Vienna in July 2025: Summer Events, Open-Air Magic & Local Tips

Vienna in July

Looking for things to do in Vienna in July? Whether you're a local or a traveller avoiding tourist traps, summer in Vienna is full of art, music, and outdoor culture that truly captures the city’s creative energy. From balmy rooftop cinemas to free concerts in leafy parks, Vienna summer means experiences that feel both sophisticated and spontaneous. Here’s your inside guide to the top Vienna events in July 2025—plus tips on how to enjoy them like a local.

Live Music & Performance Highlights

Popfest Wien (July 24–27)

Popfest is Vienna’s iconic free music festival, held at Karlsplatz with a floating stage in front of the Karlskirche. It showcases emerging and established Austrian acts across indie, pop, and electronic genres. Come early, grab a spritz from a nearby stand, and settle in for a city-defining weekend of music and late-night vibes. View full program.

Sommer Rhapsodie (July 7–30)

For something more intimate, head to the gardens of Gartenpalais Liechtenstein for Sommer Rhapsodie. This elegant summer series blends classical music, cabaret, and theater under the trees. Expect candlelit seating, refined bites, and a peaceful garden backdrop perfect for a cultured evening out.

ImPulsTanz Festival (July 10 – Aug 10)

Europe’s biggest contemporary dance festival takes over stages across the city with daring, international choreography and workshops open to the public. Even if you're not a dancer, the energy is infectious. Performances range from experimental to high-end, all in cool urban venues. Explore the lineup.

Open-Air Cinema & Nightlife

Film Festival at Rathausplatz (June 28 – Aug 31)

Don’t miss this massive summer tradition: a huge screen outside Vienna’s City Hall showing music films, opera, ballet, and concerts nightly. Street food stalls ring the plaza, with international dishes and local wines. It’s free, festive, and uniquely Viennese. View schedule.

Frame[o]ut at MuseumsQuartier (Fridays & Saturdays from July 18)

Independent films and documentaries screen weekly at 10pm in one of Vienna’s trendiest inner courtyards. Bring a drink, lean back in a deckchair, and soak up this artsy local ritual. Films are often in original language with English or German subtitles. Check current titles.

Kino am Dach (Daily through Sept)

Vienna’s main library hosts a rooftop cinema with sweeping city views. Expect cult classics, art-house hits, and the occasional blockbuster. It’s one of the best-kept urban summer spots in town. Browse films.

Art Exhibitions Worth a Visit

Gustav Klimt: Pigment & Pixel (Until Sept 7)

This major exhibition at Lower Belvedere digs into Klimt’s creative process with digital reconstructions, pigment analysis, and surprising context. It’s more than a pretty painting—it’s an artistic investigation. Visit Belvedere.

Radical! Women Artists, 1910–1950 (June 18 – Oct 12)

Also at Belvedere, this show reclaims space for modernist female artists who shaped early 20th-century art. A thoughtful and global take on a long-overdue conversation.

Johann Strauss: The Exhibition (Until Aug 17)

Celebrate the 200th birthday of Vienna’s beloved Waltz King at the Theatermuseum. Original scores, personal items, and immersive displays bring Strauss’s world to life. A treat for history buffs and music fans alike. Find out more.

Outdoor Culture & Seasonal Events

Kultursommer Wien (June 26 – Aug 10)

This free city-wide festival turns Vienna’s parks into pop-up stages. From folk concerts and poetry readings to circus and children’s theater, it’s perfect for spontaneous summer evenings. No tickets, just turn up. See locations.

Ottakringer Bierfest (June 26 – Aug 29)

At this funky brewery in the 16th district, you’ll find rotating craft beers, food trucks, live music, and even beer yoga. It’s a great way to meet locals and try Vienna’s independent brewing scene. Plan your visit.

Yoga Junkies Festival (July 19–20)

This wellness weekend in the gardens of Schloss Hetzendorf features 70+ yoga classes, meditation, music, and plant-based food. It’s relaxed, stylish, and a true highlight for mindful locals. Book tickets.

Local Tips for Vienna in July

• Take the U-Bahn to open-air venues—it runs late and is often quicker than taxis.
• Bring a light jacket or scarf—evenings can cool down quickly after 9pm.
• Pack a picnic—many events (like Rathausplatz or Kultursommer) are BYO friendly.
• Want more summer guides? Check out our Vienna experiences section.