Waves Vienna festival

A festival for new music in the heart of Vienna. Vienna—a city often associated with classical music and culture—reveals a completely different side of itself every October: modern, loud, bold, and creative.

During Waves Vienna, an international showcase festival, numerous clubs along the Vienna Gürtel (Belt) transform into stages for up-and-coming artists from across Europe and beyond.
The 2026 edition takes place from October 1 to 3, featuring over 100 live acts across more than 10 stages. The focus is firmly on emerging talent and innovative sounds—showcasing acts that might soon be performing on Europe’s major festival stages. Waves Vienna offers more than just music; it provides opportunities for discovery, surprises, and plenty of inspiration.

Running concurrently is the Waves Conference, a professional event featuring panels, workshops, and lectures covering topics such as the music industry, media, booking, and artist management. It is a must-attend event for music professionals and anyone interested in getting a behind-the-scenes look at the scene.

In addition to club concerts, the festival offers a diverse program that emphasizes exchange between Eastern and Western Europe, as well as a commitment to diversity.

Visitors to this year’s festival can look forward to exciting performances by acts such as Ava Fina, Neon Lies, Tamara Flores, Kumbia Queers, Blu Samu, SadSvit, Baby Berserk, and many other rising artists.

You can find the full program and further information on the official festival website.

Date: October 1–3, 2026
Location: Various clubs along the Vienna Gürtel
(e.g., Lucia, Coco, Fania Live, Chelsea, Rhiz)
Time: Evening events starting around 6:00 PM
Admission: €22 – €150

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