Graz Events and Festivals

(Graz, Styria, Austria)

A city with a surprising amount to offer in the way of festivals, the events calendar in Graz is at its most complete during the summer months, where there are always things to do, concerts to attend, and dances to enjoy. Many of the city's biggest events and concerts are staged at the Grazer Congress Convention Centre on the Albrechtgasse (home of the Stephaniensaal concert hall), or at the Helmut List Halle, a modern venue on the Waagner-Biro-Strasse close to Graz city centre, where the acoustics have become quite renowned.

Some of the biggest annual musical events in Graz include the Spring Festival in late May, the Styriarte at the end of June, the Serenata throughout July, and the Jazzsommer Graz in July and August. June also sees the arrival of the Steirischer Herbst, an acclaimed contemporary art festival with around 300 different events of all descriptions, regularly attracting some 50,000 people each year.

Graz Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• New Year's Day - January 1st, public holiday throughout Austria

February

• There are no significant events in Graz during the month of February

March

• Osterfestival (Easter Festival) - late March to mid-April, various Easter concerts take place is castles and churches around the city of Graz

April

• Diagonale (Festival of the Austrian Film) - early April, a relatively new event in the city's calendar, with many directors, movie critics and film buffs enjoying some of the latest movies and documentaries, screened at venues such as the Festivalzentrum Thalia and the Schubert

May

• Spring Festival - late May, a vibrant musical event, held each year at the Festival Centre on the Mariahilferstrasse, with trendy DJs, parties, workshops and plenty for everyone

June

• Steirischer Herbst - mid-June, a famous contemporary art festival, highly regarded throughout Europe
• Styriarte - late June to late July, a classical music extravaganza, with famous musicians and conductors performing over a four-week period

July

• Serenata - throughout July, with a number of classical music performances at the Joanneumhof Courtyard, including chamber music
• Classics in the City - July to August, the Landhaushof becomes an outdoor cinema, with many musicals displayed on a huge screen during the evenings. With free admission, plenty of food stalls and even some classical music concerts, this is one event not to miss
• Jazzsommer Graz - July to August, the Mariahilfer Platz is transformed into an enormous outdoor stage during the summer, with free concerts always resulting in large crowds
• La Strada - July to August, a fun, family orientated event, with street entertainment appealing to all ages, combining puppets, magic and comedy

August

• Graz Tennis Masters - throughout August, a noteworthy tennis tournament, based at the Steiermärkische Seiersberg and always a crowd pleaser, with high-ranking tennis players
• Eggenberger Schlosskonzerte (Classical Concerts) - August to September, a range of concerts take place in Eggenberg Castle and often attract some big-name performers

September

• Fabula Neiderosterreich Festival - throughout September, something for all ages, with fairytales read by some of the world's most famous storytellers. The Fabula Neiderosterreich also includes live music and even some ghostly events
• Aufsteirern (Styrian Folkfestival) - throughout September, a range of traditional Styrian events takes place throughout the Old Town district of Graz, around the Rupertistrasse, with folk music and costumed dancing being just one of the many highlights

October

• Elevate (Schlossbergfestival) - late October, a range of cultural, musical and political events lasting four days, at the Schlossberg. Tickets for the main concerts may need to be purchased in advance

November

• International Mountain and Adventure Film Festival - mid-November, a chance to enjoy some exciting Alpine-based movies and documentaries, with prizes for the best in each of the categories

December

• New Year's Eve - December 31st, a chance to dance the night away and enjoy some breathtaking midnight fireworks, with celebrations at the Stadthalle Graz and all around the city