If you prefer your vehicles with four wheels, look away…the Argus Bike Festival weekend on the Rathausplatz in spring represents the unofficial opening of the bicycle season in Vienna.
- A feast of acrobatics, speed, and endurance in the show sections
- Dozens of exhibitors covering cycling trends, travel, equipment, etc.
- 2026 dates: TBA (was April 12-13 in 2025)
- Enjoy a classical concert* on your trip
- See also:
The bike festival
(Redefining the meaning of cycle path)
You don’t have to be a bike fiend to appreciate the Argus Bike Festival (though it helps), as the show elements provide entertaining displays of two-wheeled dexterity that almost anyone can enjoy.
It’s hard not to be impressed by the twists, turns, spins and skills of the riders as they launch themselves off ramps and thumb their noses at Mother Gravity.
It’s not all about the adrenaline though.
The rise of green politics in recent years has, for example, seen new cycle paths spring up all over Vienna and a distinct bicycle boom in the city; the festival celebrates and reflects the full diversity of cycling here.
Wander round and you’ll find young families driven by environmental concerns about motorised vehicles, road race pros, BMXers and everything in between: all contributing to a positive, friendly atmosphere.
(One of the highlight events; press photo courtesy of DIE EVENT COMPANY)
The event features a host of cycling-related stands covering, for example, technology, gear, and fashion. Tourism gets a big look in, too, with exhibitors from bike-friendly destinations.
Cycling enthusiasts packed the square when I visited on a Sunday morning…from young kids riding in their parents’ bike-mounted child transporters to senior cyclists wearing the latest Tour de France gear.
The scheduled programme features a range of bike-related performances, competitions and opportunities to catch up on all matters bike-related.
These include the ever-popular Dirt Battle Vienna jumps and acrobatics. A new feature at the 2024 event was the e-Mountain Bike area & show course, which returned in 2025.
Photographers, in particular, will love the picture opportunities at such show elements. The historic surrounds make a great backdrop for action shots of the BMXers and others in full flight (I mean that literally).
(The traditional huge bike parade attracts a lot of participants; press photo courtesy of DIE EVENT COMPANY)
All in all, the festival is not strictly intended as a tourist attraction. But if you are passing, pop in and marvel at the two-wheeled skills on show.
Check the official website for the latest information and timings.
2026 dates & tickets
The 2026 festival will be the 27th edition. I don’t have dates at the time of writing, but the previous edition took place on the weekend of April 12th and 13th from 9am to 6pm.
You do not need a ticket: entry to the event area is free.
How to get to the bike festival
Subway: The Rathaus station on the U2 line is on the opposite side of the town hall, so just go round to reach the Rathausplatz square.
Trams: Take lines 1, D or 71 to Rathausplatz / Burgtheater. This stop is more or less the entrance to the festival. Line 2 also drops you nearby at the Rathaus or Parlament stops.
Address: Rathausplatz, 1010 Vienna