Culture Calendar: October 2025

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE

This month offers dazzling film festivals and vibrant light shows as well as music and theatre performances galore. Who is ready for some inspiring autmn vibes? We are!

ZURICH FILM FESTIVAL, ZURICH (25 SEPTEMBER – 5 OCTOBER)

Switzerland’s premier cinematic event returns, bringing filmmakers, actors, and international guests together to celebrate the art of cine- ma. With exciting premieres and engaging discussions, the Zurich Film Festival remains a must-attend for film enthusiasts. This year’s special guests include Colin Farrell and Benedict Cumberbatch, to name but a few.

www.zff.com

WAVES VIENNA, VIENNA (2 – 4 OCTOBER)

Taking place in and around Vienna’s 9th district, this club and showcase festival draws over 15,000 music enthusiasts annually and presents a wide array of music, featuring international and local alternative, electronic, rock and club acts. Alongside the performances, lectures, panels and workshops foster Pan-European collaborations and highlight the significance of European unity.

www.wavesvienna.com

HEINRICH SCHÜTZ MUSIKFEST, DRESDEN | GERA | BAD KÖSTRITZ | WEISSENFELS | ZEITZ (2 – 12 OCTOBER)

This year’s festival embraces the theme ‘Weltsichten. Zwischen den Zeiten’ (‘World Views. In Between the Times’) and Gregor Meyer will be the artist in residency 2025. Audiences are invited to explore a rich programme of classical concerts and discover the wealth of knowledge and expression conveyed through sound.

www.schuetz-musikfest.de

Lange Nacht der Museen. Photos: Hans Leitner / ORF Lange Nacht der Muse

ORF LONG NIGHT OF MUSEUMS, AUSTRIA (4 OCTOBER)

On this special Saturday, Austria’s museums and galleries open their doors late into the night. With workshops, concerts, and special programmes, the Long Night of Museums offers a captivating way to experience art and science after dark – no matter what age you are.

www.langenacht.orf.at

FRISCÈNES THEATRE FESTIVAL, FRIBOURG (4 – 11 OCTOBER)

FriScènes brings together professional and amateur theatre from around the world, offering a lively space for artistic exchange and dialogue. Known for its inclusive spirit, the festival welcomes performers and audiences alike to share in creative encounters.

www.friscenes.ch

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS. Photo: FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS, BERLIN (8 – 15 OCTOBER)

Marking its 21st edition, the Festival of Lights will illuminate Berlin under this year’s theme ‘Let’s shine together’. Famous landmarks and hidden architectural treasures will be bathed in vibrant light installations, creating a unique journey through the capital. Truly magical evenings not to be missed.

www.festival-of-lights.de

Hochzeitskapelle at Mirabellgarten. Photo: Jazz & The City / Henry Schulz

JAZZ & THE CITY, SALZBURG (16 – 19 OCTOBER)

For more than 25 years, this festival has transformed Salzburg’s old town into a stage for contemporary jazz and improvisation. Under the new motto, ‘The city sounds together’ it once again brings together national and international artists for four days of musical discovery, but also ensures that different genres and acts are represented as well.

www.salzburgjazz.com

Viennale. Photo: Alexi Pelekanos

VIENNALE FILM FESTIVAL, VIENNA (16 – 28 OCTOBER)

Vienna’s international film festival is one of the highlights of Austria’s cultural calendar. With premieres, workshops, and discussions, the Viennale attracts filmmakers and cinephiles from across the globe for nearly two weeks of cinematic celebration. Think red carpets and grand premieres.

www.viennale.at

Rendezvous Bundesplatz. Photo: Rendezvous Bundesplatz

RENDEZ-VOUS BUNDESPLATZ, BERN (18 OCTOBER – 22 NOVEMBER)

The Parliament building in Bern becomes a stage for this large-scale light show for the 15th time. This year’s programme takes audiences on a mesmerising illuminated journey across the globe using different modes of transports with three performances each evening from Tuesday to Sunday.

www.rendezvousbundesplatz.ch