes to life in the fascinating show series “We call it Ballet”! World-class dancers in vibrant costumes present an enchanting choreography of pirouettes, leaps and colorful light shows and whisk you away into a magical world. Experience how the classic tale of the cursed Princess Sleeping Beauty shines with dance, music and light in a very special glow.
📍 Location: The MuTh
Vienna Cabaret Festival
You can prepare yourself for strained stomach muscles at the Vienna Cabaret Festival: Eleven Austrian comedians will make you laugh at the 15th Vienna Cabaret Festival. The festival will be opened by Viktor Gernot and Thomas Stipsits: Roland Düringer, Angelika Niedetzky, Clemens Maria Schreiner, the Kernölamazonen, Herbert Steinböck, Weinzettl & Rudle and Andreas Vitasek.
📍 Location: Arkadenhof of the Vienna City Hall
📅 Date: July 28 – August 2
ImPulsTanz Festival
The ImPulsTanz-Festival is the biggest festival for contemporary dance and performance ever! Every summer, you can experience a unique program of performances, workshops, research projects and musical acts. The artists perform at various locations in Vienna, such as the shores of Lake Aspern or the Lentos Art Museum.
📍 Location: various locations
📅 Date: July 11 – August 11
Cinema on the roof
Throughout July, there is open-air cinema on the roof of the main library – often including films in the original language with German subtitles. Until September 13,Kino am Dach will be showing films in the open air – from international classics to current Austrian productions. This year’s motto “Love Stories” is dedicated to love in all its facets: from rom-coms and dramas to arthouse classics. Discover everything about the cinemas in Vienna here.
📍 Location: Main Library
📅 Date: July 1 to 30