Danube Island Festival
The 42nd Danube Island Festival will transform the 4.5-kilometer festival site in the middle of the Danube into a party zone from June 20 to 22. National and international acts will create an unforgettable atmosphere. The varied program has something for everyone in keeping with its motto of “Your island. Real moments”.
Open air with a prelude of Carmen
This year, the festival will kick off with opera on Thursday, June 19: the new interpretation of Bizet’s classic opera Carmen retells the tragic story from a contemporary perspective with the title Killing Carmen – an opera-musical throwback. More performances will follow in October at the Vienna Volksoper.
200 acts – 16 stages – 700 hours of entertainment
The headliners among the 1,000 or so musicians include Berlin rapper Symba, indie pop sensation Milky Chance, noughties girl group No Angels and British pop legend Kim Wilde. Austrian pop music will be represented by Josh, the songwriter Avec and the band Aut of Orda.
The US bands Steel Panther and Halestorm and Beast in Black from Finland are sure to get rock fans’ hearts racing with their beats.
Diversity is brought to life on the various stages and what are known as theme islands. In addition to pop and rock music, lovers of electronic music, club culture, Wienerlied, country, Austrohits and cabaret will also get their fill.
Strauss with Camo & Krooked
In this Strauss anniversary year (250th birthday of the Waltz King!), there will be a very special event when a whole orchestra takes its place on stage on Friday evening: Red Bull Symphonic – Johann Strauss 2025 Edition is a collaboration between Austrian drum’n’bass producers Camo & Krooked, composer Christian Kolonovits and the Vienna Symphony Orchestra.
Danube Island Festival program
Action, fun and participation
In addition to fantastic music, there is, as always, an program of activities and entertainment including bag jump, beach volleyball, yoga and HITT workout. Visitors can have a go at handicrafts, crafting and graffiti workshops or show off their talent on the karaoke stage. Rescue dog shows, face painting, Punch and Judy shows and more await the festival’s youngest visitors.
Solidarity and charity
The Danube Island Festival has always been an event for everyone: young and old, Viennese locals and visitors to Vienna, night owls and culture lovers. There will be a grand symbolic opening with a huge inclusive concert on Friday morning: “Milow for all” is a symbol of diversity. A digital avatar translates the lyrics into sign language.
All visitors are invited to take part in the sea of lights on the Friday of the festival, June 20, 2025 at 9:58 pm as a sign of solidarity with Graz, which was shaken by a shooting rampage a few days ago.
The charity partner for this year’s event is Krebshilfe Wien. It will benefit from a donation of €2 from every cup deposit.
Tried and tested measures such as wheelchair stands, shuttle services and a buddy system will make the festival experience as accessible as possible. For the first time, there will be a music program with sign language performances and quiet zones to create an inclusive atmosphere.
