Culture, fun and EuroPride in Vienna
Not only in the past did gay members of the aristocracy have fun in Vienna. The gay scene still flourishes today.
And in 2019, EuroPride will again be held in the city on the Danube.
Cosmopolitan Vienna – then and now
Whether Prince Eugene of Savoy, Emperor Charles VI or Archduke Luziwuzi – it is still possible to stroll in the footsteps of prominent gay people in Vienna nowadays.
The Belvedere Palace, the Karlskirche (Church of St. Charles) and the gay sauna “Kaiserbründl” are ongoing reminders of the homosexual aristocratic trio and an absolute must-see on a visit to Vienna – whatever the time of year.
Gay events in Vienna
Vienna serves up all sorts of gay events throughout the year. In winter, it’s the gay balls – particularly the Rainbow Ball (27 January 2018) – which promises fun and dancing in three-four time.
Things get really hot in the spring, when the Vienna Boylesque Festival (May 30 + 31 2018), the Vienna Fetish Spring (May 30 – June 3 2018) and the Life Ball (probably June 2 2018) take to the stage.
The highlight in June each year is Vienna Pride (June 2-16 2018).
Vienna Pride, which will last two full weeks in 2018, starts with the Life Ball. The Pride Run Vienna on June 9 2018 is just one of the highlights.
The Pride Village at City Hall Square offers information, food and parties. And the Rainbow Parade along the Vienna Ringstrasse boulevard on June 16 2018 is the crowning conclusion.
A CSD in front of such a beautiful backdrop does not exist anywhere else in the world! People wearing traditional dirndl costumes and lederhosen sway to the music at the Pink Wiener Wiesn Festival in the autumn.
And fetish fans from around the world look forward to Vienna Fetish Week and “Vienna in Black” (October 25 – November 1 2017).
From shopping to clubbing
The diverse gay scene around Gumpendorfer Strasse and Naschmarkt (5th and 6th districts) is packed with bars.
Check out Gay Friendly Vienna on Facebook
And additional copies of the holiday reading you left at home can be bought in the gay and lesbian bookstore “Löwenherz” in the 9th district.
However, it remains to be seen whether it is really necessary. Because gay parties in unusual locations – from Art Nouveau buildings to a former slaughterhouse – ensure sleepless nights, especially on the weekend.
EuroPride 2019
Things will get really colourful and varied in 2019, when EuroPride comes to Vienna under the motto “Visions of Pride” with dozens on informational, cultural and festival events from May 19 to June 19.
50 years after the Stonewall Riot in New York, EuroPride is being held for the second time in Vienna (the first time was in 2001).
Up to 1.5 million visitors are expected at EuroPride in Vienna.
Watch the video to find out exactly what will be waiting for you when you come to Vienna in 2019:
