28 things to do to make your May magnificent in Vienna

Our beloved Pratersauna is finally opening their garden again. Not only their garden, but also their pool. Do you know of another club in Vienna with a freaking pool??? ‘Cause we don’t and we think that this is freaking cool. Swimming in a pool full of sweaty strangers has never been so much fun. And after rocking the dance floor you definitely deserve this special kind of cool-off.

Swing by City Farm Augarten on May 1st to kick off the gardening season. Come for organic veggies and unique plants, stay for fresh air and sunshine.

You know how sometimes you just want to do something silly, just for the heck of it? Well, this Wednesday, you can do just that and be rewarded because the beautiful Therme Wien is celebrating their 5th Vienna Bathrobe Day. On that day, you can get free entry to the thermal baths if you show up in your comfiest bathrobe. It’s a win-win if you ask us.

The freezing temperatures are gone for the year (we think) and it’s time for the outdoorsy people (you know who you are) to take their place in nature and do what they do best: walk around in the woods in cool boots. Get out to this market for everything you need to complete your wardrobe and tool kit for your next outdoor adventure. Don’t forget the sky hooks!

On a 2km stretch, 320 stands will be set up along the beloved Neubaugasse in the 7th district. The stands will stock lots and lots of vintage accessories, fashion, stuff from the stores that live on the street and plenty of antiques. This flea market always attracts hundreds, making the street as packed as a …well, a really busy street. Alongside all the shopping, there’ll be live concerts, art shows, food & drinks and special acts for one and all.

This is a whole festival dedicated to food—now that’s something. Exhibitors from all around the globe are gathering at the Stadthalle to prepare some culinary treats for you and your friends to salivate over and eat, of course. Expect bodacious burgers, Vietnamese street food, crêpes, waffles and much much more.

Girlstown is back for a winter edition.

The party’s motto remains unchanged: FLINTAs only. Just in case you’re not familiar with the lingo: FLINTA stands for Female, Lesbian, Intersex, Trans and Agender. It’s all about creating a safe space in Vienna’s nightlife.

So if you’re in the mood to let loose on the dance floor, raid your closet for your most fabulous outfit, gather your gal* pals, and paint the town red!

Our favourite vintage store is having a pop-up event at Grangasse 5. As always, there’ll be music, Kaffee und Kuchen, and hand-picked thrifted treasures.

The thrift store, BeThrifty, is coming to town with a vintage kilo sale again. What’s a vintage kilo sale, you ask? That just means you can grab as many clothing items as you like, and instead of paying per piece, you pay per kilo. It’s that simple.

So if you wanna go home with a lot of clothes while only spending a few pretty pennies, we suggest you stick to the lighter stuff (yep, leave the big boots for some other sucker).

The very talented Vienna-based artists, Bilderbuch, will be performing at Arena Wien. They’ve been shaking things up and churning out hits since way back in 2005. So make sure to check them out.

The Volksgarten is inviting to their ‘Technocafe’ every Tuesday. If you’ve heard of this party before, you will be super excited. (Cause we are too!) And guess what: There will be drinks and lots of techno! More details are on their FB page.

The whole nightlife hotspot strip, the Gürtel, will come alive at the end of this month for one night only for a big festival. And the partying is all in the name of charity! Many of the night spots along the shady infamous Gürtel will join forces to deliver over 50 live acts and DJ performances across 14 different venues. And this year, the majority of the proceeds will go to Augustin and the organisation Volkshilfe Ottakring .

This will be one hell of a night that will continue on into the early hours of the following morning. The only problem will be deciding where to start. Check out the programme on the event website.

The 8th of May marks the day where World War II officially ended in Europe. For that occasion the Mauthausen Committee Austria organizes the annual Festival of Joy. Not only do they celebrate the liberation from the Nazi rule, but also commemorate the millions who were prosecuted and murdered under the regime.

