Events in Villach
Carinthia is full of culture and sunshine
Dive head-first into summer and its wonderful cultural highlights! There is much for the eyes and ears to experience in Villach’s old town near the Hotel eduCARE. Have you heard of the open air summer concerts in July and August on Hans-Gasser-Platz square? Known as a “square full of music”, these concerts are the best way to start your weekend.
You might run into a celebrity or two at Lake Ossiach in June, July and August. Why? The world-famous Carinthian Summer music festival! This festival has taken place for more than half a century, treating visitors to a lovely array of live performances around Lake Ossiach.
The Top 6 events
Great things to do in Southern Carinthia
1
Neue Bühne Villach Theatre
A place for theatre lovers – artists such as Mercedes Echerer have performed here.
2
Carinthian summer music festival
Talented musicians from around the world have played here each summer for more than half a century.
3
VillacH Fair
Villachers agree – “You simply must go” – and they look forward to welcoming visitors from around the globe.
4
Advent in Villach
The streets and visitors’ eyes are all lit up – don’t miss this old town highlight if you visit Villach at Christmastime.
5
Carnival in Villach
The highlight of the year – with a traditional “Lei! Lei!” from the cradle of carnival fun!
6
Musi Open Air festival in Bad Kleinkirchheim
This open air music festival in Bad Kleinkirchheim is the place to be for all fans of German “Schlager” and folk music.
Carinthian summer music festival
This is the international music festival in our beautiful region – experience a mix of classical, jazz, contemporary and musical cross-overs. Concerts and events take place in the most beautiful locations in the Lake Ossiach area, as well as in the city of Villach. Singing competitions, picnic concerts, events in Ossiach Monastery or in time-honoured churches will make you want to indulge in some toe-tapping. We at the Hotel eduCARE will be happy to inform you about the great calendar of events and the most beautiful venues and are even happy to help you get tickets!
Street food Market: Food from around the world
The street food market in Villach offers the curious, hungry and connoisseurs a wonderful opportunity to embark on a delicious journey around the world. At the street food market on Kaiser-Josef-Platz square, you’ll find people cooking, eating, feasting and having fun – all under the beautiful Carinthian sky. Local restaurateurs and craft beer and cider brewers transform the square into a culinary playground twice a year – once in early summer and once in autumn. Food markets with small food stalls, stands and food trucks bring flavours from New York, London and Tokyo to Villach. This event takes place from 12:00 to 9:00 pm.
Villach Fair
A truly multi-faceted Event
On the first Saturday in August and traditionally the week leading up to it, the fair – or “Kirtag” – dominates the Villach old town. The highlight is the traditional pageant with more than 3,500 participants and dozens of brass bands. Austria's largest traditional festival attracts more than 450,000 visitors annually to the festively decorated town on the Drau. 130 separate events display local and foreign customs, and Villach’s main square becomes Austria's largest – and tastiest – outdoor dining room. The young (and the young at heart) never miss out on the great entertainment. The Villach Kirtag fair is a one-of-a-kind experience for everyone!
Carnival in Villach
It doesn't get much more colourful than this!
As they say here: “Lei Lei!” Starting on 11 November, Villach becomes infected with a case of the sillies – the highlight of the hustle and bustle is Carnival Saturday, when the laughter and madness of the season echoes through the alleys of the old town. You’ll see locals in the most unusual costumes, as well as groups from other Austrian states and all over Europe, in fact. The Villach Carnival was first mentioned in 1867. From 1910 the Villacher Bauerngman held an annual farmers ball, the proceeds of which went to charity. In 1955 the idea arose to create a new Villach Carnival. It's still around to this day and is a day you'll never forget – particularly if it's your first time!
European Bike Week
Man and machine
The largest Harley Davidson Festival in the world makes its way around Carinthia’s Lake Faak in early September. The bikes roar down the road, heralding the world's most iconic attitude to life. The festival is accompanied by concerts and great side events all around Villach. The festival draws over 100,000 visitors who look forward to the crowning highlight: the largest Harley Davidson Parade in Europe. Bikers are welcome at the 4-star Hotel eduCARE!
