February: Vienna Ball Season - From December 31 through to the beginning of each June, Vienna Balls take over the city. They are the essence of high society since proper 19th century ball attire is often necessary. The most sought after ticket of all is the Opera Ball at Stattsoper which often reels in royalty and celebrities from around the world. Prices vary but tickets go quickly and often need to be booked a year in advance.
March: Apassionata, Grand Voyage - On the first day of each March the world's most beautiful horses converge on Vienna for the Grand Voyage at Stadthalle. There is a focus on skills such as the famed ‘horse dance' that are accompanied by live music and elaborate costumes. There are two shows on the given day and admissions run from about 50 - 120EUR. And if you miss the event here, don't fret. They travel most of the year as one of the most successful horse events on the continent.
April: Schonbrunn Easter Fair - Nearly half of Vienna is Roman Catholic, which allows for a fun filled Easter holiday at the Baroque Palace of Schonbrunn. It is an "eggstravaganza" that features typical holiday fare like eggs of all shapes and sizes, chocolates, small toys, flowers and Easter egg hunts. The event runs from roughly 10:00am - 6:30pm at no charge.
May: Vienna Festival - This fest is considered a highlight of the year and celebrates the rich culture of Vienna. Hundreds of events take place from countries all around the world that come to the city to commemorate its history and place in the world. Hours and prices vary from event to event.
June: Vienna VieVinum Wine Festival - The opulent Hofburg Palace is the host of this fine wine event. Visitors can come to ask questions, tour the exquisite castle and to sample beverages made right from the vineyards of Vienna. The festival runs through June biannually from 10am - 7pm. Admissions vary.
July: ImPulsTanz - From July through August toes will be tapping throughout the city. ImPulsTanz is one of the most well received modern dance festivals that holds a huge workshop that anyone can attend. It is mainly run at Kunsthalle Wien but performances are held at venues throughout the city. Admissions vary to the event.
August: Music Film Festival - The Music Film Festival is one Vienna's most beloved and largest open-air events. Located in the center of the city, guests are treated to free screenings in the realms of opera, dance, ballet, concerts, world music, jazz and cinema at various venues from June through September.
September: Vienna Literature Festival - What is a cultured city without a great literature festival? This one is held at the Burgteather from Friday through Saturday; from 4pm onward. Admissions are free.
October: Viennala Film Festival - Considered one of the largest film festivals in Europe, this event attracts nearly 70,000 guests each year to the Gartenbau-Cinema. Prizes are given, films are premiered and cinema is discussed throughout October. Admissions and hours vary to event.
November: Vienna's Christmas Market - Held at the City Hall Square, the Christmas Market is filled with stall after stall of Christmas cheer. It is steeped in nearly 700 years of tradition and includes musical performances from choirs from all over the world. The market runs from 9:00am - 9:00pm and admissions are free.
December: Torchlight Procession - A torchlight procession winds its way slowly through the streets from St. Stephen's Cathedral to St. Augustin each year on December 1 in recognition of World AIDS day. The procession begins at 6:30pm and is followed up by after parties all over the city.
Vienna Airport
The Vienna International Airport is the busiest in Austria. When it was built in 1938 it only had one small terminal but two additional ones have been added since. Its runways can also handle large capacity aircrafts like the Airbus A340. VIA services Europe and Asia.
