Events & happenings in Villach
Villach offers a variety of events throughout the year. These include traditional festivals, cultural highlights and regular markets. Whether Villach Church Day, carnival or summer events along the Drau – the city is characterized by a varied programme.
In addition to large and well-known events, there are always smaller events taking place to enrich your stay. This makes it easy to combine a visit to Villach with current events, regional markets or seasonal highlights such as Advent.
Villach Carnival
The Villach Carnival is one of the most important carnival events in Austria and looks back on a long tradition. The carnival season extends over several weeks and is firmly anchored in the cultural life of the town.
The highlight is the big carnival parade on Carnival Saturday, during which numerous masked groups and clubs parade through Villach’s city center. The program is complemented by the carnival sessions of the Villach Carnival Guild, which take place regularly and are also known beyond the region.
Villacher Kirchtag
The Villach Carnival is one of the most important carnival events in Austria and looks back on a long tradition. The carnival season extends over several weeks and is firmly anchored in the cultural life of the town.
The highlight is the big carnival parade on Carnival Saturday, during which numerous masked groups and clubs parade through Villach’s city center. The program is complemented by the carnival sessions of the Villach Carnival Guild, which take place regularly and are also known beyond the region.
Crime Festival Carinthia
The Krimifest Kärnten is a literature festival that takes place every year in Villach and the Wörthersee region. The focus is on readings by well-known authors who present their latest works at various locations.
Draupuls
The impressive water show on the Drau combines water fountains with light, colors and music. The performances take place in the area between the Drau Bridge and the Congress Center Villach.
The shows take place regularly in the summer months and create a special atmosphere along the Drau promenade, especially in the evening hours.
Street art festival
The street art festival brings international artists to Villach every year. Performances take place in the old town area, including Hauptplatz, Rathausplatz and Kirchenplatz.
The program includes various forms of street art, including acrobatics, juggling, music and theater. The performances are all free to attend.
European Bike Week at Lake Faak
The European Bike Week at Lake Faak is one of the largest motorcycle events in Europe and takes place every year in September at Lake Faak. The focus is on Harley-Davidson motorcycles, exhibitions and an extensive supporting program.
During the event, the region around Lake Faak is transformed into a meeting place for visitors from all over Europe. In addition to the presentations and rides, concerts, shows and numerous events characterize the event.
Advent in Villach
Villach Advent takes place in the old town around the main square, the town hall square and the upper and lower church squares. Several Advent markets are spread throughout the city center.
During this time, the city centre is characterized by festive lighting, regional cuisine and an atmospheric supporting programme. The offer is complemented by arts and crafts, music and various events that bring Villach to life in the run-up to Christmas.
Weekly markets in Villach
Markets are held several times a week in Villach’s city center. You can discover fresh fruit and vegetables, regional specialties and products from the surrounding area.
- Specialty market: The specialty market takes place every Friday from 8 am to 1 pm in Widmanngasse. Selected regional and international specialties are on offer. The market complements the classic range with special products with a focus on enjoyment and variety.
- Weekly market: The weekly market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday from 6:30 am to 1 pm at Burgplatz and Draulände. It is one of the largest markets in the city and offers a wide selection of fresh food, regional products and seasonal specialties.
- Organic farmers’ market: The organic farmers’ market takes place every Friday from 8 am to 1 pm on Hans-Gasser-Platz. The focus here is on organic products from the region, including fruit and vegetables, bread, meat and other specialties from controlled cultivation.
Seasonal markets
In addition to the weekly markets, several seasonal markets are held in Villach throughout the year. As the exact dates can change from year to year, we recommend taking a look at the current Villach market calendar before visiting.
- All Saints’ Day market: The All Saints’ Day market takes place in the area of the central cemetery, the forest cemetery, the St. Ruprecht cemetery and the Drobollach cemetery. Every year around All Saints’ Day, you can find a variety of products especially for All Saints’ Day, such as flowers, wreaths, candles and grave decorations. Next date: October 30 to November 1, 2026
- Dreikönigsmarkt: The Dreikönigsmarkt takes place every year on the first Monday after Epiphany in Villach town center. More than 100 exhibitors from all over Austria come to Villach to offer numerous goods such as clothing, shoes, cooking accessories, handmade baskets and regional specialties. Next date: January 11, 2027
- Easter market: The Easter market is one of the seasonal spring events in the city center. Easter specialties, gift ideas, handicrafts and Easter decorations are on offer. The market is complemented by an extensive children’s program with a children’s train, carousel, children’s bungee and slide. The Easter market takes place on Rathausplatz, the upper main square and the lower church square. Next date: March 18 to 27, 2027
- Flower market: The flower market takes place in spring on Hans-Gasser-Platz. The focus is on summer flowers, herbs, vegetable plants and garden accessories. Local nurseries and florists take part. Next date: May 1 and 2, 2026
- Confirmation market: The confirmation market is held once a year on Ascension Day at the Oberer Kirchenplatz near the main parish church of St. Jakob. Among other things, confirmation badges, prayer books, religious articles, confectionery and gift items are on sale. Next date: May 14, 2026
- Alps-Adriatic Ceramics Market: The Alps-Adriatic Ceramics Market takes place annually in early summer on Rathausplatz, on the upper and lower church square. Exhibitors from Austria and abroad present ceramics from their own production, from tableware and garden ceramics to jewelry and artistic objects. Next date: June 24 to 27, 2026
- Jakobimarkt: The Jakobimarkt takes place every year on the Monday before the Villach church festival around the main parish church of St. Jakob. There are numerous handicrafts, ceramics, food, toys, traditional costume jewelry, wood carvings and much more to discover. Next date: July 27, 2026
- Laurentiusmarkt: The Laurentiusmarkt takes place every year in August and is one of the most traditional markets in the region. Around 130 stallholders from Austria and Italy are regularly expected to attend. Next date: August 10, 2026
Central accommodation for events in Villach
The Boutique Hotel Goldenes Lamm is centrally located in Villach’s old town and thus offers an ideal starting point for events. Many events take place in the immediate vicinity and are easily accessible on foot.
Whether Villacher Kirchtag, carnival or summer events, short distances make planning easier and allow a flexible visit to the events. This makes it easy to combine several program items and make the most of your time in Villach.