Donauinselfest – Austria 2026

Background & History

The Donaufestival, founded in 1988 by the Province of Lower Austria, is an annual contemporary arts festival held in Krems an der Donau, transforming the historic town into a vibrant hub for experimental music, performance, visual arts, film, and discourse. Organized by NÖ Festival und Kino GmbH, it began as a platform for new music and has evolved into a cross-genre event emphasizing innovative, globally oriented contemporary art. Early editions focused on classical and avant-garde music, but since its repositioning in 2005 under artistic director Tomas Zierhofer-Kin, it targeted younger audiences with adventurous aesthetics blending music, performance, and fine art. This shift, initially met with skepticism, has made it a fixture in the European festival landscape, attracting over 10,000 visitors annually through local collaborations and international co-productions.

Under Thomas Edlinger (artistic director since 2017), the festival has deepened its exploration of social themes, with curators like Bettina Kogler (2017–2018), Astrid Peterle (2018–2022), and Mateusz Szymanówka (Programme Advisor for Performance since 2023) shaping its interdisciplinary program. Dramaturge Sara Abbasi joins as curator for Performing Arts in 2025, continuing the tradition of high-caliber talks. Past leitmotifs include “Empathy” (2017), “Endless Present” (2018), “New Society” (2019), “Machines Like Us” (2020, canceled due to COVID-19), “In the Year of the Metal Ox” (2021 autumn edition), “Stealing the Stolen” (2022), “Beyond Human” (2023), and “Community of Aliens” (2024). The 2026 edition, spanning two spring weekends (May 1–3 and 8–10), will continue this thematic approach, examining cultural and social developments influencing creative practices, with free access to Kunstmeile Krems exhibitions included in day tickets.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities and Performances: Donaufestival 2026 will feature up to 20 events per day across music, performance, visual arts, film, and discourse, held at venues like Klangraum Krems Minoritenkirche, Messegelände Krems, and special locations. While the full program is TBD, expect a mix of international and local artists, similar to 2025’s lineup, including Billy Woods, Sega Bodega, Anna von Hausswolff, Liturgy, Nídia, Mala Herba, Katharina Ernst, and ATELIER-E.
• Highlights may include experimental music sets, immersive performances, and art installations, with a leitmotif guiding the curation. The festival’s “Stockholm Syndrome” surprise format from past editions adds spontaneous elements, while Theory & Talks sessions discuss the theme in depth.
• Special Traditions or Features: Each edition opens with a thematic foreword and trailer video, setting the tone for interdisciplinary exploration. High-caliber talks with artists and thinkers address the leitmotif, fostering discourse on social issues. Free admission to Kunstmeile Krems exhibitions (e.g., at Kunsthalle Krems or Graphische Sammlung) enhances the cultural experience.
• The Telegram channel provides real-time updates on program changes and ticket availability. Sustainability measures, per the NÖKU Sustainability Standard, include eco-labeled paper, reusable dishes, and climate-friendly travel promotion. Vouchers and group discounts encourage communal attendance, while the festival’s reader series offers in-depth essays on the theme.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors: Krems’ historic setting, along the Danube River, integrates medieval architecture with modern art, creating a “parallel world” of adventurous aesthetics. Visitors can explore pop-up installations, film screenings, and outdoor performances at the Messegelände. The festival’s emphasis on accessibility includes inductive sound systems and wheelchair places.
• Culinary offerings feature regional Lower Austrian specialties with vegetarian/vegan options. Past editions featured artists like Ghostpoet, Einstürzende Neubauten, and Jehnny Beth, suggesting 2026’s blend of electronic, experimental, and performance art. Free shuttle buses and bike-friendly paths promote eco-mobility.

Date & Duration

• Dates: May 1–3 and May 8–10, 2026 (two weekends in spring, following the traditional format).
• Duration: 6 days over two weekends.

Venue / Location

Donaufestival 2026 will span multiple venues in Krems an der Donau, Lower Austria, including the historic Klangraum Krems Minoritenkirche (a baroque church at Minoritenplatz 5, known for its acoustics), Messegelände Krems (fairgrounds at Utzstraße 12 for larger performances), Landesgalerie Niederösterreich (Museumsplatz 1 for exhibitions), and special sites like Stadtsaal or fair halls.

The compact town layout allows easy navigation on foot or by bike, with events integrating Krems’ Danube riverside and medieval streets. On festival days, box offices operate from 10:00–19:00 at Minoritenkirche and 12:00 until the last concert at Messegelände. The site emphasizes barrier-free access, with ramps, elevators, and inductive systems where possible.

• Google Maps Address: Klangraum Krems Minoritenkirche, Minoritenplatz 5, 3500 Krems an der Donau, Austria

