Spring may be the best time of year to visit Vienna. Yes the weather becomes glorious – but the city also comes alive with a host of cultural events.
And this year is a very special one because the Eurovision Song Contest is taking over Wien. Here's what else is going on in the city this May.
All eyes are on Vienna this month as the city gets ready to host the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest.
Fans from all over the world will arrive for the glitzy competition running from May 10th to 17th.
Shows will take place at the Wiener Stadthalle, but it will also be buzzing in and around the Eurovision Village on Rathausplatz where fans can watch the action on big screens.
Organisers are also turning the Praterdome into the Euro-Club, the Wien Museum into the Eurofan House, while plenty of other venues will be transformed into public-viewing spots.
Amid the excitement, note that there may be some demonstrations over Israel's participation in the event.
Dates: May 10th to 17th
READ ALSO:
- Where Eurovision fans can watch and celebrate in Vienna this May
- Vienna to deploy 500 security staff for Eurovision in May
Get your rainbows out because one of the city's largest annual celebrations is returning.
From the end of May to mid-June, a series of Pride events will take place across the city to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities.
The festivities kick off with the Pride Conference at City Hall, and on May 30th, the Prater amusement park transforms into a queer gathering spot with the Community Fest and Pride Run Vienna.
And on June 13th, more than 300,000 people are expected to attend the Rainbow Parade on the Ringstrasse, demonstrating together for acceptance, respect and equality.
The Pride Village at City Hall Square invites everyone to celebrate on this day with a vibrant stage programme and a diverse range of food and drink offerings.
Dates: May 29th to June 14th
Foodies are set to unite at the city's Stadtpark for the annual food and drink extravaganza.
From regional delicacies like Austrian wine to organic meat and everything in between, over 100 stalls and interactive stations will offer festival-goers a quality culinary experience.
"Together with the City of Vienna, local farmers selling directly to the public, artisan food producers and restaurants, we look forward to transforming Vienna’s Stadtpark once again into a place brimming with flavour, craftsmanship and joie de vivre," say organisers. It's not to be missed.
Dates: May 8th to 10th
Head to Heldenplatz near the Hofburg Palce for a large open-air concert marking the end of World War II in Europe.
The Vienna Symphony Orchestra is set to perform against a historical backdrop, drawing audiences for a moment of joy and reflection.
Dates: May 8th
READ ALSO: How to make the most of Austria's spring holidays
Wiener Festwochen (Vienna Festival Weeks)
One of European's premier cultural festivals is back for its 75th year. Vienna's Festival Weeks brings together theatre, debate, film, music and more.
Highlights include An Evening with Patti Smith, Susanne Kennedy’s production of Parsifal, and Robert Wilson’s The Tempest.
Note that some events are free to attend while others require a paid ticket.
Dates: May 15th to June 21st
Vienna UP The Startup festival
Startups, tech enthusiasts and creatives will come together this month for the Vienna UP Startup Festival
The city-wide festival of entrepreneurship and innovation, takes place at venues throughout the city. It starts on May 18th but the "WarmUP weekend" is scheduled from May 15th to 17th.
Expect panels, workshops, hackathons and speakers talking about everything from fundraising to pitching via what it's like to be a female founder.
Make sure to get tickets for the events you like the look of so you don't miss out!
Dates: May 18th to May 22nd
Looking to get a groove in your step? Vienna has the perfect live music experience for you. Throughout the month, the Vienna Blues Spring will showcase blues artists from all over the world, from Jonah Smith to the Cold Stares.
Dates: Throughout May
If you fancy something a little bit different, we have just the event for you.
Dozens of Vienna's churches will open late at the end of the month for one night only, hosting concerts, guided tours and performances.
The event is often free and provides a cool way to experience the city's famous architecture and music scene after dark.
Dates: May 29th
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