As the warmth of summer lingers and the vibrant energy of the city reaches its peak, there’s no better time to immerse yourself in the eclectic urban festival scenes. From lively street parades to musical extravaganzas, we present an array of late summer festivals that are not only entertaining but also easy on the wallet.

LONDON

Notting Hill Carnival (27-28 August 2023)

Get ready to embrace the infectious rhythm of the Caribbean at the Notting Hill Carnival, Europe’s largest street festival. Held annually over the August Bank Holiday weekend, this vibrant celebration showcases the rich cultural heritage of London’s Caribbean community through dazzling costumes, pulsating music, and mouth-watering Caribbean cuisine.

Camden Fringe Festival (31 July – 27 August 2023):

For the theater and comedy lovers, the Camden Fringe Festival is a must-visit event. Showcasing emerging talent and established performers, this vibrant festival hosts a diverse range of performances across multiple venues throughout August. With shows ranging from drama to stand-up comedy, there’s something to suit every taste.

Totally Thames Festival (1-30 September 2023)

Set against the stunning backdrop of the River Thames, Totally Thames is a month-long festival held in September. Explore a wide range of activities, from riverside art installations to guided river walks, showcasing the cultural and historical significance of the River Thames.

Open House London (6-17 September 2023)

Architecture enthusiasts rejoice during Open House London, a festival that grants access to hundreds of (usually restricted) buildings and landmarks across the city. Stroll through awe-inspiring structures, discover hidden gems, and learn about the city’s architectural heritage during this captivating weekend event in September.

Check out our Wombat’s City Hostel London.

MUNICH

Hands Off The Wall Festival (28-30 July 2023)

The world’s leading female graffiti artists arrive at Wombat’s City Hostel Munich Werksviertel to leave their mark on the area. With over 300 applications, the festival management has selected 33 artists from Europe, the USA, Canada, South America, Africa and New Zealand. During the festival, they will transform Werksviertel and add their artworks to 25 different walls.

Theatron Musiksommer (27 July – 20 August 2023)

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Olympiapark, Theatron Musiksommer is a music festival that showcases a diverse range of genres, from rock and pop to jazz and reggae. With live performances by local and international artists, this open-air festival creates a vibrant atmosphere where music lovers can come together and celebrate in late August.

Corso Leopold (9-10 September 2023)

Corso Leopold is a neighborhood festival held in the vibrant Schwabing district. Celebrating local art, culture, and culinary delights, this lively event offers a diverse program of live music, street performances, art exhibitions, and food stalls. Experience the vibrant and bohemian atmosphere of Schwabing in early September as you immerse yourself in this charming festival.

See our two Wombat’s City Hostels in Munich.

BUDAPEST

Sziget Festival (10-15 August 2023)

Considered one of Europe’s largest music festivals, Sziget Festival offers an unforgettable experience in August. Located on the Óbuda Island, this week-long event attracts renowned international artists, hosting a diverse range of music genres. Explore multiple stages, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, and participate in various activities, including art installations and workshops. Headlining this year are Billie Eilish and David Guetta!

St. Stephen’s Day in Budapest (18-20 August 2023)

The foundation of the Hungarian state more than 1000 years ago is celebrated with countless events. Festivities kick off with the spectacular fireworks on Friday – they can even be viewed from the Danube if you book a firework cruise. For all three days the Danube Bank in Buda (in front of the Várkert Bazár/Castle Bazaar) will be home to a Gastro Promenade. There will be live concerts on the green hills behind Buda Castle, in the park on Erzsébet Square and at the Jozsef Gruber Reservoir. The Fashion & Design Festival will also take place in the Whale building on the Danube bank in Pest.

Budapest Wine Festival (7-10 September 2023)

Raise your glass and savour the flavours of Hungary’s renowned wines at the Budapest Wine Festival. Held in early September, this annual event takes place in the picturesque Buda Castle. Sample an impressive selection of wines from various regions, learn about winemaking traditions, and enjoy live music performances in a breathtaking setting.

Choose as your home base our City Hostel Budapest!

VIENNA

Film Festival at Rathausplatz (1 July –  3 September 2023)

Experience the magic of open-air cinema at the Film Festival at Rathausplatz, which runs throughout the summer. Set against the backdrop of Vienna’s City Hall, this festival screens a wide range of international films, from timeless classics to contemporary masterpieces. You won’t be limited to popcorn – the Filmfestival is famous for its rich culinary offerings. This year, 26 experienced restaurateurs invite you on a culinary journey around the globe via the Rathausplatz!

Popfest (28-31 July 2023)

Beautiful scenery, extraordinary acts (over 50!) and endless bangers on the “Lake Stage” in front of the Karlskirche – all with free admission. The venue is less than 15 minutes’ walk from Wombat’s City Hostel Vienna!

Impulsanz Wien (6 July – 6 August 2023)

ImPulsTanz – Vienna International Dance Festival was established in 1984 and has grown to become the biggest festival for modern dance and performance worldwide. Every summer, it offers a vastly varied schedule of performances, workshops, research initiatives, and musical acts (including free workshops and free events!).

LIVE AT WOMBAT’S

Last but not least, there is a music festival all year round at each Wombat’s hostel! Head to wombeats.com to check out the continuously updated concert program. The best part – entry is free!

