Fashion takes on a special role at this year’s Vienna Kaiser Wiesn. Following the presentation of the first official Wiesn dirndl in 2025, the organisers continued the project in collaboration with Original Salzburger Trachtenoutlet and Modeschule Michelbeuern.
Thirty emerging designers submitted their ideas for the Vienna Kaiser Wiesn Dirndl 2.0 competition. The winning design was Daniela Kokic’s “Mizzi”, which pays tribute to Vienna’s historic washerwomen, known as the Wäschermädel, as well as the distinctive colours of the original Viennese dirndl.
The dress can be combined with an apron in delicate blush pink, vibrant pink or brilliant blue, preserving the character of traditional Austrian clothing while offering a modern, individual look.
Produced as a limited edition, “Mizzi” has been available in the shop since 8 September and will also be available directly at Vienna Kaiser Wiesn from 24 September.
Eighteen Days of Austrian Tradition and Joy
Austria’s largest traditional festival and Oktoberfest will be held for the fifth time in 2026. Three grand festival tents, five Alpine-style lodges, the lively Wiesn Village and an extensive programme await visitors at the Kaiserwiese.
Approximately 150 concerts, nearly 2,000 musicians and around 700 hours of live music will create an unforgettable atmosphere, ranging from authentic folk music and Austrian Schlager to party anthems and contemporary sounds.
Johann Pittermann, Managing Director of Vienna Kaiser Wiesn, reflects on the significance of this year’s anniversary:
“Five years of Vienna Kaiser Wiesn – we are incredibly proud of that. What began as a big idea has now become a permanent fixture in Vienna’s events calendar and a meeting place for people from all over Austria. This sense of togetherness is exactly what defines our Wiesn: celebrating together, enjoying together and bringing tradition to life. We have once again put together a fantastic programme for 2026 and are looking forward to 18 days filled with music, joy and very special Wiesn moments. Because ultimately, that is exactly what it is all about: life is a celebration.”
– Johann Pittermann, Managing Director of Vienna Kaiser Wiesn
The Celebration Begins with a Grand Procession
The festival opens on 24 September with a traditional ceremonial procession. Starting at 10 a.m. from Kolariks Luftburg, horse-drawn carriages, brass bands, folk-dance groups and distinguished guests will make their way through Vienna’s Prater towards the Kaiserwiese.
Among the participants will be Leopoldstadt District Mayor Alexander Nikolai, Wiesn Emperor Johann I and Toni Faber, priest of St Stephen’s Cathedral.
At noon, the fifth Vienna Kaiser Wiesn will officially open with the traditional tapping of the beer barrel, followed by a blessing from Toni Faber. Music by Die Edlseer, Lisa Miko, the Vienna Police Band and the Gösser Musikverein will set the tone for the opening day. Lisa Miko will also present her “Dialect Dance”, an energetic combination of Austrian dialect and danceable EDM beats.
Concerts, Parties and Special Events
The musical line-up includes Die Lauser, Mountain Crew, Die Edlseer, Fetzentaler, Grabenland Buam, Wiener Wahnsinn and Trenkwalder.
The popular Schlager afternoons will take place on 29 September and on 6 and 8 October, featuring performers including Udo Wenders, Jazz Gitti, Silvio Samoni and Markus Krois.
Raiffeisen Studi Wiesn will welcome a younger audience on 28 September and on 5 and 8 October. On 30 September, the 2027 Vienna Police Calendar will be presented inside the Nordic Spirit Kaiser Tent.
Further highlights include the Wiener Bezirksblatt Festival on 5 October and the Wiesn Party powered by Prater Dome on 6 October. On 7 October, the Radio Arabella Singles Wiesn will offer guests an opportunity to meet new people and celebrate together. The 2027 Young Farmers’ Calendar will also be presented in the Wiesbauer Tent on the same day.
Senior Days will take place on 30 September and 7 October, featuring performances by Die Edlseer, Die Jungen Zillertaler and the Hans Ecker Trio.
Interest is already running high, with the first festival-tent evenings completely sold out. Tickets and table reservations are still available for several other dates.
A Culinary Journey from Austria to Lake Balaton
The three festival tents and five Alpine-style lodges will offer classic Austrian dishes, traditional Wiesn specialities and international flavours.
The Red Carpet Event Gastro GmbH team, led by Managing Director Florian Pöttler and chef Manuel Gratzl, will oversee the culinary offering in the three main festival tents, the Almdudler Alm and the Schladming-Dachstein Hohenhaus Tenne. Franz Aibler will once again be responsible for the cuisine at the Kaktus Alm, Underberg Alm and Gasteiner Alm.
Approximately 30 stalls in the Wiesn Village will present regional specialities, sweet treats and artisan products.
As one of this year’s new additions, the culinary journey will cross Austria’s borders for the first time. In collaboration with VisitBalaton365, a dedicated Balaton lángos stall will bring a taste of Hungary to the Wiesn Village.
At the Bundesländerhütte, jewellery designers, woodturners, craftspeople, winemakers and other regional producers will showcase their work, offering visitors something new to see, taste and discover throughout the festival.
A Weekend Programme for the Whole Family
At weekends, the Kaiserwiese transforms into a dedicated Children’s Wiesn. Kinderparty Kistl, led by Till Spindler, will welcome children with board games, creative activity stations, face painting and giant soap bubbles.
While adults explore the culinary offering, live music and festive atmosphere, younger guests can enjoy a colourful programme created especially for them.
Where Celebration Meets Business
Over the past few years, Vienna Kaiser Wiesn has also developed into an important meeting place for companies. A growing number of businesses use the festival’s distinctive atmosphere for client events, employee celebrations and networking.
This year, IMMOunited will host an event for approximately 1,200 guests, bringing its business partners and private clients together. Vienna Kaiser Wiesn has therefore become more than a cultural and social event: it is also an increasingly relevant business and networking platform.
Long-standing principal partners include Gösser/Brau Union, Wiesbauer and JTI, while Kronen Zeitung accompanies the event as its main media partner.
In 2026, Radio Arabella joins as the event partner of the Singles Wiesn, Raiffeisen supports the Studi Wiesn and Almdudler becomes the naming partner of the Almdudler Alm. New partners include Payone/Mastercard, TRIXI and DeliCo/Eskimo, while Jolly is supporting the children’s programme with product donations.
A Safe and Sustainable Celebration
A comprehensive safety strategy and close cooperation with the Vienna Police, emergency services and professional security personnel will help protect visitors throughout the festival.
Particular attention is being paid to women’s safety. A dedicated support point staffed by women will be available, while the code word “Luisa” will allow guests to discreetly ask for assistance if they find themselves in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation. The organisers are also aiming for women to make up 30 per cent of the security team and will employ staff with psychological training.
Sustainability is another important priority. Materials used across the festival grounds will be reused, waste will be reduced wherever possible and separated consistently. Drinks will be served exclusively in reusable cups.
Essential Information
Vienna Kaiser Wiesn 2026
Dates: 24 September–11 October 2026
Location: Kaiserwiese, Vienna Prater, Austria
Tickets, table reservations and the complete programme are available at kaiserwiesn.at.
From the “Mizzi” dirndl and live music to culinary experiences and family activities, Vienna Kaiser Wiesn is ready for another unforgettable celebration. All that is missing now is its guests—because life, after all, is a celebration.
Photo credit: Elizabeth Lechner
