Vienna Ball SeasonVienna is the only city in the world where balls still dominate the social calendar during the winter season, and a Viennese ball is a unique opportunity to experience the sophisticated charm of the city and the famous Viennese waltz. The official ball season offers about 300 public balls for every taste and pocket, of which the most famous are the Opera Ball, the social elite highlight of the European ball season, the Philharmoniker Ball, and the glamorous Kaiserball (Imperial Ball) at the imperial Hofburg Palace, which is the traditional opener and is a glittering
New Year's Eve celebration which attracts tourists and Viennese alike. The season officially lasts from New Year's Eve until Ash Wednesday the following year, but balls can occur up until June. Numerous rental services in the city specialize in ball gowns and formal wear. For more information contact Vienna Tourism on (0)1 24 555 or email info@wien.info
Venue: Various
Date: December to February
Website: virtualvienna.net/holidays/balls/ballsmain.html
New Year's Day ConcertPerformed by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the annual New Year's Day concert is seen by millions of viewers worldwide and is a traditional start to the New Year. The orchestra is considered to be one of the finest in the world and this most famous of concerts features some of the most popular waltzes by the celebrated composer, Johann Strauss. For more information, one can contact the ticket and ball office of the Vienna Philharmonic on +43 (0)1 505 6525 or consult their website.
Venue: Vienna Musikverein
Date: 1 January, annually
Time: 11.15am
Website: www.wienerphilharmoniker.at
Vienna Festival (Festwochen)One of Vienna's summer highlights, the Vienna Festival is a cultural spread of art, music, dance, theater and opera performed by top international artists at main venues around the city. There are a huge variety of events, ranging from classical to modern, with shows, concerts and exhibitions for every taste. The annual International Music Festival coincides with the Vienna Festival, traditionally opened by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
Venue: Various
Date: 8 May to 14 June 2009
Website: www.festwochen.at
Donau (Danube) Island FestivalThe Danube Island Festival has become one of the largest youth parties in Europe and attracts millions from around the world to take part in a weekend of free entertainment, music and dancing. Besides local bands and DJs there are world-famous international artists, and numerous open-air performances that take place on various stages around the island. Phone +43 (0)1 535 3535 or email office@donauinselfest.at for more information.
Venue: Donauinsel (Danube Island)
Date: June 2009. TBC
Time: From 10am
Website: www.donauinselfest.at
Austria Skate MarathonThe annual Skate Marathon is a great way to combine sightseeing with exercise and comprises a 26-mile (42km) skate race, as well as a 13-mile (21km) and six-mile (10km) run. There are open-air concerts in Prater Park to entertain participants and spectators. Email info@skatemarathon.at for more information.
Venue: Prater
Date: 21 June 2009
Time: 9.05am
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Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
