Bogenfest Innsbruck 2023

Spring has sprung! April showers are bringing May flowers, and the days are getting warmer. It’s time to get out and celebrate! How about a block party? Or better call it a “Bogen” Party! For those who may not know, the term “Bögen” is used by locals of Innsbruck to describe the area under the train tracks, as architecturally everything is arched. Typically when one thinks of the Bögen, they think of drinking, DJs and late night parties, but there is so much more to offer: restaurants, theaters, cafes, shops, the list goes on! It is time to explore the Bögen, come let them introduce themselves at the second annual Bogenfest on May 20th 2023!

I had the pleasure of meeting with the coordinators of the event, David Prieth and Chris Koubek. Chris mentioned: “Earlier the Bögen had the reputation of being a party and drinking mile, and that opinion has been wrongly spread. It is a negative view that doesn’t reflect reality. The Bögen is a special area of the city, showing so many different types of businesses, under the rails. It is so much more than a bar scene, there is gastronomy, cultural initiatives, theaters, service businesses, etc. True, the bars are a central element, which is important for a student city, but there is so much more to offer. We want to make this area accessible and introduce it with a diverse program.”

Telling me all about last year and what they had in store for this year, David told me: “We are expanding what we are offering, workshops at the Bogentheater, a graffiti area, a program for children, not only modern music but also classics to hit a wider range of people.”

If you attended last year, plan on coming back, this year proves to be bigger and better! More stages, different types of music, more infrastructure and fun! From 3pm to 10pm the program can be enjoyed out on the street, it will be blocked off from traffic and free to fully enjoy. After that you are free to take things inside and let the fun continue at the many many locations along the Bögen. This festival is meant to bring people together, and it is truly fun for all ages, with things to appeal to everyone young and old … and it’s FREE! There is no reason not to go and check it out!

The main stage will have live performances from fantastic artists, but there are other stages with different music, from techno to folks music, dance performances, children’s programs, theater workshops, food, drink, and so much more! Organizer Chris Koubek said: “The intention of Bogenfest is to show the liveliness and diversity of the Bögen in the form of a block party.” It is free and fun for the whole family!

Cover Photo: @Innsbruck Marketing GmbH