Innsbruck, Austria » Entertainment » Festivals

Due to the impact of several European dynasties and Tyrolean sovereigns, Innsbruck has always remained an important cultural centre. At any time of the year, you can be assured of plenty of events and festivals to enjoy. The summer months are dedicated to cultural events and summer activities, while in the winter, one can witness an array of winter sports, events, competitions.

Hahnenkamm World Cup Races

The race is held in mid-January every year in the town of Kitzbühel, just one hour from Innsbruck. This ski race on the mountain of Hahnnenkamm is highly challenging, adventurous with many vouching for the course's difficulty.

Fasnacht

Fasnacht is a traditional event held every four years to depict the struggle between good and evil. It involves the people of Tyrol wearing ancient masks and dancing together as they parade down the street in elaborately dressed costumes.

Four Hills Tournament (January)

The Four Hills Tournament (Vierschanzentournee or German-Austrian Ski Jumping Week) is a ski jumping tournament. The events are held at Oberstdorf, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Innsbruck and Bischofshofen.

Art Innsbruck (January)

It is an international fair for contemporary art held every year in Innsbruck. The Development Association of Fine Arts organises the fair. It features about 70 exhibitors from around ten nations showcasing the fine art of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Easter Festival Tyrol (March-April)

Celebrated from mid-March to early April, the Osterfestival is marked by various concerts and choirs in different churches and other venues around Innsbruck.

Innsbruck Alpine Trail Run Festival (April-May)

Alpine Trail Run Festival is an annual festival that celebrates trail running. It includes individual competition, team relay events etc.

Golden Roof Challenge (May)

The Golden Roof Challenge is an annual event hosted in Innsbruck. Athletes from all over the world participate in pole vault and long jump competitions.

Maypole Festival (May)

On the last day of April, the neighbouring village of Aldrans comes together to celebrate the arrival of spring with massive parties followed by a music and dance.

Tirol Speed Marathon (May-June)

Held at the end of May or the start of June, Tirol Speed Marathon is marked by various European runners taking to the streets of Innsbruck to participate in the competitive long-distance running event.

Tanzsommer Innsbruck

Tanzsommer (or Summer Dance Festival) is one of the most popular dance festivals in Austria. For many years now, it has been held annually in mid-June, to bring together the finest dancing performances from all over the world.

Frühschoppen konzert (July)

Frühschoppen konzert is a series of free outdoor concerts held during the summer months from July to September at the resort town of Igls. The spectacular scenery acting as a grand backdrop, the event features musically diverse and entertaining concerts conducted every Sunday morning.

Innsbruck Festival of Early Music (August)

Held throughout August, Festwochen der Alten Musik is the biggest annual music festival of Innsbruck. It is marked by performances of music from the late Baroque, Renaissance, and early Classical periods.

Alpine Folk Music Festival (September)

Enjoyed throughout September, Alpenländischer Volksmusikwettbewerb features traditional folk music. There are performances by different folk musicians and singers followed by parties.

Jeunesse Children's Concerts (October)

Held at the end of October, Jeunesse Children's Concerts are hosted for the complete family. Their theatrical performances and concerts are generally played at the Congress and the Conservatory Music Hall.

Christmas in the Mountains (November-December)

During Christmas in the Mountains (Christkindlmärkte), festival lights illuminate the Christmas markets with stalls and seasonal events at various places. Innsbruck Mountain Christmas is a gift for visitors. Christkindlmarkt is held from mid-November to mid-December. There are traditional markets set up at the Landhausplatz, Maria-Theresia-Strasse and Herzog Friedrich Strasse. In addition to the market, there are puppet shows and other entertaining events for young visitors.

New Year's Concert

Celebrated on 1st January, the event is marked by a gala concert held at the Congress Innsbruck with performances by the Tyrolean Symphonic Orchestra.

Igls Bobsleigh Rides (December – February)

Igls Bobsleigh Rides are held from late December through late February as well as from early June through late September, in the town of Igls, where the bobsleigh run was built during the 1976 Olympics. Experience the adrenaline rush as you slide down in a bobsled with a professional driver at the helm.

Innsbruck Mountain New Year's Eve

Innsbruck warmly welcomes the New Year on 31st December with a legendary party, fun attractions, and colourful programmes set up across the Old Town's Main Market Square. The celebrations are enjoyed with live music, food, and a midnight fireworks display.