Stefanie Sargnagel will provide her perspective on the USA, which is as unique as her writing. If you’re familiar with this author and her work, you can be certain it will be witty and brutally honest.

The Filmcasino will be the site of the mini fantasy film festival in May, with a program so well curated, every film is worth checking out. If you’re not in the know on what the slash film festival is all about – think of a festival screening all kinds of scary, fantasy and all kinds of films that warp your mind. This May instalment will be just a taste of what’s to come at the main event happening in fall.

This has to be one of the city’s most beloved spring events of the year. Taking advantage of the lovely Stadtpark’s atmosphere and colour in spring, the Genussfestival will see hundreds of artisanal food makers from Austria’s regions occupy the park with stands selling their tasty wares.

This one is for the ‘Feinschmecker’ in the bunch and those that like the idea of lazing in the grass of a park with a glass (or bottles) of good Austrian wine with some friends.

At Vienna’s Ethnocineca International Documentary Film Festival you can watch abstract documentaries and ethnographic films.

In addition to film screenings, there will be keynote speeches, masterclasses, and a film talk, as well as an award ceremony to announce the winners. Don’t miss the ethnocineca Filmwerkstatt workshop films, where you can create your own incomprehensible masterpiece.

This is definitely the festival you’ve been looking for if you want to impress a date. In past years, some of the stuff in the program at this art festival has been avant-garde to the point of being confusing but, hey, maybe your date likes that. One thing is for sure –  you’ll always experience something new at the Wiener Festwochen.

You should check out the programme now if you’re into this sort of ‘tang.

Glitz promises a lunatic freak show that lets you escape mundane daily life with the power of musical, visual and artistic dream effects. You will witness crazy visuals, extraordinary artists, freaks, fancy elves, clowns and wizards that make you feel feels that you just cannot describe with words. So join them under the opera for some serious party fun and enter a new state of mind (completely without taking any substances even!).

What do Asian and Austrian food have in common? For starters, you’ll be able to taste both cultures at the Austrian Food and Culture Festival in Donauinsel.

Gösserbräu 1160 is hosting a Spring Flea Market at Thaliastrasse 125a. You know the schtick: declutter, hunt for new treasures, or just come for the vibes.

The Hyperreality Festival for Club Culture will showcase regional and international artists and discuss what club culture means today with a focus on queer-feminist viewpoints. Get ready for an event that challenges stereotypes and heteronormative perspective.

The warm wind breezing through your hair, the Danube glistening in the evening sun and a fresh cold beer in your hand. This is going to be the music event of the spring, featuring nostalgic 80s and 90s hits alongside electrifying techno beats.

You love riding your bike through the city and want to pass on this love to the kids? But just a little afraid it’s not safe to let the kids ride alone? This mass ride for kids will give them the chance to ride through the city in a large group (police protected btw) and give you the chance to feel relaxed in letting them do so.

This party is all about soaking up the beats under the open sky, with local and international DJs spinning their best tunes. Get ready to dance from day to night among happy and sweaty people!

Vienna’s open-air international designer market is back!

WAMP brings a bunch of local designers from all niches together in a great atmosphere in front of Vienna’s MQ. There are also usually a few food trucks supplying some tasty street food. After all, shopping does make us hungry.

Lights, camera, films and laughs! Welcome to ‘Vienna Shorts’! Experience the best of international short films at Vienna’s renowned short film festival.

With over so many films from around the world, presented in theatres, museums and even the digital and virtual realms, prepare to be entertained and inspired by the creativity on display.

Let’s veg out at Europe’s biggest vegan festival! Join over 12,000 guests per day at the largest vegan summer fest in Europe—for free!

Indulge in the variety of plant-based cuisine, from delicious fast food to healthy raw dishes and dreamy desserts. Explore NGOs advocating for animal and environmental welfare, as well as exhibitors showcasing the latest food, fashion and beauty trends.

Get ready to enjoy fantastic bands, DJs and the beginning of summer!