What’s happening in Vienna this weekend? Your must-dos and insider tips

The Vienna Ice Dream will be back in 2026, transforming Rathausplatz into a skating wonderland. On approximately 10,000 square meters of ice, you can glide under the open sky between City Hall and the Hofburg, venture onto one of the winding dream paths, or enjoy the view from the Sky Rink. You can skate for free on the beginners’ area and take your first steps on skates here. From 5 p.m., this area is transformed into a curling rink where you can compete against your friends.

Immerse yourself in the world of Middle-earth: Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences and Candlelight present “Candlelight: The Lord of the Rings,” an extraordinary classical concert experience. In this 60-minute performance, a string quartet brings the iconic sounds from “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers,” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.” Surrounded by the warm glow of hundreds of candles, you can revel in epic melodies just in time for the saga’s 25th anniversary. Secure your seats now for this dazzling tribute to the trilogy’s powerful soundtrack.

This weekend, the decision will finally be made as to who will represent Austria at the ESC. At Vienna Calling , we want to find our contribution for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in May . Watch live on ORF as the 12 acts compete against each other and perform their songs in German and English. Cheer on your favorites, vote, and find out who will sing for Austria in the Stadthalle .

The Edelstoff design market transforms the Marx Halle into a lively hotspot for creativity and craftsmanship. Around 165 local and international designers present their hand-picked creations there. Whether slow fashion, fine jewelry, art, cosmetics, or culinary delicacies —here you will find an exclusive selection that goes far beyond ordinary mass-produced goods. Discover fascinating one-of-a-kind pieces and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this curated design diversity.

Embark on a journey to Machu Picchu. Discover the ancient Inca Empire for yourself in this immersive exhibition without having to board a plane. With the help of VR technology, you can immerse yourself in the history of the city and move undisturbed through this wonder of the world. Your journey into another world, which brings you closer to Machu Picchu, lasts about an hour.

Beer lovers should not miss the Kraft Bier Fest at Gleis//Garten this weekend. Here you can sample over 70 different types of beer from national and international breweries. There will also be snacks to go with them at nine different food stands. Hopfengrund, Vogelsang, Yonder, Vienna Kraft, and many others will be there. In a total of three sessions, you can sample your way through the varieties, which are constantly rotating.

If you’re looking for something new to read, you should stop by the book market this weekend. Here you’ll find books, magazines, and comics of all genres, for both children and adults. You can also browse through other finds such as vinyl records and CDs. You can then read your newly acquired treasures right there on the spot with coffee and cake at the Schmökercafé .

Embark on an adventurous journey and discover the mysteries of our world. Travel to Stonehenge, the Pyramids of Giza, and the temples of the Maya. Look behind the mysteries of humanity and experience an immersive and interactive adventure for the whole family. Real locations come to life through projections, sounds, and virtual reality. Immerse yourself in a world full of myths and magic.

If you’re looking for a new picture for your home, you should visit the Kunstsupermarkt this weekend. The exhibition is opening its doors for the 19th time , offering you the opportunity to discover a new object for your home or as a gift. Around 90 artists from all over the world are presenting 6,000 original works here, which you can purchase on the spot, whether paintings, sculptures, or plastic arts. And all at affordable prices!

The international accordion festival is taking place for the 27th time this year and offers you very special insights under the motto “Behind the Scenes.” Musicians from all over the world will grace Vienna during the three-week festival and showcase their accordion skills at daily concerts. This time, you can also take a look behind the scenes of the venues and take part in guided tours and talks that have a few anecdotes in store for you.