EuroPride will be heading to Vienna once again in June, 2019.
It’s the second time the city will play host to the annual celebrations, after first having the honour in 2001. In preparation for the festivities, we’ve put together a handy guide to give you a better idea of the excitement to come from EuroPride 2019.
What can I expect?
EuroPride first took place in London back in 1992, and since then has settled in a new European city each year. For two weeks, from 1-16 June, 2019, the city of Vienna will become a cultural hub for the LGBTQ community, offering parties, protests, discussions and performances as part of the continuing fight for equality and acceptance. More than one million people from around the world are expected to visit EuroPride in Vienna, so why not join them?
Paul Bauer
What is there to do?
The centre of EuroPride in Vienna will be a dedicated Pride Village on Rathausplatz (City Hall Square), which will offer a colourful program to visitors including live performances, DJs and more directly in front of City Hall. If you’re looking for something more chilled out, head to the “alternative option”: Pride Park in front of the Votive Church in Sigmund Freud Park. Elsewhere, events already announced to take place across the two week celebrations include a Pride Beach on the Danube Canal, a Pride Street Festival in the Prater, a EuroPride Run from Ringstrasse to Rathausplatz, a Pride Day at Schönbrunn Zoo, Pride guided tours through the city’s most prominent museums, and LGBTQ film evenings. There’s something for everyone.
Paul Bauer
So where is the parade taking place?
A major highlight of the celebrations is the Rainbow Parade, which will take place on 15 June. As is the case every year during Vienna’s Pride season, the parade will make its way along the Ringstrasse, known as one of the most beautiful boulevards in the world, with hundreds of thousands expected in attendance. It’ll be a once-in-a-lifetime experience to remember. Following the parade will be a closing rally back at Pride Village, which is expected to feature numerous speeches and top international performers (more on that in the coming months), before revellers party the night away.
Paul Bauer
Where can I go to party?
Vienna is home to a thriving LGBTQ scene, which will no doubt be even busier during EuroPride. Popular bars include Felixx Bar, which serves up a great choice of cocktails and wine; Village Bar, which is located near the Naschmarkt; and Kiss Bar Vienna, which also serves food. If you’re after a big night out, head to Why Not on a Friday or Saturday, or monthly party G.Spot which caters for lesbians as well as gay men. Those looking for something a little more tame can visit one of Vienna’s LGBTQ and LGBTQ-friendly cafés and restaurants, including traditional Viennese coffee house Café Savoy on the Naschmarkt, or Fett+Zucker, an espresso bar which has become a permanent fixture on the scene serving vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options.
Paul Bauer
Where’s good to stay?
If nightlife is what you’re after, then staying near Wienzeile is your best bet. The street is home to the city’s most popular market, Naschmarkt, but also most of Vienna’s LGBTQ nightlife. For cultural landmarks, including the State Opera and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, look to Vienna’s historic Old Town. However, if you want to be right near the action, then staying near Rathausplatz (City Hall Square), where the Pride Village will be erected – home to performances, DJs and EuroPride’s closing rally – is a great idea.
You can find more information on EuroPride 2019 here, and read up on what Vienna has to offer LGBTQ people here.
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