newsletter sign up
The year 2024 promises to be an exciting blend of sports, culture, and tradition for Villach. The city on the Drau River will be the stage for a variety of events that will captivate both locals and visitors alike. Here is an overview of the key dates for 2024 that you can already mark in your calendar.
The year kicks off with an impressive start as the world's best female ski jumpers gather at the Villacher Alpen Arena. The two events of the FIS Women's Ski Jumping World Cup promise breathtaking jumps and exciting competitions in the picturesque Alpine landscape, featuring 70 participants from over 16 nations.
The Villacher Fasching reaches its peak with the grand Carnival parade on Carnival Saturday, filling the streets and squares of the Villach city center with color, music, and lively atmosphere. A vibrant celebration for young and old, where tradition and fun go hand in hand.
For the first time in 2024, a Winter Edition of the United World Games will take place! The United Winter Games, set in the Villach region – at the tri-border area Dreiländereck and in Ferlach – offer a diverse winter sports event for children, featuring a unique combination of various winter sports competitions and tournaments, along with cultural events. Young athletes from around the world come together to showcase their skills in a harmonious environment.
The Villach Easter Market welcomes spring with regional delicacies, artisanal treasures, and a charming atmosphere in the Villach city center. This is an ideal place to get in the mood for the Easter festival.
At THE LAKE ROCKS SUP Festival 2024, world-class professional paddlers, hobby SUP enthusiasts, and beginners compete in various individual and team competitions on the turquoise Faaker See and the Drau River. Four days of racing action, fun test paddling, and paddle parties with live music await spectators and festival visitors.
While Europe is in the football frenzy, Villach offers a relaxed atmosphere to watch the UEFA EURO 2024 games at the Pub Garden Viewing. A convivial gathering in Villach's beer gardens where emotions run high. Exact locations and dates will be announced later.
The Villacher Kirchtag, Austria's largest traditional festival, will once again bring the old town to life with music, traditional costumes, and culinary delights in 2024. A must for anyone who wants to experience Carinthian culture up close.
For classical music fans, the Carinthischer Sommer offers a diverse program of high-quality concerts in an idyllic atmosphere. The internationally renowned music festival, which has been held in Carinthia since 1969, takes place at various venues in addition to the festival centers in Ossiach and Villach.
Bikers from all over Europe gather annually for the European Bike Week at Faaker See to share their passion for motorcycling. A Harley-Davidson event full of adrenaline, freedom, and community. Don't miss the grand Harley Parade on Saturday!
The year concludes with a festive visit to Villacher Advent and the Winter Wonder Forest. The festively decorated city invites you to stroll, marvel, and enjoy – a pre-Christmas experience for the whole family.
In 2024, Villach not only promises a diverse event program but also unforgettable experiences for locals and guests alike. In addition to the mentioned events, there are many more to look forward to, including International Women's Day and Bike Kickoff in March, the multilingual gala "La Boum" and the city flower market in April, the Cherry Festival and Silbersee Opening in May, the Street Artists Festival, the Crafts Market, the sing along festival “Villach Singt”, the No Border Music Festival in the summer months from June to August, the crime novel festival “Krimifest” in October, and the reading festival “Lesestadt” in November, as well as the Krampus Parade and the “Bauernadvent” in December. It's definitely worth keeping an eye out!
The entire welcome2villach team wishes you a happy New Year and a fantastic start to an promising eventful year in Villach!