Austria's March cultural wave brings film, music and art to life
March brings a wave of cultural events across Austria, from film festivals to live performances. Cities like Graz, Vienna, Salzburg, and St. Pölten will host a mix of music, literature, and art exhibitions over the coming week. Highlights include international artists, award ceremonies, and historic celebrations of classical and contemporary works.
In Graz, the Diagonale festival is showcasing its film competition, featuring works like Matthias van Baaren's Licht, kein Licht (Light, No Light). The event culminates in an awards ceremony on March 23 at 6 p.m., honouring the best documentaries and feature films. The city's cultural scene has grown significantly in recent years, bolstered by its status as a UNESCO City of Design since 2011 and its legacy as the EU Capital of Culture in 2003. Unlike Vienna's global focus or Salzburg's festival-driven reputation, Graz has carved out a niche for cross-border, innovative projects, expanding its visibility through partnerships with networks like Creative Europe.
On March 21 at 8 p.m., rising East Coast soul artist Garth will take the stage at Loft in Graz. Meanwhile, Vienna's annual Bach Week runs from March 23 to 27 at the Stadtkirche, celebrating the composer's works. The Kunsthistorisches Museum will also open Canaletto & Bellotto on March 24, an exhibition examining how the Venetian painters shaped European cityscapes through their idealised depictions.
Literary events are equally prominent. The Rauris Literary Days and Literatur im Nebel festival will welcome high-profile guests, including Sophie Hunger. On March 25 at 7 p.m., she will read from her novel Walzer mit Niemand (Waltz with No One). Over in Salzburg, American singer-songwriter Brooklyn Dekker will perform on March 25 and 26, with stops in Salzburg and St. Pölten. Finally, the Mozarthaus hosts Lorenzo Da Ponte's staged tableau vivant concert on March 24 and 25, exploring the political roots of The Marriage of Figaro and the nature of art itself.
The coming days offer a diverse lineup of cultural experiences, from Graz's film awards to Vienna's classical celebrations and Salzburg's live performances. Each event reflects the unique artistic identity of its host city, drawing both local and international audiences. Tickets and further details are available through the respective venues and organisers.
