With just 28 days, February in Vienna is packed full of experiences to sweeten up the last month of winter. From the most romantic date locations for Valentine's Day to an evening in 1920s Vienna and probably the most bizarre self-portrait in the city: we reveal the coolest things to do and events in Vienna in February. And if you want to get from A to B at a discount and secure discounts on the city's most important sights, you should definitely get the Vienna Welcome Card in advance.

Experience history: Black History Month

February is also dedicated to Black Empowerment in Vienna with Black History Month. Throughout the month, initiatives such as Black Austria and Viennese museums are organizing discussions, workshops, film screenings and exhibitions that focus on the stories and perspectives of the community. Finally, on 28 February, the fifth Black Austrian Awards will honor people and initiatives that have shown particular commitment to the Austrian Black community. 

Music with a message: protest song contest

Leiwande music combined with great lyrics and a good dose of social criticism await you on February 12 at the annual protest song contest at the Rabenhof Theater. What was planned over 20 years ago as a one-off event to commemorate the February battles of 1934 quickly developed into one of the most important music competitions for young talent in the whole of Austria. Together with the radio station FM4 and hosted by acting legend Michael Ostrowski, solo artists and bands present their songs according to the motto “anything goes”. The only rule: all lyrics must have been written by the applicants themselves. Practical: If you can't get hold of tickets, you can follow the protest song contest live on FM4 - and even vote on the homepage. 

Pure romance: celebrating Valentine's Day

A list of the best events in February would hardly be complete without a pinch of romance, because: Valentine's Day is just around the corner. If you and your loved one happen to be in Vienna on February 14, you will be spoiled for choice with countless great activities - from classic to extraordinary. Away from candlelight dinners, ice skating on Rathausplatz and the like, you can browse through the Valentine's Day program at Vienna's museums. Strike a pose in front of Gustav Klimt's original work of art The Kiss, take your date to see the Stenderl at the Vienna Planetarium or treat yourself to one of the many themed tours. For an extra dose of icing on the cake, you and your partner can also swing the wooden spoon together and take a baking course at Vollpension.

Tip: With the Vienna Welcome Card, you even get great discounts.

Curtain up: Cirque Rouge masked ball at the Vindobona

After a day of dancing the day before, the Cirque Rouge Masquerade Ball at Vindobona on February 15 will take you on a sparkling journey through time. DJs will provide you with the best hits from the past on two dance floors, while elegant burlesque shows will enchant you on stage. The dress code: Evening wear from the golden 20s to 50s, according to the motto dress to impress. With a bit of luck, dressing up will pay off twice over, as the most glamorous outfit of the evening has the chance to win the Best Costume Award. 

Glitz and glamor: Vienna Opera Ball 

Sticking with the theme, we present what is probably the most elegant event in February: the Vienna Opera Ball. On February 27, the Vienna State Opera is transformed into one of the most beautiful ballrooms in the world. Where opera and ballet performances set the tone for the rest of the year, everyone who's anyone comes together to dance in three-four time. As you can see, the Vienna Opera Ball promises plenty of glitz and glamor, which can be felt throughout the city (and also in the ticket prices). But don't worry, to experience an evening with Viennese and international celebrities, you don't have to sweep across the dance floor yourself. Just grab a glass of champagne and enjoy the festive atmosphere during the live broadcast! 

Whimsical and profound: Erwin Wurm at the Albertina Modern

Because the hours of sunshine in Vienna in February can sometimes be quite long, we recommend a visit to the Albertina Modern. And not just to warm up, because the retrospective celebrating the 70th birthday of Austrian artist Erwin Wurm will bring a bit of color into the gray winter. And if you've ever wondered what it would look like if a house started to melt, why a pickled gherkin can also be a self-portrait or what it would be like to be part of a work of art yourself, then you've definitely come to the right place.

Tip: Don't forget your Vienna Welcome Card and save on admission. 

Are you planning your stay in Vienna and wondering how much time you should plan? In this article, we'll tell you the best things to do - no matter how long you're staying. And here we give you our insider tips for winter in Vienna.