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets are available online via donaufestival.at, at the NÖ Festival und Kino GmbH ticket office (Landesgalerie Niederösterreich, Museumsplatz 1, Tue–Fri 10:00–18:00), or by phone (+43 2732 90 80 33). On festival days, sales occur at Klangraum Krems Minoritenkirche (10:00–19:00) and Messegelände ticket container (12:00 until last concert). E-tickets can be downloaded or presented digitally; postal shipping is available.
• Vouchers are purchasable online or at the office. Single-event tickets are possible for select performances, but day tickets (covering up to 20 events) offer better value. Reservations for free numbered tickets are required online. Group bookings (10+ people) and youth discounts apply; payment options include credit cards, bank transfer, and cash at box offices.
• Admission Type and Pricing: Admission is mixed—some events free, others paid. Based on 2025 pricing (expected to be similar for 2026; €1 ≈ $1.10 USD as of September 2025), estimated prices in USD:
  • Day Ticket (full access to up to 20 events): $77–$88 (~€70–€80)
  • Weekend Ticket (one weekend): $132–$154 (~€120–€140)
  • Full Festival Pass (both weekends): $220–$242 (~€200–€220)
  • Single Event/Concert Ticket: $22–$44 (~€20–€40, varies by performance)
  • Youth Discount (under 27): 50% off day/weekend tickets (~$38.50–$44 for day)
  • Group Discount (10+): 20% off
  • Free Numbered Tickets: For select events, reservable online (first-come, first-served)
  • Attendant for Disabled Visitors: Free with disability card Prices include VAT; e-ticket shipping adds ~$2.20 (~€2). No refunds, but exchanges possible for documented cases.
• Minimum and Maximum Ticket Price Range: The minimum ticket price is $0 for free events or attendants (with disability card). The maximum is $242 for the Full Festival Pass, excluding add-ons like postal shipping (~$2.20).
• Special Seating or VIP Options: No VIP areas; focus on inclusive access. Wheelchair places and hearing-impaired options (e.g., Mobile Connect via WiFi for real-time audio streaming to smartphones/hearing aids) must be reserved in advance (+43 2732 90 80 33). Assistance dogs allowed; barrier-free WCs and ramps available. Infopoints at Minoritenplatz assist on-site.

Contact Information

• Email: tickets@donaufestival.at (tickets); info@donaufestival.at (general inquiries); sustainability@noe-festival.at (sustainability feedback to Klaus Moser).
• Phone: +43 (0) 2732 90 80 33 (ticket hotline, Tue–Fri 10:00–18:00); +43 (0) 2732 90 80 30 (festival office).
• Website: https://www.donaufestival.at/en
• Social Media: @donaufestival (Instagram/Facebook); Telegram channel for updates.
• Mailing Address: NÖ Festival und Kino GmbH, Minoritenplatz 4, A-3500 Krems, Austria.
• Key Staff: Thomas Edlinger (Artistic Director); Mateusz Szymanówka (Programme Advisor for Performance); Sara Abbasi (Curator for Performing Arts, 2025 onward).
• Press/Volunteers: Press via info@donaufestival.at; volunteer info TBD via festival office (typically opens early 2026).
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English/German support; join newsletter/Telegram for real-time alerts on program changes and tickets.

Cultural Experience

Donaufestival immerses visitors in contemporary Austrian and international art, blending music, performance, and discourse in Krems’ historic Danube setting. The leitmotif-driven program explores social themes like empathy or community, with events in baroque churches and modern fairgrounds fostering intimate yet expansive experiences. Attendees encounter experimental sounds—from electronic and avant-garde music to spoken word—alongside visual installations and talks featuring global artists. Costumes range from casual festival attire to artistic expressions, reflecting the youthful, innovative vibe.

The festival promotes inclusivity through gender-sensitive language, minority representation, and barrier-free measures like inductive loops and wheelchair escorts. Talks and “Theory & Talks” sessions encourage dialogue on sustainability and society, aligning with the NÖKU Sustainability Standard. Visitors can freely explore Kunstmeile Krems exhibitions, integrating visual arts with performances. Local customs, such as Danube riverside walks, enhance the cultural fabric, while the “Stockholm Syndrome” format surprises with unannounced events. Assistance dogs and attendants underscore accessibility, creating a respectful, discrimination-free environment.

Food & Drinks

Donaufestival’s catering emphasizes sustainable, regional Lower Austrian fare, with reusable dishes and seasonal products per the NÖKU policy. Must-try specialties include:

• Wiener Schnitzel: Veal cutlet with potato salad, a Viennese classic (~$11–$16 USD).
• Käsespätzle: Cheesy Austrian noodle dish, vegetarian option (~$9–$13 USD).
• Apfelstrudel: Apple strudel with vanilla sauce (~$5–$7 USD).
• Grüner Veltliner: Local crisp white wine from Wachau vineyards (~$6–$9 USD/glass).
• Vegan Alternatives: Seasonal salads or lentil soups (~$8–$12 USD). Free tap water is available; at least one vegetarian/vegan dish per stand. Waste food is composted, and eco-labeled packaging used. Stands at Messegelände and Minoritenkirche operate during events, with cash/card payments.

Getting There

• By Air: Vienna International Airport (VIE), 80 km away (~1 hour drive), is the nearest hub. Trains to Krems via Wien Meidling (1.5 hours, ~$20–$30 USD) or shuttles (~$50 USD).
• By Public Transport: Direct trains from Vienna (ÖBB, 1 hour, ~$15–$25 USD) to Krems station; festival shuttles from station to venues (~$5 USD, book via donaufestival.at). Buses from Linz or Salzburg (~2–3 hours, ~$20–$40 USD).
• By Car: From Vienna via A22/Donauuferautobahn (1 hour). Parking at Minoritenplatz (barrier-free spots) or Messegelände (~$5–$10 USD/day). Eco-friendly: carpooling encouraged.
• By Bike: Danube Cycle Path (Donauradweg) leads to Krems; free bike parking at venues. Rentals in Krems (~$10–$15 USD/day).
• Bus Transfer: Affordable shuttle buses for return travel, timed to train schedules (promoted for climate-friendly mobility). Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible options available.

Accommodation Options

Krems offers diverse stays, bookable via donaufestival.at or Booking.com:

• Hotels: Hotel-Garni Krems (~$80–$120/night, central, near Minoritenplatz); Steigenberger Hotel Der Sonnenhof (~$100–$150/night, riverside views).
• Hostels: AHA Krems Hostel (~$30–$50/night, budget-friendly, bike storage).
• Airbnb: Apartments in Krems old town (~$70–$130/night), ideal for groups.
• Camping: Nearby Wachau Valley campsites (~$40–$60/night, tent sites with facilities).
• Booking Tip: Book early for festival weekends; packages may include shuttle access. Barrier-free options at select hotels.