Side-Events

In addition to major music film productions and excellent gastronomy, the Film Festival offers many other attractions. Numerous additional events and daily highlights provide varied entertainment – whether live performances by local newcomers, guest appearances by national and international stars ranging from jazz to folk music, opera, and music productions specially created for children, after-work events with DJ sounds, and much more. This turns summer at Vienna’s Rathausplatz into a holiday in the heart of the city.

Here you will find an overview of the side events 2026!

ENERGY SUNSET BEATS brings live DJs from the ENERGY EXTRAVADANCE radio show to the stage. Their sets create an open-air club vibe right in the heart of the city and set the perfect soundtrack for after work hours. It’s the ideal way to unwind and ease into the evening in a relaxed, summery atmosphere.

Rising Talents by Aperol, in collaboration with oeticket, showcases promising emerging artists and exciting new musical discoveries. The concert series gives up-and-coming acts a stage and invites audiences to experience tomorrow’s stars live, today.

Golden Hour Sounds by Aperol invites you to unwind after work at the Aperol Spritz Piazza. With laid-back beats, Aperol Spritz in hand, and the sun on your face, it creates the perfect atmosphere to round off the day in style.

The music program takes place every Thursday from 5:00 to 6:30 pm and 7:30 to 11:00 pm, and every Friday and Saturday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

As a warm-up before the musical experience, the initiative Mein SportPlatz invites children aged 6 to 14 to a varied movement program in the Rathauspark. A range of interactive activity stations, exciting challenges, and plenty of fun offer the perfect opportunity to get active, test one’s skills, and enjoy being physically engaged together before the performance begins.

The Kids Opera Festival a diverse program of operas and music films specially designed for children. Exciting stories, creative stagings, and age-appropriate adaptations invite young audiences to enjoy unique cultural experiences.

The Jazz Brunch at Rathausplatz offers musical highlights and exciting new discoveries ranging from classic to modern jazz. Curated by Kultursommer Wien, it creates a relaxed listening experience that accompanies the end of the week with a diverse selection of live music.

At the Songwriter Sessions by Ever Artist, promising newcomers present their original songs in an intimate acoustic live format. Hosted by Ever Artist and Maddy Rose, the sessions put personal stories, authentic music, and emerging talent at the center. The sessions take place on July 11 and August 22 on the Ring stage.

The Choral Evenings at Rathausplatz bring the diversity of choral music to the festival stage. On Saturday, July 25, audiences can look forward to a varied choral evening featuring melodies from a wide range of genres. On Sunday, July 26, the “Sing Along” choral evening with Birgit Denk invites everyone to join in a shared musical experience. Both evenings promise captivating sounds and a special open-air listening experience under the stars.