Salzburg Festival

Name: Salzburg Festival
Start: 2025-07-17
End: 2025-08-30
Location: Salzburg

Each Summer, the City Becomes a Grand Stage for the World

2025/07/17 - 2025/08/30

Every summer, the city of Salzburg transforms into a grand stage filled with artists and audiences from all over the globe. The Salzburg Festival, one of Europe’s most prestigious events, is held for about six weeks from mid-July to late August, celebrating classical music, opera, and theatre. The city’s cobbled old town, Baroque squares, and magnificent concert halls are filled with the sounds of orchestras, world-class performances, and the vibrant energy of an international crowd. This is a festival not only for music lovers, but also for cultural travelers and anyone who wants to experience the magic of an Austrian summer.

The scent of freshly baked pastries mingles with the melodies of Mozart and Strauss, and the golden evening light reflects off domes and spires, making Salzburg feel like a living opera set. From elegantly dressed opera-goers to families picnicking in the Mirabell Gardens, everyone becomes part of this grand yet intimate celebration.

Main Attractions

World-Class Opera, Concerts, and Theatre

At the heart of the Salzburg Festival is a dazzling program of over 200 performances. Opera, orchestral concerts, chamber music, and theatre are performed by the world’s leading conductors, singers, and musicians. Legendary venues include the Grosses Festspielhaus, the beautiful stone-arcaded Felsenreitschule, and the outdoor stage in front of the Cathedral. The annual tradition of “Jedermann” (Everyman), a morality play performed on the cathedral steps, has become a symbol of the festival.

From morning Mozart recitals in palaces to avant-garde theatre at night, music and art fill the city. Even without a ticket, visitors can enjoy free outdoor screenings and pop-up performances throughout Salzburg.

Elegant Attire, Historic Venues, and Festive Atmosphere

Festival-goers dress up in evening gowns, tuxedos, and traditional Austrian dirndls or lederhosen, creating a special night out. The city is decorated with banners, floral displays, and lanterns, and the scent of polished wood and fresh flowers fills the halls. Outdoors, the aroma of roasted almonds, coffee, and local delicacies from food stalls spreads through the festive city.

Traditional Food and Drink

Between performances, visitors can enjoy Salzburg’s culinary delights: crispy apple strudel, Wiener schnitzel, and Mozartkugel (chocolate and marzipan confections) are must-tries. Street stalls offer pretzels, sausages, and baked goods, while cafés serve rich coffee and Grüner Veltliner (white wine). On summer evenings, a cold Austrian beer or sparkling wine (Sekt) is also recommended.

Cultural and Historical Background

The Salzburg Festival began in 1920, at a time when Europe was enveloped in confusion and loss after World War I. In the aftermath of the war, poet Hugo von Hofmannsthal, composer Richard Strauss, and director Max Reinhardt sought to create a festival in Salzburg that would heal people’s hearts through the power of art and symbolize peace and renewal. They aimed to fuse music, theatre, and Salzburg’s Baroque architecture and historic cityscape, and the inaugural performance of “Jedermann” (Everyman) on the Cathedral Square became a major event. This tradition continues today and remains the festival’s signature production.

For over 100 years since, the Salzburg Festival has developed by valuing both innovation and tradition, adapting flexibly to the social climate and artistic trends of each era. Even during the difficult times of the Nazi regime and World War II, the festival overcame interruptions and restrictions, and after the war, established itself as an international stage. Many world-renowned stars and conductors, such as Herbert von Karajan, Anna Netrebko, and Daniel Barenboim, have appeared, and legendary performances and new opera premieres have been born here.

For Salzburg’s citizens, the festival is a source of pride as the birthplace of Mozart and the core of the city’s cultural identity. Every summer, locals and visitors come together, and music and art create exchanges that cross borders and generations. For art lovers worldwide, the Salzburg Festival is a symbol of “the power of art to connect people and create hope,” embodying both creativity and renewal.

Participant Voices

Visiting the Salzburg Festival was a dream come true. Dressing up for the opera, strolling the old town with rehearsal music drifting from open windows… Watching “Jedermann” under the stars, it felt like the whole city was alive with music.

Fun Facts

The Salzburg Festival hosts over 200 performances each year and attracts more than 250,000 visitors from around the world.
“Jedermann” has been performed annually since 1920, except during World War II.
The festival inspired the setting for “The Sound of Music,” and many fans enjoy both the festival and film location tours.
Mozartkugel was invented in 1890 and is a classic festival sweet.

Festival Dates

The Salzburg Festival is held every year from mid-July to the end of August at various venues throughout Salzburg. For tickets and program details, see the official website.