Vienna has plenty to offer away from the Klimts and giant exhibition venues. Like Fantasy Con, a small event with a big heart. Bring your imagination.
- Strong selection of art stalls
- Plenty of (tabletop) games opportunities if you can leap the language barrier
- All-round friendly atmosphere
- 2026 dates: April 25-26
- Book a 2-hour walking tour* of Vienna
- See also:
Dragons and Art Deco
(My eticket from a previous event and hints of loot from the artist alley)
To misquote the great J.R.R. Tolkien, I come from a plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures.
But, now and then, I wander out into the world to explore new events and exhibitions, armed with nothing more than a Tupperware box of Lembas, a notepad, leaky pen, and curiosity.
Fantasy Con, for example, is a small local convention organised by the folk at Fantasy-Schmiede. The title reveals the topic, but what can you expect on the ground?
My visit to an earlier edition found me winkling my way through the premises of the old University of Economics to discover the two con cornerstones: art and games.
Some cons get weighed down by numerous artist stands with generic motifs on a common theme, but the Fantasy Con’s alley offered a surprisingly eclectic mix, including:
- Digital artwork and prints (of course)
- Analogue originals in a variety of media
- Hats, jewelry and other accessories (including wands)
- …with a range of motifs
My admiration for all creatives knows no limit, but some stands caught my eye in particular (one of the joys of such cons, of course, is being able to talk with the artists themselves):
- Art Deco space art by Sandra Wittman. Science fiction meets the Wiener Moderne
- Enamel pendants from Thomas Atzmüller
- Simple, but lovely linocuts by Conin (also known for their comic art)
- The expressive and innovative ink and watercolour works with a twist of melancholy by Cornelius C., who also kindly took time to discuss their creative process with me
At least three of those mentioned above returned in 2025, for example, with over 30 others occupying the artist alleys.
Elsewhere, I found a book stand, even a Harry Potter merchandise store, and innumerable board/card games and RPGs to buy and/or play, for example. (And we are well beyond the checkered simplicities of the chess board; some tabletop games are almost art installations in their own right.)
An accompanying programme featured readings by fantasy book authors, interviews, even music.
The 2025 con featured largely the same content with many returning stands and concepts: testament to the success of the event.
Inevitably, language issues mean the casual visitor to Vienna perhaps can’t enjoy the full fantasy flavour. But the joy in such events is always the relaxed, friendly and judgment-free atmosphere (much as you get with the bigger Vienna COMIX, AniNite or Vienna Comic Con events).
Dates, tickets & tips
The 2026 edition runs for two days across April 25th and 26th. Keep an eye on the Fantasy-Schmiede website (see below) for full details. An adult ticket on the door cost €19 for a day pass last time out with a discount for online tickets purchased in advance.
How to get to Fantasy Con
The 2025 edition took place at the old University of Economics in Vienna’s 9th district.
The next edition moves to the Postsporthalle in the 17th district. This is easily reached by taking the 42 tram from Schottentor in the centre out to its end stop at Antonigasse (a 14 minute journey).
The walk to the event hall should only take a couple of minutes.
Address: Schumanngasse 101, 1170 Vienna | Website (organisers)