Event Details
Welcome to the Neustifter Kirtag 2026
From 20 to 23 August 2026, the peaceful wine village of Neustift am Walde in Vienna's 19th district turns into a lively open air festival. The Neustifter Kirtag is one of the city's oldest and best known traditional festivals, dating back to the mid 18th century, when local wine growers asked Empress Maria Theresa for tax relief. In gratitude she let them keep the harvest crown they had offered her, on the condition that Neustift would hold an annual Kirtag from then on. Since 2020, the raising of the Hiatabaum and the procession with the Hauerkrone have been recognised as part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Highlights
- Over 250 years of wine growing tradition with UNESCO recognised customs
- Procession of the Hauerkrone through Neustift and Salmannsdorf
- "Weinhiata", "Altbursch" and bottle carrying boys in traditional dress
- Numerous market stalls with food and drink
- Stops at the rustic wine taverns (Buschenschänke and Heurige) of the area
- Live music and a festive ceremony across several days
- More than 100,000 visitors over the four festival days
Program
The festival runs from Thursday, 20 August, through Sunday, 23 August 2026. Stalls typically open around midday, and from early afternoon live music and grilled chicken from the Kirtag's large charcoal grill set the mood. The traditional highlight is the procession of the Hauerkrone on Saturday afternoon, when the Weinhiata parade through the streets of Neustift in historic costume. On all four days, the participating wine taverns and Buschenschänke along the festival route between Agnesgasse and Hameaustraße/Celtesgasse invite visitors to rest with a glass of Viennese wine. The unofficial dress code is traditional Austrian folk wear: dirndls and lederhosen are common sights.
Tickets
Entry to the Neustifter Kirtag is free. Tables at individual wine taverns and Buschenschänke are usually reserved in advance or allocated by lottery on the busiest days, typically Friday and Saturday; on Sunday tables are generally not reserved and access is open to everyone. Visitors who want a guaranteed seat should contact their preferred venue in Neustift am Walde ahead of time.
Visitor Tips
- Reserve a table at your preferred wine tavern early, especially for Friday and Saturday.
- Traveling by public transport is recommended, as parking in Neustift am Walde is limited.
- Traditional dress is welcome but not required; comfortable shoes help for strolling along the festival mile.
- Arrive early along the route if you want a good view of the Hauerkrone procession.
- Even on weekdays the popular stalls can get crowded in the evening, so allow some patience.
