Culture Calendar: October 2024
TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE
ORF Lange Nacht der Museen Austria. Photo: ORF / Hans Leitner
October is set to dazzle with a rich lineup of cultural events, from star-studded film festivals and vibrant light displays to inspiring music and theatre performances. Whether you’re a film buff, art lover or music enthusiast, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this month.
ZURICH FILM FESTIVAL, ZURICH (3 – 13 OCTOBER)
Save the date for Switzerland’s premier cinematic event, the Zurich Film Festival. Film-makers, actors and celebrities from around the globe gather to celebrate the art of cinema and pay tribute to their craft. With exciting premieres and engaging discussions, this is a must-attend for any film enthusiast.
Festival of Lights, Berlin. Photo: Festival of Lights
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS, BERLIN (4 – 13 OCTOBER)
Returning for its 20th edition, the Festival of Lights will once again light up Germany’s capital this October. With the theme ‘Celebrating Freedom,’ this year’s vibrant illuminations will shine on both well-known landmarks and hidden architectural treasures across the city, offering a wonderful journey through Berlin’s illuminated streets.
Festival of Lights, Berlin. Photo: Festival of Lights
HEINRICH SCHÜTZ MUSIKFEST, DRESDEN (4 – 13 OCTOBER)
This year, the Heinrich Schütz Music Festi- val embraces the theme ‘ungezähmt.kreativ. weiblich’ (wild. creative. female). Guests are invited to experience a captivating array of classical concerts and explore the wealth of knowledge expressed through the power of sound.
ORF LONG NIGHT OF MUSEUMS, AUSTRIA (5 OCTOBER)
Presented by ORF, Austria’s Long Night of the Museums promises to captivate visitors from dusk until the early morning hours. Numerous museums and galleries will welcome night- time culture lovers, offering a magical blend of workshops and concerts that turn the evening into a vibrant celebration of art and science.
FRISCÈNES THEATRE FESTIVAL, FRIBOURG (6 – 12 OCTOBER)
FriScènes, the international theatre festival, is celebrated as a haven for creative dialogue and artistic exchange. And rightly so. Bringing together both professional and amateur thea- tre offers a dynamic platform for future collab- orations and networking among participants. Whether as a performer or an audience mem- ber, it’s an event that always delivers.
Jazz & The City, Almut Schlichting and Astrid Wiesinger (2023). Photo: Henry Schulz / JTC Salzburg
JAZZ & THE CITY, SALZBURG (17 – 20 OCTOBER)
For more than 25 years, the Jazz & The City festival has turned Salzburg’s historic old town into a lively stage, celebrating contemporary musical diversity and limitless improvisation with a global touch. Under the theme ‘This is us!’, the four-day festival welcomes national and international artists, music lovers and cu- rious visitors for an unforgettable experience.
Jazz & The City. Photo: Henry Schulz / JTC Salzburg
VIENNALE FILM FESTIVAL, VIENNA (17 – 29 OCTOBER)
Vienna’s renowned international film festival is undeniably one of the highlights of Austria’s event calendar. This prestigious cinematic celebration attracts celebrities, filmmakers and film enthusiasts from all over the world, featuring an impressive lineup of premieres, workshops and discussions. It’s a must-see event for any film lover.
Viennale. Photo: Alexi Pelekanos
RENDEZ-VOUS BUNDESPLATZ, BERN (19 OCTOBER – 23 NOVEMBER)
The Rendez-vous Bundesplatz turns the Parliament building’s façade into a captivating canvas for storytelling. This year’s show, titled ‘Volare’, offers a mesmerising exploration of the moon landing, delighting audiences each evening with three performances from Tuesday to Sunday.
ORF Lange Nacht der Museen Austria. Photo: ORF / Hans Leitner
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