Culture Calendar: July 2025
TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE
From Latin fiestas in Zurich to mountaintop concerts in Bern and dazzling garden nights in Berlin, July brings a vibrant mix of festivals across the DACH region. Whether you’re after beer yoga in Vienna, world-class opera in Salzburg or cab- aret under the stars, there’s a summer event for every mood.
OTTAKRINGER BREWERY’S BEER FESTIVAL, VIENNA (26 JUNE – 29 AUGUST)
Every summer, this iconic beer festival breathes new life into the brewery’s courtyard, turning it into a lively open-air hub in the heart of Vienna. Expect an irresistible mix of craft beers, live music and flavour-packed street food. For those looking to mix things up, there’s beer yoga, behind-the-scenes brewery tours and a tempting culinary mile to explore.
www.ottakringerbrauerei.at/de/bierfest
Ottakringer Bierfestival. Photo: Ottakringer Brauerei
CALIENTE! FESTIVAL, ZURICH (4 – 6 JULY)
Zurich’s Caliente! Festival is one of Europe’s biggest celebrations of Latin culture – and in summer 2025, the city’s most vibrant district will once again become a buzzing barrio, echoing the spirit of the Caribbean and South America. Expect non-stop fiestas, dazzling performances and the lively Merca- do Mundial, complete with a mouth-watering street food garden. It’s a full-on celebra- tion of life, colour and culture.
Caliente! Festival. Photo: Peter Zingg
IMPULSTANZ, VIENNA (10 JULY – 10 AUGUST)
For one month, Vienna becomes the epicentre of contemporary dance as the ImPulsTanz Festival takes over the city. As one of Europe’s leading dance festivals, it offers a vibrant mix of performances, workshops and bold artistic experiments from celebrated international companies and rising talents alike. Dance lovers can immerse themselves in cutting-edge techniques and a wide range of styles led by renowned choreographers. Beyond the stage, the festival also hosts dynamic workshops and free outdoor classes.
GURTENFESTIVAL, BERN (16 – 19 JULY)
Set atop Bern’s scenic Gurten mountain, Gurtenfestival is one of Switzerland’s most cherished music events. This year’s line- up boasts global stars including Will Smith, Macklemore, Lola Young and CRO. The festival’s unique setting, accessible only by cable car or a picturesque hike, adds to its distinctive alpine charm. With a blend of international headliners and emerging talent, Gurtenfestival offers an unforgettable summer experience.
Gurtenfestival. Photo: Gurtenfestival / Simon Boschi
SUMMERTIME, NORDERNEY (30 JULY – 03 AUGUST)
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Norderney’s North Sea coast, the Summertime@NORDERNEY festival returns for five days of open-air concerts and seaside celebration. This year’s line-up features German pop favourite Bosse, rising hip-hop group 01099 and two back-to-back shows by legendary hip-hop pioneers Die Fantastischen Vier. The festival concludes with a performance by Andrea Berg, bringing her hits to the island stage.
BRITZER GARDEN NIGHT, BERLIN (26 JULY)
Berlin’s Britzer Garten transforms into a luminous wonderland for the annual Britzer Gartennacht. From 5pm onwards, visitors can immerse themselves in a magical evening filled with captivating performances, interactive installations and stunning light displays. Wander through themed realms such as the Land of Dwarves, the Valley of Elves and the Dragon’s Nest, each offering unique experiences and surprises.
Britzer Gartennacht. Photos: Britzer Gartennacht
SALZBURG FESTIVAL, SALZBURG (18 JULY – 31 AUGUST)
The renowned Salzburg Festival transforms the Austrian city into a world stage for opera, theatre and classical music. This year’s programme explores themes of power, mortality and memory, with highlights including Verdi’s Macbeth, Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda, Handel’s Giulio Cesare, and One Morning Turns into an Eternity – a striking double bill of Schönberg and Mahler directed by Peter Sellars.
WIENER CABARET FESTIVAL, VIENNA (28 JULY – 02 AUGUST)
In need of a good laugh? The Vienna Cabaret Festival celebrates its 15th anniversary and continues to deliver sharp wit and smart comedy in a stunning open-air courtyard setting. Held on balmy summer evenings, this beloved festival combines top-tier cabaret acts with the elegance of Vienna’s historic architecture. And with a weatherproof venue, the show goes on – come rain or shine.
Amala Dianor, DUB. Photo: Pierre Gondard
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