Culture Calendar – October 2019
October brings with it a range of beautiful autumn colours, some fresh, cool air and a whole lot of fun. Grand film festivals, magical culture events, exciting races and beautiful illuminations, this month offers a great range of highlights across the DACH region. Let’s get October started.
TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | MAIN PHOTO © DIANE ALLFORD, 2017
15th Zurich Film Festival, Zurich (26 September – 6 October)
This festival is Switzerland’s place to be when it comes to the world of film. Celebrities, directors and actors travel across the world to celebrate international film in Zurich. The week is packed with great premieres and a range of fantastic talks and workshops. An event that should not be missed.
Schubertiade, Hohenems (2 – 9 October)
The Schubertiade is an absolute must for Schubert fans in particular, and lovers of classical music in general. It’s considered to be the world’s number one Schubert festival, and although it runs events all year round, the annual Schubertiade in Hohenems seems to be the cherry on the icing.
Almut Kühne will be at Jazz & The City, Salzburg. Photo: © Schindelbeck
Day of German Unity Celebrations, Berlin (3 October)
During the German national holiday, the country remembers the reunion of the former GDR and the Federal Republic of Germany in 1990. The capital celebrates it with festivals around the Brandenburg Gate, including numerous stages hosting live concerts and plenty of street food stalls. This is most certainly one of the biggest street parties of the year in Berlin.
Heinrich Schütz Musikfest, Dresden (4 – 13 October)
This year, the Heinrich Schütz music festival has ‘something new’ as its core theme, and explores innovative ideas. Guests are invited to enjoy a marvellous range of classical concerts, but also to reflect on what it means to create something new.
ORF Long Night of Museums. Photo: © ORF / Hans Leitner
ORF Long Night of Museums 2019, across Austria (5 October)
Now in its 20th edition, Austria’s Long Night of the Museums is organised by ORF. This night full of culture across Austria kicks off at 6pm and lasts until 1am. Numerous museums and galleries open their doors to the night owls among us. Special events, interesting workshops and live concerts complement the occasion and turn Austria into the glamorous background for a truly magical night of culture.
Berlin illuminated, Berlin (9 – 20 October)
This festival of lights in Germany’s capital is a wonderful way to get into the autumn mood. With a wealth of vibrant lights, these colourful illuminations put some lesser known yet significant buildings across the city into the limelight. The installations and projections can be found all over Berlin, and attract over two million spectators each year.
Cologne Marathon. Photo: © Köln Marathon / Wilhelmi
RheinEnergieMarathon, Cologne (13 October)
Cologne Cathedral is the finish line for Germany’s fourth-largest marathon. More than 20,000 runners, as well as schools and companies,many come together to run across spectacular Cologne every year. There’s still time to sign up!
www.rheinenergiemarathon-koeln.de
Jazz & The City, Salzburg (16 – 20 October)
Jazz & The City fills Salzburg with some rich sounds. In 50 locations across the town. music lovers can look forward to around 100 concerts. The programme includes anything from world music to jazz and electronic, and showcases international artists as well as local newcomers.
shnit Shortfilm Festival, Berlin. Photo: © shnit Worldwide Shortfilm Festival
Venus Berlin, Berlin (17 – 20 October)
Venus Berlin is the world’s leading trade fair for erotic entertainment and lifestyle. It is held at Berlin’s trade fair grounds and is open to both professional visitors and the public. Around 250 exhibitors from 40 different countries are expected, and each year this event attracts up to 30,000 guests.
shnit Worldwide Shortfilm Festival, Bern (17 – 28 October)
Bern’s international short-film festival is the biggest of its kind in the whole of Switzerland. It’s a great platform for experimental works, but also shines a light on new trends. Emerging talent, both local and international, attend this wonderful festival each year.
Radquer Weltcup. Photo: © www.sambuchli.com
Radque-Weltcup, Bern (19 – 20 October)
This year marks the second time the prestigious Radque Weltcup is coming back to Bern. The route takes cyclists around Europe’s largest artificial swimming pool and also offers different races in various categories. Two days of sporty fun!
Rendez-vous Bundesplatz, Bern (19 October – 23 November)
Rendez-vous Bundesplatz is an absolutely magical event. Every evening at 7pm and 8.30pm, right outside the parliament building, a beautiful show is projected onto the old building. This year’s show is called FIRST STEP and examines the moon landing.
Rendez-vous Bundesplatz, Bern. Photo: © Rendez-vous Bundesplatz
FriScènes Theatre Festival, Fribourg (19 – 26 October)
The international theatre festival FriScènes is widely seen as an open creative space that encourages artistic dialogue. It mixes professional and amateur theatre and thus is a wonderful platform for future collaborations and networking.
Viennale Film Festival, Vienna (24 October – 6 November)
The prestigious international film festival in Vienna is one of the most exciting events in Austria’s calendar. Celebrities, filmmakers and guests from all over the world flock to Vienna to see premieres, attend workshops and listen to talks.
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