Entertainment In Innsbruck

Innsbruck is the cultural centre of Tyrol, and as such, it has an excellent array of things to do after dark. Winter brings a thriving après-ski scene hosted by the slope-side chalets and restaurants, and in summer, there are plenty of outdoor concerts and fun events. In general, the nightlife is more subdued than in Vienna, but there’s still plenty to do. Serious theatre fans won’t be disappointed either. The 150-year-old Landestheatre hosts some of the world’s premier musical performances.
 

Nightlife

Nearly a quarter of Innsbruck’s population is made up of university students, and it shows in the city’s nightlife. There is a healthy bar scene, best characterised by the row of pubs located in the viaduct, which is called Bogen (the arches) by the locals. Dozens of diverse bars stand side by side in Bogen and they offer the best bar-hopping environment in the city.

The Old Town is also home to many of Innsbruck’s best nightlife spots. Nearly everything can be found in the Altstadt, from beer halls with brass bands and yodelling to discos pumping out techno music. Many of the local wine taverns offer entertainment at night, where you can experience authentic Tyrolean folk music and dancing. During the summer, be sure to head over to the spacious outdoor beer garden, Hofgartencafe.

If gambling is your thing, you can drive over to the resort of Seefeld, where the Spiel Casino offers baccarat, blackjack and roulette every day after 17:00. For a less exotic experience, try your luck on the slot machines at the Holiday Inn Innsbruck. 

Theatre and music

Innsbruck has a busy and exciting musical calendar, which runs throughout the year. The tourist office has information regarding upcoming theatrical and folklore events. The selection during the warm summer months is simply astounding. Tyrolean brass bands parade in full costume then play concerts at the Golden Roof. There are also concerts at Schloss Ambras, organ concerts at the Igls parish church and ecclesiastical music at Wilten Basilica as well as a selection of concerts at the Kunstpavillon in the Hofgarten.

In the centre of the Old Town is the 150-year-old Landestheatre, which is Innsbruck’s main venue for theatrical or operatic performances. Musicals and light operettas are also held here throughout the year (tel: +43 0512 535630). Another charming, smaller establishment is the Kellertheatre, which puts on a variety of local theatre performances.

Classical concerts are usually held at the Dogana, next to the Hofburg, and at the Ambras Castle. Big pop and rock concerts take place at the Olympiahalle. For more intimate live music, check out the shows at Utopia and Treibhaus, where jazz and world music take precedence.

If you want to experience traditional Tyrolean folk music, the Tiroler Alpenbuhne/Geschwister Gundolf has been performing for nearly 40 years (tel: +43 0512 263263). Along with your dinner, a brass band plays traditional Tyrolean instruments like the zither, alphorn and folk harp. The show is big, boisterous and truly unique.  

Festivals

As the cultural capital of Tyrol, Innsbruck hosts some of Austria’s premier international festivals. Many of the events focus on different musical styles, dance or art. The summer is the busiest time for festivals, as they can be held in the beautiful Tyrolean outdoors.

• Innsbruck Festival Weeks offers a balanced mix of musical concerts from different eras and artists. Classical, Renaissance and Baroque music are just some of the music on offer. Operas are also performed at the Tirolean Theatre (July to August).
• Axams Village Festival takes place in this idyllic alpine village, nine kilometres from Innsbruck. The three-day festival features brass bands, traditional dancing and lots of food and drink. It’s a Tyrolean folk festival at its best (August).
• Tanzsommer International Dance Festival is the biggest dance event in Austria. Top dancers from Austria and around the world perform and give dance workshops (June).
• The Schemenlaufen is an interesting masked procession which depicts the struggle between good and evil. The magnificent masks are quite old and qualify as works of art in themselves (February).
• Easter Festival comprises a number of concerts performed throughout Innsbruck in the weeks leading up to Easter. The choral, orchestral, medieval and modern musical pieces all have the common theme of religion (April).