Attention all musicians and music enthusiasts! From October 1–3, 2026, the well-established Waves Vienna Festival will take place for the 16th time, while fans and music professionals can look forward to 107 live acts spanning all genres . This festival features not only classical music and concerts but also valuable industry workshops and insights that you won’t find anywhere else. Before the regular program begins, the event will officially kick off on September 30 at 7 p.m. with a free block party in front of the Spittelau Waste-to-Energy Plant, getting Vienna dancing right out in the public square.
New leadership, new conference venue, and the UK as the guest country
This time, the home country of many of the guest acts is Great Britain, as the United Kingdom is in the spotlight as the official guest country. In addition, the trade conference is moving to a new location, although many concerts will take place as usual in the tried-and-true Gürtel venues.
As soon as the doors open, the presentations will take place in the historic Albert Hall, as will hands-on workshops for industry newcomers. Afterward, the action shifts to the clubs in the evening, though networking and enjoying the music remain closely intertwined.
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Supporting emerging talent and the coveted XA Award
Finally, the presentation of the XA – Export Award 2026 is a major highlight, with six nominated Austrian bands and musicians competing for €4,000 in prize money as well as tour grants. That’s why it’s worth checking out the shows by talents like Aki Traar, Ava Fina, and Peach Tinted, as well as the other nominees. The event has since evolved into an important platform, allowing the local music scene to benefit sustainably from this exchange.
If you want to experience this three-day gathering, you can get a one-day ticket starting at 38 euros. Since the program is extremely packed, we recommend planning ahead quickly, as the event takes place this very weekend. While the focus is primarily on musical discoveries, participants also walk away with valuable professional contacts for their own careers.
📍 Waves Vienna (Gürtel Clubs & Albert Hall)
🏠 Address: Wiener Gürtel / Albertgasse 35, 1080 Vienna
🎟️ Admission: Day passes starting at 38 euros
📅 Date & Time: October 1–3, 2026 (Kick-off: September 30 at 7:00 p.m.)
