Film Festival at Vienna’s Rathausplatz
It’s one of the most popular summer events in the heart of the city and Europe’s largest cultural and culinary festival with free admission: The Film Festival at Rathausplatz founded in 1991 and located between Vienna City Hall and the Ringstrasse boulevard.
Music, good food and a party atmosphere
Outstanding music productions, a place for social gatherings and top-quality culinary delights – the Film Festival offers all of this at a magical location in the heart of the city. We are looking forward to a truly spectacular program in 2026. There’s something for everyone when productions from a wide variety of genres are projected onto the 300-square-metre screen every evening.
The Gastro Mile invites diners to go on a culinary journey around the world: numerous gourmet food stalls offer freshly prepared dishes from all over the world from 11.00 am to 11.00 pm, with closing time at midnight.
Impressions of the Film Festival 2018-2025
Plenty of pop and rock
The Film Festival will combine great stage moments from previous decades with recent highlights:
- Bruce Springsteen – “No Nukes Concerts” 1979, with unreleased performances & remastered
- Ed Sheeran – “Jumpers For Goalposts”, three solo nights at Wembley Stadium
- Rihanna – “Loud Tour” at London’s O2 Arena, hits such as “Umbrella” & “We Found Love”
- Prince – “Sign O’ The Times”, an iconic concert film marking the 10th anniversary of his death
- Coldplay – “Live In São Paulo”, an opulent stadium spectacle
- Bob Dylan – anniversary concert in 1992 with Eric Clapton & Johnny Cash
- Elton John – high-tech grand piano & impressive visual staging
- Aurora – atmospheric concert film between mysticism & ethereal sound
- Laufey – elegant mix of jazz, classical & pop
- Amy Winehouse – “I Told You I Was Trouble”, screened on 23 July (the 15th anniversary of her death)
- Freddie Mercury – The Tribute Concert, rock legends celebrate Queen’s legacy
- The Killers – Live At The Royal Albert Hall, an indie rock milestone
- Stars from international festivals such as Glastonbury & the Yellow Coins Gala: Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, Olivia Rodrigo, Shawn Mendes, Lewis Capaldi, The 1975, Nicole Scherzinger, Lorde, Raye, Rod Stewart, Christina Aguilera, G-Dragon, Stray Kids, A$AP Rocky
Glamorous opera moments
The Vienna State Opera presents a production from its own repertoire every Sunday – it begins with Ludwig van Beethoven’s only opera Fidelio. This is followed by Vincenzo Bellini’s masterpiece La Sonnambula, Giuseppe Verdi’s Nabucco, and George Bizet’s Carmen.
The programme is further enhanced by leading national and international productions – for instance Falstaff from the Metropolitan Opera presents Verdi’s late work as a brilliant, humorous and, at the same time, deeply human opera. The recording of Gaetano Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda from the 2025 Salzburg Festival will be screened – with the duel between the two queens as its dramatic climax.
Classical
Legendary concerts and anniversaries are brought together in this classical music special:
- The Three Tenors – concert at the Baths of Caracalla with Pavarotti, Domingo & Carreras
- Nikolaus Harnoncourt – opening concert of the Salzburg Festival
- 125 years of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra – anniversary concert in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein
- Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra – Europa Concert 2025 from Bari, conducted by Riccardo Muti
Musicals & operetta
The festival also delivers emotional highlights in the musicals and operetta category. With Mamma Mia!, ABBA hits such as Dancing Queen or The Winner Takes It All are performed in a captivating story about love, friendship and zest for life.
The magnificent production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic “The Phantom of the Opera: 25th Anniversary at the Royal Albert Hall” transports the audience into the mysterious world of the Paris Opera House.
Side events: Jazz brunch, DJs, children’s opera
In cooperation with the Kultursommer Wien, live performances are planned once again: Choral evenings and the legendary Jazz Brunch every Sunday.
And there’s something in store for the little ones too: every Friday at 5.00 pm, performances from the Children’s Opera Festival will be shown on a dedicated screen in Rathauspark.
36th Film Festival at Vienna’s Rathausplatz 2026
July 4 to September 6 2026
11.00 am to midnight (food served until 11.00 pm)
Films start at dusk
Free admission!
www.filmfestival-rathausplatz.at
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a ticket to visit the Film Festival at Rathausplatz?
No! Visiting the Film Festival is completely free of charge. The event is open to the public and can be visited at any time without prior registration or a ticket.
Can seats be reserved?
No, there is no reservation system. The Film Festival offers space for around 3,000 guests in the cinema area; the food area can accommodate another 3,000. Visitors can come and go as they please – this informality is what defines the character of the festival.
Does the Film Festival go ahead in bad weather?
In principle, the Film Festival will not be interrupted by wind and rain. This means screenings will still take place in bad weather, and the food and beverage outlets will be open.
In the event of severe weather, especially strong winds, thunderstorms or hail, the event area must be cleared for safety reasons. This is overseen by the on-site security staff. Site closures, programme changes and other important announcements are communicated by the organiser on filmfestival-rathausplatz.at
- Rathausplatz, 1010 Wien
