Culture Calendar: March 2026

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE

Ready to celebrate spring? So are we. March brings a vibrant line-up of events across the DACH region: from jazz and film festivals to gourmet highlights and garden inspiration. Whether you’re in the mood for culture, creativity or fresh seasonal ideas, this month has something to spark your curiosity.

Snowjazz Gastein. Photo: Gasteinertal Tourismus GmbH, Marktl Photography

Snow Jazz Gastein, Gastein (11 – 15 March)

Under the motto La dolce Vita, Snow Jazz Gastein returns in 2026, turning the Gastein Valley into a vibrant stage of sound and joy for five unforgettable days. From the legendary sawmill to mountain huts across the ski area, music will echo in extraordinary settings. This year’s programme features Luciano Biondini & Mose Chiavoni, the Francesca Tandoi Trio, and Enrico Pieranunzi with Thomas Fonnesbaek, among others.

www.gastein.com/en/snow-jazz

Snowjazz Gastein. Photo: Gasteinertal Tourismus GmbH, Marktl Photography

32nd Wiener Restaurantwoche, Vienna (16 – 22 March)

Gourmet food as far as the eye can see. Each year selected restaurants participate in Vienna’s delicious restaurant week. This gourmet marathon is the place to be for food lovers, restaurateurs and celebrities. Only top chefs are showing off their cooking skills and present irresistible dishes here. As this is one of Vienna’s most popular events, make sure you book your table in advance.

www.restaurantwoche.wien

Garten & Ambiente Bodensee. Photo: Messe Friedrichshafen

Garden & Ambient Bodensee, Friedrichshafen (18 – 22 March)

Looking for inspiration to bring your own garden into shape for spring? At this trade fair, visitors discover everything for outdoor living, garden design and lifestyle by the lake. The inspiring showcase brings together innovative products, trends and expert ideas for gardeners, design lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. From stylish furniture to practical solutions for planting, landscaping and garden wellness, it’s a place to dream, explore and plan.

www.gartenambientebodensee.info

Diagonale Festival of Austrian Film. Photo: Clara Wildberger

Diagonale Festival of Austrian Film, Graz (18 – 23 March)

In its third year under the artistic direction of the duo Dominik Kamalzadeh and Claudia Slanar, Diagonale Festival continues to grow as a place of encounter – including unexpected ones – fostering exchange and opening up new perspectives. Dedicated entirely to Austrian film, the festival presents a wide-ranging snapshot of the country’s contemporary cinema. Each year, around 30,000 visitors gather to explore bold storytelling and cinematic innovation.

www.diagonale.at

Diagonale Festival of Austrian Film. Photo: Miriam Raneburger

Night of the Museum, Bern (20 March)

Museumsnacht Bern transforms Bern into a vibrant cultural playground from 6pm to 2am. Around 40 institutions open their doors, inviting night owls of all ages to explore a rich mix of culture, science and hands-on experiences. The programme ranges from ancient artefacts and modern art to medical workshops, silent discos, gold panning and sewing ateliers. With free admission for kids under 16, it’s an inclusive and playful way to experience the city’s cultural scene after dark.

www.museumsnacht-bern.ch

Night of the Museum, Bern. Photo: Museumsnacht Bern, Buchli Fotografie

Frühlingsdom, Hamburg (20 March – 19 April)

Frühlingsdom brings the city’s most beloved spring fun fair to life once again. For four weeks, locals and visitors alike flock to this vibrant celebration of thrills, treats and tradition. From adrenaline-fuelled rides to classic fairground food, the Dom turns Hamburg into a joyful playground. A true seasonal highlight, it’s the perfect place to soak up spring energy and make unforgettable memories.

www.hamburg.de/freizeit/dom

Photo: Pixabay

Earth Hour 2026, Berlin (28 March)

Earth Hour, an initiative by WWF, takes place around the world and sends a powerful, symbolic message about protecting our climate. Each year, thousands of cities across more than 170 countries switch off the lights at iconic landmarks – from Big Ben and the Great Wall of China to the Brandenburg Gate. Berlin marks the occasion with a central public event at the Brandenburg Gate, inviting people to come together and reflect on collective responsibility.

www.berlin.de/events

Photo: Rodrigo Rodrigues Wolf on Unsplash

Whisky Festival, Dresden-Radebeul (28 – 29 March)

Whisky Festival Radebeul is a must-visit for fans of whisky and fine spirits, taking place at the historic Hotel Goldener Anker in Radebeul each spring. Here, you can taste a wide selection of whiskies from distilleries, independent bottlers and specialty retailers, discover new favourites and deepen your knowledge at guided tastings and seminars. The festival blends relaxed conviviality with expert insight, making it just as appealing to curious newcomers as to seasoned connoisseurs.

www.whiskyfestival-radebeul.de