Fesch’markt will no longer take place, sadly, as the organisers have moved on to other interests. For the record, here’s what it was like in the past…
Previous review:
Dive into a hive of creativity at the twice-yearly Fesch’markt in Vienna, a market where dozens of independent designers, artists and other creative folk showcase their talents and products.
- Strong focus on small, new, independent designers, artists and startups
- Includes a gastronomy section
- …with street food and delicatessen products
- Held in the industrial halls of a brewery
- Next date(s): no longer takes place
- See also:
Design and creativity
(Visitors and exhibitors in the fashion section; press photo © Stefan Feichtinger | Fesch’markt)
Vienna is one of those cities you visit with a certain expectation: Baroque palaces, traditional coffee houses, and an orchestra pit or three of stringed instruments, for example.
But one of the many pleasures of living here is when you scratch beneath the surface to reveal the hidden sides of Austria’s capital.
One of those less-known aspects of city life is the thriving local art and design scene with its associated events. And one such event is Fesch’markt Wien, which brings together dozens of independent design and art labels for a three-day market fair.
People like you and me can pop into the market and come away inspired, entertained, informed, or simply heavily laden with bags of unique products.
Fesch’markt is actually a wider initiative that helps give young and new designers and creatives the chance to expose their talents and works to a wider, urban audience. This includes various events throughout Austria, with a big one every six months or so in Vienna.
(A brewing pot of creativity)
The Fesch’markt Wien event typically involves well over 200 exhibitors covering a gamut of fields, including food & drink, clothing, jewelry, pottery, art, and even furniture.
The selection, quality and overall experience impressed on our 2023 saunter around the spring exhibition. And the chance to discuss their work with creators also proved a joy.
For example, I was in awe of the artwork of Marion Kamper, who also kindly took the time to add to my understanding of linocut and woodcut techniques.
The gastronomic section alone has numerous stands and streetfood trucks, so you can fill up on site (I had a black bean empanada) or take home something for later (specialty gin, wine, whisky, pesto, jam, spreads, syrups and more all featured on our visit).
A few side events typically round off the event. So you might also find, for example, a Kimchi or book binding workshop, a tarot reading or a drawing class.
Dates, tickets and tips
(NB: Unfortunately, the event will no longer repeat after a 13+ year run.)
The normal schedule for Fesch’markt Wien events is one at the turn of spring/summer and another at the turn of autumn/winter.
The Ottakringer Brewery in Vienna’s 16th district hosts the event. That’s not an artistic name: it really is Vienna’s main beer producer.
The brewery has also established a name for itself as a unique location for various independent, dare I say “cult”, events…like Fesch’markt; the old industrial buildings create a wonderful ambience.
Should you prefer a full seated restaurant to street food, one of our favourite places sits opposite the location: Tasty Asia at Ottakringerstraße 106. Great dishes tastefully presented and with friendly service.
How to find the Fesch’markt
Subway: Travel out from the centre on the U3 line to Ottakring station, then walk down from there to the brewery (or catch the 44 tram back towards the old town).
Tram/bus: The Johann-Nepomuk-Berger-Platz stop (on the 2, 44, and 9 lines) faces the location. The 2 tram leaves from various stops around the edge of the city centre, the 44 tram leaves from the central Schottentor station, and the 9 connects to Westbahnhof station, for example.
Address: Ottakringerplatz 1, 1160 Vienna | Website