Graz – Aufsteirern 2027

Aufsteirern Graz 2027 once again turns Graz city centre into a big stage for Styrian folk culture on Saturday, 18 September, and Sunday, 19 September 2027. The organiser has confirmed both days and free admission. You can experience music, traditional dress, dance, crafts and regional specialities right in the historic city centre.

Aufsteirern Graz 2027: official dates and opening hours

The Aufsteirern festival traditionally takes place on the first weekend after the start of the school year in Styria. The dates for the 2027 edition have already been officially confirmed: Saturday, 18 September from 12 to 22, and Sunday, 19 September from 10 to 20. According to the organiser's latest information, the official opening is planned for Sunday at 10 at Graz's Hauptplatz, with the traditional ceremonial beer tapping. Further details of performers and stage times have not yet been fully published. We therefore distinguish the confirmed opening from the details of the programme, which are still to be announced.

Graz's Hauptplatz, Herrengasse and other festival areas

The festival is spread across several central squares, streets and courtyards. You can usually find music, dance performances and food at Hauptplatz, in Herrengasse and at other locations in the city centre. Mariahilferplatz, on the other side of the Mur, is now also part of the large festival area. The final site plan for 2027 will be published later. Our map therefore marks Hauptplatz as a central landmark, not the boundaries of every stage and stall area.

Aufsteirern Graz 2027: music, traditional dress and Styrian traditions

Aufsteirern combines folk music and living traditions with a contemporary city festival. Music groups, choirs and dance associations usually perform on several stages. Visitors often wear dirndls or lederhosen, but of course you do not need to wear traditional dress to join in the celebrations. Craftspeople and exhibitors also showcase traditional methods and products. The groups performing in September 2027 have not yet been confirmed; details from previous years are therefore not presented as the current stage programme.

Food and activities for families

A walk around the festival also takes you past numerous stalls selling Styrian specialities. Regional dishes, sweets, drinks and products from different parts of Styria are all part of the typical Aufsteirern experience. Previous editions have also featured creative activities, games and special events for children. The individual exhibitors and their locations will be announced with the new site plan. If you are visiting with your family, it is worth checking the routes between the event locations in advance for a more relaxed visit.

Free admission – but you pay for what you buy

The Aufsteirern Festival is open on Saturday and Sunday without a general admission fee. Both the organiser and Graz Tourist Information explicitly confirm this for 2027. That is why our event calendar lists it as “Free admission”. You pay for food, drinks and goods directly at the stalls. Check the terms in advance for any special offers organised independently. A large traditional amusement park with specific rides has not been confirmed as a central part of the 2027 edition.

Travel by public transport

As large parts of Graz city centre are being used as the festival area, tram services may be disrupted during the event. According to the organiser, trams will not run through Hauptplatz and Herrengasse; replacement services will be available. You should also allow for possible road closures and how busy the car parks may be. Travelling by train, bus and public transport in Graz is therefore a particularly good option. The organisers will provide information about traffic changes shortly before the festival.

Official information, photos and other fairs

You can find the current programme and the site plan, when available, on the official Aufsteirern website. Our authentic archive photos are from previous editions and do not show 2027. You can also find many other fairs and Kirtage in Austria via the event calendar. Before travelling, check the official updates on the weather and any possible changes to the stage programme.