A single red line loops and curves smoothly on a light gray background, forming a large loop near the center before continuing off the right edge.
Eine Gruppe von Menschen, die in einer Reihe sitzen und lächeln, während sie applaudieren, deutet darauf hin, dass sie an kostenlosen Workshops zu Gründungsthemen in einer hellen, modernen Umgebung teilnehmen.
© Jacob Lund | stock.adobe.com

Highlights 2026Event calendar of the creative industries

A year full of creative sparks, bold ideas and real transformation is just around the corner and we can’t wait to dive in with you.

2026 brings a series of events that show how powerful the creative industries are when visions meet, communities grow together and new perspectives emerge. Whether it’s art as a climate driver, digital innovations that rethink culture or international hotspots of creativity, this year has it all.

To make sure you don’t miss anything, we’ll keep you up to date with the KAT magazine at Dates and in our newsletter to keep you up to date on all important creative industry events.

Let yourself be inspired, networked and surprised. Here are the highlights that you should already mark in bold in your calendar.

Event poster with colorful abstract shapes and text: CIMIx Creative Industries meet Industry. Network Meeting 2026 - The Transformation Edition, 27-29.01.2026. Austria and partner logos are at the bottom.

CIMIx 2026 – The Transformation Edition

27. & 28.01. | Vienna

Vienna will once again become a hotspot for international decision-makers from business and the creative industries. Three days full of inspiration, matchmaking and creative energy – for the first time in cooperation with we:transform. Be part of CIMIx and shape the future of transformation!

we:transform 2026

from 12.3. | Austria-wide & online

Our own program we:transform starts again in March 2026. It is a nine-month co-creation and self-education program for creative makers that offers you new perspectives, practical knowledge on digital, ecological and social transformation and a strong Austria-wide network.

If you didn’t get one of the coveted places: The online impulses and webinars are open to everyone. You can find the dates on the we:transform page.

A woman smiles and gestures with her hands as she talks to another person in a bright, modern café with green plants. A cup and saucer are on the table in front of her.
Seventyfour | stock.adobe.com

Climate Biennale Vienna

9.4.-10.5. | Vienna

The Climate Biennale Vienna shows how art can become a driving force for climate justice. Among them: Biofabrique Vienna, which develops new materials from local resources and thus creatively rethinks the circular economy. In addition, the award-winning projects from Creatives for Vienna – Making Spaces will showcase what climate-resilient urban spaces can look like. Make a note and drop by in spring 2026!

Creative Days Vienna

May 20 & 21 | Vienna

How digital technologies shape cultural experiences is the focus of the Creative Days Vienna. As part of ViennaUP, they bring together international creative professionals for talks, workshops, tours and networking. The focus here is on the interplay between technological innovations, social change and the creative industries. At the same time, Content Vienna, the competition organized by the Vienna Business Agency, which promotes digital projects – from games to AI – with 10,000 euros in prize money and special prizes, will be launched. Join us and discover which impulses are shaping the future of digital culture!

A sign reading "Let's talk culture and technology", a microphone symbol and the logo of the Vienna Business Agency. In the background, a blurred speaker stands on stage, highlighting the global dialog in the run-up to SXSW London 2026.
Creative Days Vienna © eSeL – Joanna Pianka
Two women stand in the foreground looking at a stage where a speaker is addressing an audience at an indoor event reminiscent of Ars Electronica. In the background, exhibition stands and blurred participants can be seen, reminiscent of a lively conference atmosphere.
© Vladimir Borovic | stock.adobe.com

SXSW London 2026

31.5. – 4.6.26 | London

Ready for the future? Together with SXSW London 2026, you can immerse yourself in the most exciting trends around AI, creativity and digital innovation. Secure your place at the business mission now and experience what the next ten years could feel like.

Ars Electronica

9.-13.9. 2026 | Linz

Linz will once again be a hotspot for creative visionaries in 2026: From September 9-13, the Ars Electronica Festival invites you to discover the latest developments in media art, technology and society. From AI and biotech to immersive installations. This is where innovation meets pure experience.

A woman at the Forward Festival stares thoughtfully at a glowing light, fascinated by the creative atmosphere around her.
© vog.photo
A large group of people gather in a bright, spacious interior at the Forward Festival and socialize at high tables. Many are sitting or standing and chatting, while green spaces and large windows can be seen in the background.
(c) HORIZONT/Johannes BrunnbauerHORIZONT/Johannes Brunnbauer, Christoph Dittrich, Markus Wache

Austrian Media Days

23 & 24.9.2026 | Vienna

Austria’s most important media congress is taking place for the 33rd time this year. The Media Days are a source of inspiration for new strategies and a platform for exchange – from the large forum to exclusive side events. This is where the Who’s Who from the media, politics and business meet, complemented by top international speakers.

Vienna Design Week 2026

25.9.-4.10.2026 | Vienna

Austria’s largest curated design festival enters the next round: ten days, around 200 events and plenty of inspiration. From product and furniture design to architecture and digital experiments – the VIENNA DESIGN WEEK shows just how diverse design can be.

A group of adults sits in a classroom or seminar room during Vienna Design Week, listening attentively and smiling. The focus is on a woman with glasses and shoulder-length hair in the foreground, while others sit behind her.
© qunica.com | stock.adobe.com
The bold white VIE text is repeated diagonally on a bright red background. In the center, VIENNA 01-02.10.2026 is written in smaller white letters above Who turns the wheel of change.
© Forward Festival

Forward Festival Vienna 2026

1.-2.10.2026 |Vienna

At the Forward Festival, Vienna becomes a hotspot for all those who want to think big and design boldly. Over 1,500 creatives, 25+ talks by international experts, workshops and immersive experiences are waiting to get your ideas moving. Be there when inspiration meets action!

Creative Transformation Summit

19.11. | online

Together with experienced creative professionals, you will gain fresh perspectives, concrete ideas for solutions and inspiration that will immediately help you in your day-to-day business life. At CTS26, you will experience how valuable creative collaboration can be – not as a “nice-to-have”, but as a real investment in the future of your company. Be inspired, network and take away knowledge that will noticeably advance your business.

Split image: On the left, a young woman with curly hair and camera smiles, surrounded by creative icons. On the right, an older woman with glasses stands confidently. The text reads: "Creative Industries + Business = Effect. Creative Transformation Summit 16.10.2025.
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