Top things to do in Vienna in July 2024. Find out what is happening in Vienna this July. In the City of Music (famed far and wide for centuries), summertime brings on a swarm of events and festivals, centering around music, food, local heritage and festive beer happenings. Plus, there are plenty of free events ongoing during July in Vienna! Here are some of our favourite escapades, events and things to do in Vienna for the Austrian capital’s most sweltering month!
1. City Hall Film Festival
2. Ottakringer Beer Festival
3. Pop Fest Vienna
4. Frame Out Open Air Cinema
5. EuroGames Vienna
6. Montur & Pulverdampf Medieval Festival
7. Kultursommer Vienna
8. ImpulzTanz Festival
Back again for its whooping 34th year, the annual City Hall Film Festival is so much more than just your stereotypical film fest! Spread across the summer months, it’s also a sensory treat for foodies (with plenty of food and drinks stalls/vendors to keep you satisfied), as well as a whole bounty of other culture-infused treats! In July, expect mega musical concerts with European stars and Noel Gallagher of Oasis. Plus, films and documentaries screen bands and superstars’ most memorable concerts. Other unique shows include Disco Training, UEFA screenings of the live 2024 footy matches, acrobatic ensembles with classical music, and so much more!
While its German neighbour may be the world’s most recognized beer-drinking (and celebrating) country, don’t diminish Austria’s beer scene just yet! A perfect introduction to the local scene, the Ottakringer Beer Festival is a super cool event with street food, live music, beercase singing, a pub quiz and even … beer yoga (yup, you read that right!). Drink your way through over 20 different beers on tap from the Ottakringer Brewery (established in 1837) at the Beer Garden, who also host the event.
Curious to know what Vienna’s pop and hip-hop scene is like? Without dropping a dime, the FREE Pop Fest Vienna (also known as Popfest Wien) takes place between open-air and indoor stages in and around Karlsplatz square. Local singer-songwriters, feminist rappers and punk rockers lead the way, and this year, experimental electro music is also a key player!
It’s only fitting that this open-air cinema event takes place in the capital’s MuseumsQuartier — one of the largest cultural quarters worldwide! With a new theme every year, 2024’s one is “Garden” and entrance is free for all! The films screened here (on a massive outdoor screen projector) are of an innovative contemporary cinema genre, and different feature, short films, as well as documentaries comprise the line-up; the kind that really make you question, think and ponder!
Not all of us are pro athletes, but that doesn’t take away the enjoyment that millions experience when getting involved in sports and athletic games! Open to all, your gender, size and sexual orientation are irrelevant, and the games and social events support LGBTIQ+ athletes. Perfect timing for Pride Month! Some of the competing categories include beach volleyball, cycling, dancing, chess, golf, martial arts, archery, pickleball and even roller derby!
Ruled by the Holy Roman Empire circa the Middle Ages; this was centuries ago, but who’s to say we can’t travel back in time? The Montur and Pulverdampf (meaning “uniform and gunsmoke”) festival is for serious medieval fundis, where live “battles,” weapon demonstrations and historical reenactments are on full display. Of course, there’s traditional food and music from these times, a medieval market, and other entertainment, including programs for the little knights, kings and queens. Wanna score free entrance? All you have to do is get dressed in your most authentic medieval costume — but that’s half the fun, anyway!
The annual (and free) Vienna Cultural Summer event sees nine stages pop-up at different spaces and venues throughout the city (predominantly between Districts 10 to 23). Don’t miss the spectacular Opening Night where the Vienna Symphony Orchestra performs. Featuring theatre, music, literature, cabaret, dance and a contemporary circus, there’s even a children’s book picnic at the Favoriten Water Tower.
Just like music, dance is POWERFUL, with the ability to bring on a string of emotions in one single performance. For lovers of dance, feel like you’re part of So You Think You Can Dance during this international event. Over 50 productions take place, highlighting contemporary routines and some other genres. There are also 254 workshops to join in, as well as 157 talks by global choreographers and dance teachers.
Photo by @Paul Bauer
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