Home(base) away from home
The central point for your ViennaUP networking
As a decentralized festival, ViennaUP has events taking place all over the city. And after being on your feet at all day, what could be better than a central space to re-connect with others? At the Homebase, you can kick back as the sun sets and keep the good vibes going.
Not only is the Homebase a festival info point but it's also an outdoor networking area and easy-to-find meeting spot for all participants. Here, you'll find yourself unwinding against the backdrop of the magnificent Karlskirche (St. Charles’ Church) - it's almost too pretty to be real - and the nearby Wien Museum. Sink into the leisurely seating under shady trees and enjoy this oasis within the hubbub of the city.
Karlsplatz is the beating heart of Viennese life - the intersection of U-Bahn lines U1, U2 and U4, as well as several key tram and bus lines make it super easy to reach. Indeed, this is a place where many locals come to catch some sun or meet up for a night out.
And if you didn't already know, participants with a ViennaUP wristband will be able to sample top-notch Viennese wine and delicacies.
What's more, the Homebase will have a varied and entertaining programme of music and events to give you a taste (quite literally) of the real Vienna: cosmopolitan, forward-looking and yet bursting with tradition.
ViennaUP 2025 Homebase Opening Hours
Monday - Saturday, 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM.
Food tastings from 6:30 PM and music at 7 PM every day.Sunday, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Full programme of daily highlights below!
Events
Whether it's a networking session, a chance to learn something new, or a refreshing drink after a long day on the hoof, there's always something going on at the Homebase. Almost every evening, there's the chance to keep the ViennaUP energy going, so come by to connect with new contacts or catch up with old ones.
Thurs, 8th May
18:30
It’s the ViennaUP 2025 Opening Ceremony! Ready to dance into the evening? We're celebrating 200 years since the birth of Johann Strauss II with a waltz workshop, so bring your dancing shoes and let’s hope you don’t get dizzy! We hope to see many of you at the Homebase to join the celebrations, and look forward to hearing all about your plans for the next eight days.
Fri, 9th May
17:00
The ‘Find Your Female Cofounder’ event is two hours of pitching designed to connect aspiring female entrepreneurs with potential cofounders or partners for their next big project.
18:30
Get ready for a night at the movies! A pre-film aperitif at the Homebase precedes our second event of the evening…
19:00
An exclusive showing of the film ‘The Million Dollar Bet’ in Gartenbaukino. This humorous film is based on the true story of a man who decides to run three back-to-back marathons in 24 hours in a bet to win $1 million.
Sun, 11th May
16:00
If you’re joining the Founders Running Club on their run today, good for you! We’ll see you at the Homebase, which is also the finishing line.
Weds, 14th May
17:30
Two new initiatives with one common goal: to close the gap between business and the lab! Discover two spinoff-enterprises for academic startups and scientists who want to turn their research into marketable companies at the TU Spinoff Factory Event.
Thurs, 15th May
17:00
The ever-popular GIN & Friends Networking event is back for another year. (Link to Side Event) Re-connect with someone you met at an event or network and connect with new, exciting people who share your passion for startups and entrepreneurship.
Fri, 16th May
11:00
Got an idea to help save the planet? The Vienna Planet Fund Info Brunch is your chance to get informed about the Vienna Business Agency’s Vienna Planet Fund, and how it can support your green Viennese business to make a difference.
17:30
Over the course of 48 hours, companies, students, designers, engineers and business leaders came together to tackle real-world problems and bring ideas to life. At the Inno Days Final, the winning teams will be announced and pitch their ideas to compete for special prizes.
Music
Get into the groove! The essence of Vienna will be reflected in the diverse and creative music programme: hip and multifaceted, classic and modern. These sounds will put you in the mood to kick back, network and broaden your horizons.
Thurs, 8th May – 18:30
With their funky take on iconic music hits, charismatic brass band Blechsalat kicks off our Homebase music programme with tunes to get you into the party spirit.
Fri, 9th May
Viennese singer, musician and producer, Aygyul, combines dance and electronic music with futuristic pop flows. Prepare to be immersed in a world of full beats and heavy synths.
Sat, 10th May
Have a soulful Saturday with rich soul sounds by DJ Achschuh.
Mon, 12th May
Start the week on a high and join Turist at the Homebase for an evening full of upbeat, catchy and unique music.
Tues, 13th May
For music to get your foot tapping and head nodding, Kathi Castillo will delight listeners with laid back tunes, from groovy to dreamy.
Weds, 14th May
Bring your energy for Lukas Oscar! Mature, soulful vocals are combined with upbeat melodies and candid lyrics, making this talented young songwriter one not to miss.
Thurs, 15th May
Golfblitz is an Austrian duo blending experimental pop and various other styles with elements of hip-hop, ambient, and psychedelic pop to create a unique genre.
Fri, 16th May
For the final day of the festival, we’ll let loose to hyerpop beats by Filly. Mixing elements from pop, drum and bass, and electronic dance music, she makes music impossible to sit still to.
Tasting sessions
Get a taste for the flavour of Vienna and eat like a local. We've selected the crème de la crème of the Viennese culinary scene to get your mouth watering every day of the festival.
ViennaUP participants with a valid wristband are invited to enjoy samplings of food and wine from local Viennese producers.
Thurs, 8th May
In honour of the king of waltz himself, try Johann Strauss’ favourite desert: raspberry roulade and raspberry ice cream with pepper berries. To round off this fruity experience, treat yourself to a glass of raspberry punch.
Fri, 9th May
Sample delicious tofu from the first ever Viennese tofu producers. For the movie-goers, get into the mood with a popcorn machine.
Sun, 11th May
Enjoy some freshly baked pretzels and spinach pastry twists after an invigorating run with the Founders Running Club.
Mon, 12th May
Did you do something good for your gut today? If not, give fermentful a try: a green buckwheat kefir drink which supports your gut microbiome and digestion system and bolsters your immunity and mental well-being.
Tues, 13th May
Truly tasty cheese without the dairy: Cam-mmb-berta is creamy Camembert made with apricot pits! This is your new favourite cheese, perfect for a cheese plate.
Weds, 14th May
Everyone loves a gourmet chocolate, and Xocolat is the best in the business here in Vienna. Indulge your taste buds with the highest quality, handmade Viennese chocolate.
Thurs, 15th May
GIN & Friends will be serving up some delicious gin-based cocktails – cheers to that!
Fri, 16th May
Rethink everything you know about vegan meat. Smokey Vegan is bringing mouthwatering vegan alternatives to BBQ classics.
Fancy a spot of sightseeing? Or seeing what the Viennese get up to in their free time? Check out what else is going on in Vienna during the ViennaUP festival to round off your time here.
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