September in Vienna: Major Events, Local Highlights & Family Fun
Book Top Experiences and Tours in Vienna:
If youʻre booking your trip to Vienna last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours and experiences!- From Vienna: Full-Day Trip to Prague
- Vienna: Upper Belvedere & Permanent Collection Entry Ticket
- Vienna: City Bus Tour, Schönbrunn Palace Skip-the-Line Entry
- Vienna: Day Trip to Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial
- From Vienna: Melk, Salzburg, and Hallstatt Private Tour
Vienna in September feels lively and welcoming. Summer crowds ease, locals return, and the cultural calendar ramps up. Mild temperatures make it easy to wander between festivals, museum openings, food markets, design installations, and leafy parks. Use this insider guide to plan what to see, where to go, and how to make the most of a vibrant month in Austria’s capital.
Major Festivals and Citywide Highlights
Viennacontemporary (Sep 11–14, 2025)
Vienna’s biggest contemporary art fair brings international galleries and collectors together for four packed days of exhibitions, talks, and discoveries. Browse emerging talent next to established names and get a feel for the city’s cutting-edge art scene.
MQ Vienna Fashion Week (around Sep 15–20, 2025)
Runway shows, pop-ups, and a stylish crowd descend on MuseumsQuartier. Grab a seat in the big tent, enjoy a spritzer outside, and watch local and international designers set the tone for the season.
Vienna Design Week (Sep 26–Oct 5, 2025)
Installations, studio tours, and hands-on workshops pop up across the city. Explore districts through a design lens and meet the creatives shaping architecture, graphics, furniture, and product design in Vienna.
Vienna Humanities Festival (late September)
Thinkers and writers host talks and panels in beautiful venues, often with free weekend events in English and German. It’s an easy way to tap into timely ideas and step inside historic halls.
Fall Exhibition Openers
September kicks off new shows at the Belvedere, Albertina, and Leopold Museum. Expect modern masters, photography, and special Klimt or Impressionist spotlights, usually with shorter lines than in midsummer.

Taste of Vienna: Food & Drink Events
Vienna Coffee Festival (Sep 12–14)
Sample roasters, watch latte art battles, and learn brew techniques while live music keeps the energy high. It’s a modern take on Vienna’s legendary coffeehouse culture.
Rum & Tequila Festival (Sep 19–20)
Tastings, talks, street food, and music create a spirited weekend. Non-alcoholic options keep things balanced, and knowledgeable hosts help you find new favorites.
Veganmania (Sep 12–14)
Plant-based street food, sweet treats, and eco-market vibes take over an outdoor square, often near MuseumsQuartier. Come hungry and curious.
Wiener Wiesn / Kaiser Wiesn (from ~Sep 25)
Vienna’s Oktoberfest-style celebration transforms the Prater’s Kaiserwiese with big tents, folk bands, dancing, and hearty Austrian plates. Days feel family-forward with free grounds access, while evenings bring ticketed tent parties.
Erntedankfest – Harvest Festival (Sep 6–7)
Heldenplatz turns into a rustic fair celebrating local agriculture. Expect farm stands, regional products, music, and kid-friendly activities in a grand imperial setting.
Vienna Wine Hiking Day (Sep 27–28, 2025)
Marked vineyard routes on Vienna’s hills pair scenic walks with stops at Heurige wine taverns. Sip young wine, snack on local spreads, and enjoy skyline views as leaves begin to turn.

Local & Niche Happenings
Streetlife Festival (mid-September)
Babenbergerstraße becomes a block party of food trucks, live bands, DJ sets, and workshops. It’s an urban celebration of street culture and city mobility.
Neubaugasse Flea Market (Sep 26–27, 2025)
Roughly 300 stalls line the 7th district’s main shopping street with vintage fashion, vinyl, books, and antiques, plus food stands and a kids’ program. Arrive early for the best finds and bring cash.
Vienna Night Run (Sep 25, 2025)
Join a 5K charity run around the Ringstrasse after dark, or cheer from the sidelines as thousands pass illuminated landmarks like the Opera and Parliament.
Tramway Day & Tram Driver World Championship (Sep 13)
Rathausplatz hosts skill challenges for international tram drivers alongside a public festival celebrating Vienna’s beloved “Bim.” Look out for vintage vehicles and behind-the-scenes transit displays.
Open House Wien & European Heritage Day (late September)
Modern gems and historic buildings open their doors for free tours. It’s a rare chance to explore architecture that’s usually off limits.

Family-Friendly Vienna in September
- Harvest Festival at Heldenplatz: Pet farm animals, try hands-on activities, and enjoy live folk music in a wide-open, stroller-friendly space.
- Children’s Flea Market at the Prater (Sep 14, 2025): Young merchants sell toys and books, with proceeds supporting charity. A sweet window into local life.
- Magic for Kids shows (weekends): Visual, participatory performances for ages 2–8 that keep little ones giggling, even if they don’t speak German.
- All-month fun: Ride the Giant Ferris Wheel, explore Schönbrunn Zoo and other family experiences, or hit the playgrounds on the Danube Island while the weather is mild.
Plan Smart: Weather, Crowds & Getting Around
- Weather: Highs start around 20–23°C early month and trend toward 18°C later. Pack layers and a light jacket for evenings.
- Crowds: Slightly calmer than July and August, but major openings and weekend fests draw locals. Book popular events in advance.
- Transport: Trams and U-Bahn connect festivals citywide. September is ideal for cycling, with rental bikes and solid lanes for easy hops between districts.
Keep Exploring Vienna
Browse curated Vienna experiences for tours, zoos, museums, and family days out, and check events happening now to see what’s on during your dates.