Gauder Fest 2027 in Zell am Ziller, Austria – Dates, Programme & Visitor Guide

Welcome to the Gauder Fest 2027 in Zell am Ziller

The Gauder Fest 2027 takes place from 29 April to 2 May in Zell am Ziller in the Zillertal valley. As Austria’s largest spring and traditional costume festival and a UNESCO-listed intangible cultural heritage event, it attracts around 30,000 visitors every year. The centrepiece is the legendary Gauderbock – Austria’s strongest festival beer at 7.8 % alcohol – together with living traditions, music and the country’s largest traditional costume parade.

Highlights & Attractions at Gauder Fest in Zell am Ziller

• The famous Gauderbock (7.8 % alcohol) from the Zillertal Bier brewery
• Austria’s largest traditional costume parade on Sunday with around 2,500–3,000 participants, historic carriages and horse teams
• Traditional Alpine wrestling (Ranggeln) for the coveted “Gauder Hogmoar” title
• Traditional livestock shows featuring Tux-Zillertal cattle and other regional breeds
• Folk music, brass bands and live acts in the large Zillertal Bier festival tent
• Gauder Market with crafts and regional specialities
• Gambrinus speech, official beer tapping by the Governor and colourful costume groups

Program & Schedule: What to Expect in 2027

The festival traditionally opens on Thursday evening with the kick-off in the Zillertal Bier festival tent and folk music. Friday marks the official start with the beer tapping ceremony and the humorous-satirical Gambrinus speech. Saturday focuses on the young traditional costume groups, wrestling competitions and further livestock shows. The absolute highlight is the grand parade on Sunday morning after the open-air mass. The programme is completed by a fairground, the Gauder Market and evening entertainment in the festival and party tents. Exact times and performers will be published closer to the event on the official website.

Tickets & Admission for Gauder Fest Zell am Ziller

Reservations for the Gauder Fest 2027 open in January 2027 via the Zell-Gerlos Tourism Association. Based on previous years, day tickets for the outdoor area and festival tent range approximately from 15 to 70 euros depending on the day and category (including reserved seating and meal/drink packages). Children and young people often enjoy reduced or free access to the outdoor grounds. Current prices and packages will be published in good time on gauderfest.at. Cash only is accepted throughout the entire festival area.

Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in Zell am Ziller

• Travel by train to Zell am Ziller or by car via the Inntal motorway; special traffic regulations and shuttle services apply during the festival.
• Pack weatherproof, comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes – most of the festival takes place outdoors and the Zillertal can still be cool in spring.
• Book accommodation in Zell am Ziller and the surrounding area early through the Zell-Gerlos Tourism Association, as the festival is very popular.
• Secure reserved seats in the festival tent in advance; the outdoor grounds and the parade can be enjoyed without prior booking.
• Do not miss the Sunday parade – it is the absolute highlight and one of the most colourful traditional events in the Alps.