Skip the black tie, evening gown or opera glasses for a change of musical pace. The Popfest Wien festival showcases the latest Austrian pop music. And it’s free.
- Multi-day festival with open-air and indoor stages
- Dozens of acts and a supporting event programme
- Pop, hip hop, and similar genres dominate
- 2021 dates: TBA
- See also: The Buskers festival | Events in Vienna
Pop music from Austria
Vienna may be known for its classical concerts, but like any big city there’s a vibrant wider musical scene.
Each year, Popfest Wien brings the latest offerings from pop and related genres to the city on various stages in and around Vienna’s central Karlsplatz square.
Popfest performers include established stars in the Austrian firmament as well as relative newcomers. The locations vary from a waterborne stage in front of the giant baroque Karlskirche church to the hallowed halls of a local university.
Various side events and activities accompany the music, too.
2021 dates and tickets
Now approaching its 12th edition, expect the 2021 Popfest Wien to take place toward the end of July (more details as I get them). The curators for the 2021 event are rapper and all-round artistic talent, Esra Özmen, and musician and producer, Herwig Zamernik.
Attendance is completely free thanks to sponsors like the Wiener Städtische Versicherung (the same insurance folk who do the Ringturm exhibitions) and the Arbeiterkammer Wien (the representative organisation for Vienna’s employees).
How to get to Popfest Wien
Fortunately, Karlsplatz is not just a large open space for outdoor events. It also sits on top of one of the city’s main transport hubs – Karlsplatz station.
Subway: take the U1, U2 or U4 lines to Karlsplatz
Tram/bus: Take the 1, 2, D, 62 or 71 trams to Oper/Karlsplatz
Address: Karlsplatz, 1010 Vienna | Website