If you’ve ever stayed at Wombat’s, then you know our signature interior design. With keen attention to detail and a carefully balanced mix of eclectic styles, we create relaxing, homely surroundings. If you want to chill with us, there’s plenty of opportunity to do so — exploring new cities is exhausting enough… ;-)

Our City Hostel Budapest is currently being revamped. The new, welcoming lobby is spacious with beautiful lighting and plentiful greenery. We are very proud of it and we’re just getting started: next, we’re renovating our bar. Yet again, Budapest raises the standard for design.

In Munich, May will see the Lange Nacht der Musik (Long Night of Music) take place, with gigs, performances and parties all over the city. Through our music initiative womBEATS, we are partnering with the mega-event for the first time and you’re invited to the singer-songwriter festival at the City Hostel Munich Werksviertel. On May 6th from 20:00, an international line-up of live music will take place at the womBAR. Acts include Alex Cumfe (Her Tree), Shane Ó Fearghail, Rebecca McRedmond, Marcus Bruns, Nana Forest and Chris Pookah.

There’s also exciting news from Vienna — the venerable TIME Magazine has included this city among the “World’s Greatest Places”, their list of the 50 most attractive travel destinations in the world. In the jury’s decision to include Vienna, the city’s sustainable living was strongly emphasised (TIME does not mention whether Wombat’s City Hostel Vienna contributed to this through its cooperation with local suppliers and numerous sustainable practices ;-) ).

Just another reason to visit Vienna! Especially now that the grey weather is finally saying goodbye.

Lastly, we have London. Our cultural export from Vienna, Wombat’s Café, has been open for a month in our City Hostel London. We are delighted with the great reception that we’ve been getting from guests and locals. Thank you all!

On that note, grab yourself a cup of coffee (our very own Wombat’s roast!) and enjoy the unique atmosphere at our City Hostel!

… London                           

If you’re into kitsch (who isn’t at Christmas time?), then London is the place for you. The Christmas by the River market offers punch, culinary delights, cute wooden huts and handcrafted gifts set against the spectacular backdrop of Tower Bridge. Once again, you’ll find it less than a mile from Wombat’s City Hostel London. You can walk directly over Tower Bridge and take in some sights along the way.

More Christmas markets see here.

… Vienna

These days, you need to be particularly lucky to experience a white Christmas in Vienna. However, with plenty of festive decorations hanging across the city, you’ll hardly notice the lack of snow.

A stroll through the city will most likely see you pass a punch stand or two and it will almost certainly lead you to at least one of the enchanting Christmas Markets that pop-up in every public square.

Some of the most famous markets include those at Schönbrunn Palace, City Hall and on Karlsplatz-which happens to be a very short walk away from Wombat’s City Hostel Vienna!

Link: Christmas Markets in Vienna

… Munich

Directly on the doorstep of Wombat’s City Hostel Werksviertel you will find the WinterWunderWerk. Step out our front door and walk directly into a world of festive cheer, complete with curling and ice-skating.

See: Munich Tip: WinterWunderWerk

If you’re looking for something traditional, you can visit the different markets at Sendlinger Tor, where, it is said, markets have been taking place as early as 1886. For our dear guests in the City Hostel Hauptbahnhof, this journey back in time is less than 15 minutes’ walk away.

For those who would like to discover more Christmas markets in Munich – here is an overview.

… Budapest

This is where things get really cosy. The most famous Christmas markets – Vörösmarty Square, Fashion Street, Erszébet Square, City Hall Park and St. Stephen’s Basilica are all less than 10 minutes’ walk from the City Hostel Budapest. Nothing can stand in the way of your own mulled wine tour!

Speaking of tours!

We’ve got a special discount for Wombat’s customers and those merry travellers who want to visit multiple cities and markets this Christmas.

When you stay in one hostel, you can get 10% off your next stay in any other Wombat’s city. Simply book your stay through our website and you’ll receive your promo code to use for your next Wombat’s visit!

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Wonderful live-music, great vibe, meet & chat meet & chat with the artists while sampling some whiskey and for sure some “open microphone” surprises – all that with free entry!

Wombat’s first Grand Jam Tour hits the road this month. Get ready for some outstanding performers:

We’ll have singer-songwriter Ray Heffernan, the guy who wrote the original version of the Robbie Williams classic “Angels”. We kid you not! A forthcoming docuseries about Robbie will cover this episode from Ray’s life! As well as that, Ray also has songwriting credits for Eros Ramazzotti and Helene Fischer!

Grand Jam Tourdates

14 November	21:00	Wombat’s City Hostel Vienna
15 November	21:00	Wombat’s City Hostel Munich Werksviertel
16 November	21:00	Wombat’s City Hostel Munich Hauptbahnhof
17 November	21:00	Wombat’s City Hostel Budapest
19 November	21:00	Wombat’s City Hostel London

As ever, womBEATS master of ceremony and musical host, Shane Ó Fearghail, will be on tour and on stage. His sense of humor and his unmistakable voice are very well known among womBEATS regulars. On the tour, he will be debuting a new album and its first single “You To Hold”.

Viki Rácz will roundup the Grand Jam Pack with her signature melodic and atmospheric indie-folk approach.

Free Entry!

So, come and join the party! Admission is free, and you don’t even have to stay at Wombat’s to be enjoy the shows! If you can’t make it to the venues, follow the tour (almost) live on womBEATS’ Facebook and Instagram channels!

What’s womBEATS?

Wombat’s sees itself as part of the local art and culture scene – in every city we are honored to be simultaneously hosts and guests at the same time. To emphasize this, we have created a format for both traveling and local artists under the title womBEATS. Find out more on womBEATS official website.