Autumn Fair & Aufsteirern: Graz in Full Traditional Swing

There are a few days each year when Graz turns completely Styrian. The dirndls come out of the wardrobe, brass music drifts from every lane, and the air smells of pumpkin seed oil, young wine and freshly baked bread. Late September is that time again - and honestly: it’s our favourite season in the Graz year.

Aufsteirern - celebrating its 25th year

On 19 and 20 September the entire old town turns into one big stage. From the main square across the Schlossberg down to the Mur, folk music groups play, traditional dance societies perform, and the stalls offer everything Styria has to give. This year Aufsteirern marks its 25th anniversary - a quarter century of living folk culture, and you can feel how much the city is looking forward to it.

If you’d like to ease into it: the grand opening concert takes place at the Congress Graz on 16 September. Our tip for the weekend itself: be early. On Sunday morning, when the first bands strike up and the squares aren’t yet crowded, the atmosphere is at its loveliest.

The Graz Autumn Fair - a tradition across generations

No sooner is Aufsteirern over than the next event begins: from 1 to 4 October the Graz Autumn Fair opens its gates. Over 600 exhibitors from Styria and all of southern Austria, plus crafts, food, agriculture and the funfair - one of Austria’s largest and oldest trade fair events.

For our guests this brings a very practical advantage: the Graz exhibition centre is just a five-minute walk from Beletage. No hunting for parking, no taxi, no shuttle - you simply walk there and walk home again in the evening.

For exhibitors: your base just around the corner

During fair week in particular we host many exhibitors, and by now we know what matters: fast Wi-Fi, a kitchen for the evening after a long day at the stand, a washing machine for the week, and quiet for sleeping. Our courtyard is shielded from the street noise - after ten hours in an exhibition hall that’s worth more than you’d think beforehand.

A word from experience: book early

Late September and early October are busy in Graz. Aufsteirern, the Autumn Fair, plus the concerts at the Stadthalle - anyone planning to come during these weeks shouldn’t wait too long. In our experience the fair dates are the first to sell out.

Not sure yet which days are right for you? Send us a WhatsApp message - we’re glad to tell you when the city is at its most beautiful and when it gets busiest.