Vienna’s musical and performing arts scene is diverse, offering a range of free events throughout the year. Whether you’re into classical music, jazz, or street performances, there’s always something happening in the city. Check event calendars and enjoy the cultural richness of Vienna without spending a dime.
Street Performances at Karlsplatz
- Overview: Karlsplatz is a vibrant square that often hosts street musicians and performers. Enjoy live music, dance, and artistic displays in the heart of Vienna, surrounded by the beautiful Baroque Karlskirche and cultural institutions.
- Highlights: Diverse street performances, Karlskirche backdrop, and lively atmosphere.
- Address: Karlsplatz, 1040 Vienna
- Public Transportation: U1, U2, U4 metro lines to Karlsplatz Station
- Free Access: Street performances are common throughout the year, especially during weekends and peak tourist seasons.
Vienna Philharmonic Summer Night Concert at Schönbrunn Palace
- Overview: The Vienna Philharmonic Summer Night Concert is an annual open-air concert held in the stunning setting of Schönbrunn Palace Park. Experience world-class classical music performances with the palace as a backdrop, free of charge.
- Highlights: Outdoor concert, Schönbrunn Palace ambiance, and renowned orchestra.
- Address: Schönbrunner Schlosspark, 1130 Vienna
- Public Transportation: U4 metro line to Schönbrunn Station
- Free Access: The concert is held annually in May or June, and admission is free.
Donauinselfest (Danube Island Festival)
- Overview: Donauinselfest is one of Europe’s largest open-air festivals, held on Danube Island. Enjoy a diverse program of live music performances, cultural events, and activities. The festival spans multiple stages, providing a variety of genres.
- Highlights: Open-air festival, multiple stages, and diverse music genres.
- Address: Donauinsel, 1220 Vienna
- Public Transportation: U1 metro line to Donauinsel Station
- Free Access: Donauinselfest is usually held in June, and admission is free.
Musikverein Open-Air Summer Night Concert
- Overview: The Musikverein, home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, hosts an annual open-air summer night concert. Experience classical music under the stars in the outdoor setting of the famous Musikverein building.
- Highlights: Open-air concert, iconic Musikverein setting, and classical repertoire.
- Address: Musikvereinsplatz 1, 1010 Vienna
- Public Transportation: U1, U2, U4 metro lines to Karlsplatz Station
- Free Access: The concert is usually held in July, and admission is free.
Summer Stage Performances at MQ – MuseumsQuartier
- Overview: MuseumsQuartier hosts various cultural events, including free summer stage performances. Experience live music, DJ sets, and artistic performances in the open-air setting of the MQ courtyards.
- Highlights: Summer stage events, outdoor performances, and cultural diversity.
- Address: Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Vienna
- Public Transportation: U2 metro line to Museumsquartier Station
- Free Access: Summer stage performances are held during the summer months, and admission is free.
Open-Air Film Screenings in Vienna
- Overview: Various locations in Vienna host open-air film screenings during the summer months. Enjoy classic movies or recent releases under the stars in iconic settings like Rathausplatz or Augarten.
- Highlights: Outdoor cinema experience, cultural venues, and diverse film selections.
- Address: Locations vary, including Rathausplatz and Augarten
- Public Transportation: Depends on the screening location; check event details for specific instructions.
- Free Access: Open-air film screenings are typically free, and schedules are available online.
Vienna’s Street Art Performances
- Overview: Vienna has a dynamic street art scene, and some performances include live art creation, music, and interactive displays. Explore districts like Neubau and Favoriten to witness spontaneous street performances.
- Highlights: Live street art performances, cultural expression, and creativity.
- Address: Various locations across Vienna
- Public Transportation: Explore different districts using the U-Bahn and tram network.
- Free Access: Street art performances are visible year-round in public spaces.
Jazz at Brunnenmarkt
- Overview: Brunnenmarkt, one of Vienna’s longest street markets, occasionally hosts free jazz performances. Experience the lively atmosphere of the market while enjoying live jazz music in an open-air setting.
- Highlights: Open-air jazz performances, Brunnenmarkt ambiance, and cultural fusion.
- Address: Brunnenmarkt, 1160 Vienna
- Public Transportation: Tram 46 to Thaliastraße Station
- Free Access: Check the local event calendar for jazz performances at Brunnenmarkt.
Concerts at Vienna University Campus
- Overview: Vienna University’s campus occasionally hosts free concerts featuring local and emerging artists. Enjoy a variety of musical genres in the open spaces of the university surroundings.
- Highlights: Emerging artists, diverse musical genres, and university campus atmosphere.
- Address: Universitätsring 1, 1010 Vienna
- Public Transportation: U2 metro line to Schottentor Station
- Free Access: Check the university’s event calendar for free concert listings.
Cultural Festivals with Free Performances
- Overview: Vienna hosts numerous cultural festivals throughout the year, many of which offer free music and performing arts events. Explore festivals like the Vienna Festival, Vienna Biennale, or district-specific celebrations for diverse performances.
- Highlights: Cultural diversity, artistic performances, and community engagement.
- Address: Various locations and districts across Vienna
- Public Transportation: Depends on the festival and venue; check event details for specific instructions.
- Free Access: Festivals may have both free and ticketed events; check individual festival programs for free offerings.




