13 things to do to make your May magnificent in Vienna

The Burgtheater’s production of Robert Icke’s adaption of Arthur Schnitzler’s drama ‘Professor Bernhardi’ addresses difficult questions of medical ethics, identity politics, societal pressures and poisonous public discourse.

The story revolves around Dr. Ruth Wolff, a secular Jew who rejects a priest’s plea to give a dying girl the sacraments, setting off a media frenzy that jeopardizes her reputation and job.

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.

Glitz will make you feel at home. The goal is to bring the entire city together on three floors beneath the Vienna State Opera once a month. A fulminant wonderful universe full of artists, attractions and escalations is waiting for you to listen, feel and enter.

Be willing to fully express who you are, surround yourself with admirable, kind and optimistic individuals. Dance with the crowd like there’s no tomorrow. The location is virtually irresistible, so you should go see for yourself.

A platform to shine is especially important for new artists. This is precisely the purpose of this gathering.

They can display their work, network with other artists, and get new creative ideas. Events of this nature have long occurred in cities like Berlin and London, and they are now finally occurring in Vienna as well.

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.

This year’s theme is ‘Political Resistance’, which is still quite relevant in current times. On the programme are various speeches, a short film screening and a live concert by the Vienna Symphony Orchestra.

At Vienna’s Ethnocineca International Documentary Film Festival you can watch 48 abstract documentaries and ethnographic films. The festival’s theme is “Liminalities,” focusing on the border between change and stagnation.

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.

You can find the whole program, online.

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.

This festival is about faraway cultures and oriental music. Experience sounds from South Spain, across to Maghreb, East Africa and the Middle East…and you won’t even have to leave Vienna. It will all come together under the same roof in the form of a high brow music festival, hosted by the music venues Sargfabrik, Flex, WUK and more. Bands from countries such as Marocco, Tunisia and Algeria will be on stage, along with local bands who dedicate their tunes to oriental beats.

The Viennese Refugee Ball takes place in one of our favorite party locations in town – the city hall! Its huge Gothic halls will host the biggest world music party around, with beats alternating from Punk to Hungarian speed-Funk, some Jazzy vibes, lots of Folklore tunes and many other weird and wonderful mixes that will get the crowd up and dancing for hours.

If you want to celebrate diversity, inclusion and simply being human in today’s world, make sure to get tickets and have a mighty good time!

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.

Have you ever considered the fact that most of the streets, buildings and squares are dedicated to men? Welllllll, Female Faces #2 is a continuation of the exhibition series that showcases work by artists inspired by 54 famous women after whom streets and squares in Seestadt are named. So this exhibition is not just freaking cool, it’s important!

The Stereotyp*in Festival promises a day of breaking gender stereotypes in the Austrian art scene. Finally, a chance for the audience to do more than just passively watch!

It’s just one day, but it’s a step towards more acceptance and diversity in Austria’s cultural landscape. There will be discussions, workshops, concerts and even a chance to take a voguing class. So obviously, don’t miss this!

PARALLEL VIENNA showcases a diverse range of artistic practices, uniting local and international art initiatives, including art associations, galleries, project spaces, and artist studios. By doing so, it promotes collaboration and networking among artists, curators, collectors, and visitors while bridging local creativity with global artistic trends. This year’s edition will take place at the Otto Wagner Areal in the 14th district.