While you're in town...

While you’ll probably be spending most of your time connecting, learning and expanding your horizons at ViennaUP, the city has so much to offer once you clock off for the day. 

Vienna has countless cultural and social opportunities you absolutely won’t want to miss, and we bet you’re already researching what else you could be getting up to during your time here. 

To help you out, here’s a handy guide to what else is on from 14 - 24 May 2026: from just before ViennaUP to the weekend after, in case you want to make a holiday out of it!

For its 70^th edition, 35 participants and almost 90,000 passionate, glittering fans will descend on Vienna to be part of the spectacle. You won’t be able to miss this colourful celebration of joy, so here’s what’s going on whilst you’re here for ViennaUP… 

Thursday, 14 May: Second Semi-Final

Saturday, 16 May: Grand Final

The Eurovision Village at Rathausplatz will be open every day during ESC week from 2:00 PM to midnight. It will offer a varied programme, with daily live concerts from a range of Eurovision stars, as well as DJs and interactive events on offer. There are 15 giant screens set up for public viewing, with space for up to 15,000 people during the live shows – for free, of course! 

Want to soak up the immaculate vibes and share in the highs? There will be plenty of public screenings, including these ones: 

• Strandbar Hermann (14 & 16 May)
• 25hours Hotel (14 & 16 May)
• Ottakringer Brewery (16 May)
• Volksoper (16 May)

Plus, our ViennaUP partner location, Home of Innovation, is offering a full day of activities, finishing with a lively public viewing of the finale on 16 May.  Find out more and reserve your spot: Eurovision Song Contest Watching. 

There's so much more on offer, so be sure to get clued up: Eurovision Song Contest Vienna 2026, Vienna goes Eurovision

Musikverein

The Musikverein is Vienna’s most iconic concert hall, home of the world-famous New Year’s Concert of the Vienna Philharmonic. However, other internationally-renowned orchestras also often play here. 

• 14 & 21 May - Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The legendary conductor Riccardo Muti takes to the podium for this evening of Joseph Hadyn.
• 22 May - ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra Wien. Conductor Thomas Adès features one of his own compositions, alongside a programme of Kurtág and Tschaikowsky.

Vienna State Opera

One of the most famous and important opera houses in the world, there crème de la crème of opera know they've made it big once they've performed on this stage. A visit doesn't have to break the bank  - standing tickets can go for as cheap at €13!

• 16 May - Manon. While this is not an opera, the artistry of the Vienna State Ballet is not to be missed.
• 18 May - Der Rosenkavalier, by Richard Strauss
• 22 May - Eugen Onegin, by Piotr I. Tschaikowsky

St. Charles’ Church

• Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Concert. Just a stone’s throw from the ViennaUP Homebase is one of the loveliest concerts in Vienna, in the magnificent baroque St. Charles’ Church. 

Wiener Konzerthaus (Vienna Concert Hall)

The beautiful Art Nouveau Konzerthaus will delight music lovers with its lively musical variety featuring leading performers of every genre. 

• 15 May - Samy Deluxe & Mikis Takeover! Ensemble. Hamburg rap pioneer Samy Deluxe and the Mikis Takeover! Ensemble collapse the boundaries between hip-hop and classical music.
• 16 May - Breakout Stars Opera Gala. British child prodigy Alma Deutscher conducts this showcase for singers at the breakthrough stages of their careers.
• 19 May - Vienna Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy the Vienna Symphony Orchestra in their home concert house, delighting with a concert featuring Dvorák, Ravel, and Beethoven.

Hofburg Chapel

• 17 May - Wiener Sängerknaben at Sunday Mass in the Hofburg Chapel. The Wiener Sängerknaben (Vienna Boys Choir) have been enchanting listeners since 1498 and are a world-famous institution.  

Stephansdom

The symbol of Vienna, this historic cathedral is the centre of the city. Aside from its awe-inspiring architecture and fascinating history, it features concerts within a magical setting.  

• 16 & 23 May - Giant Organ Concert. Over 12,000 pipes make up this mind-bogglingly impressive organ, and the sound might literally blow you away!

Schönbrunn Palace Orangery

Hear classics by Mozart and Strauss in this fairy-tale setting where Mozart himself performed in 1786. Concerts take place every day. 

Porgy & Bess

23 May - Emma Rawicz & MUK.jazzorchestra. British saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Emma Rawicz will come to Vienna to collaborate with the MUK.jazzorchestra, in this iconic Jazz & Music Club

• 250 years  - The Albertina Museum, Albertina Museum.

   

• Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller, Lower Belvedere. 

   

• Archimboldo, Bassano and Bruegel in the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

   

• Klimt-Warhol, Heidi Horten Collection 

   

• Barbara Pflaum - A Window into Everyday Life, photography exhibition at MAK Museum.

   

• Vienna 1900 - The Dawn of the Modern Era, Leopold Museum.

• VieVinum, 16 - 18 May, Hofburg. It just makes sense that this international wine fair would take place in Vienna. 

   

• Vienna Citrus Days, 22 - 25 May, Schönbrunn Palace Park. Discover historic citrus varieties in the most magical of settings. 

   

• Walking Tour. Vienna is best explored on foot, so why not book a walking tour to get to know the city better? Or check out these free walking tours. 

   

• Spanish Riding School Tour. The Lipizzaner horses are so iconic that they’re practically the symbol of Vienna – and of ViennaUP! Tour the most beautiful riding school in the world – a must-visit for animal lovers. 

   

• Tours by Locals. Who better to show you the ins and outs of this beautiful city than the people who know it best? Book a group tour with a Viennese local for an insightful experience. 

   

• Bike Tour. Vienna is a super bike-friendly city, so hop on and set off on your adventure!

• UN Vienna - Vienna International Centre Tour and Art Tour.  Take a tour inside Vienna’s iconic ‘UNO-City’ to learn how staff and delegates from 193 Member States work here towards peace, development and human rights. Or discover the fine collection of artworks from around the world that are housed in the VIC. 

• Naschmarkt. 16 & 23 May, 6:30-15:00. Vienna’s most famous open-air market takes place every Saturday. Get there early to bag the best deals, or enjoy a lazy stroll through the stalls selling antiques, second-hand clothing, food and produce, and artwork.
• Karmelitermarkt. Mon-Fr 6:00-21:00, Sa 6:00-17:00. Explore this historic and cultural neighbourhood in Vienna's second district.
• Steffl Kirtag. 14-25 May. It doesn't get much more charming than a Kirtag (a traditional Austria parish fair or church festival), and the iconic Stephansdom's Kirtag is a great way to discover stalls with arts and crafts, delicious food and drink, and a traditoinal musical programme. 

TEDx Donauinsel - ‘Make It’. 23 May. Join over 300 curious minds for a day full of ideas, perspectives, and people who don't just think, but do. 

PrepUP. 27 April - 24 May. This is a founder readiness experience designed to help participants prepare more strategically for startup festivals and ecosystem events like ViennaUP. The idea is to support founders and teams before events begin, so they can show up with a stronger pitch, a clearer plan, better networking instincts, and more intention around the meetings and opportunities they want to create.
 

Better Move, Vienna Walking Challenge. 1 - 31 May. Join the interactive Walking Challenge and discover Vienna and Austria in a fun and active way. Explore curated routes, track your steps, earn prizes and goodies from local partners and turn your visit into a playful moving experience.

For more inspiration on how to spend your free time in Vienna, head over to this website. Otherwise, we look forward to seeing you at the Homebase!