Pink Lake Festival 2026 is scheduled for the last week of August 2026 in the lakeside town of Pörtschach am Wörthersee in Carinthia. From 24 August through 30 August 2026 the shores of the lake will host a series of daytime and evening gatherings that celebrate the diversity of the international lgbtq+Q community. This festival has built a reputation for combining open‑hearted hospitality with scenery that looks as if it were lifted from a postcard. Turquoise water, forested slopes and alpine views provide the backdrop to parties on land and on the lake. After more than a decade of annual events the organisers continue to refine the programme to appeal to regular visitors and newcomers alike, and the 2026 edition will include several of the long‑standing favourites together with new experiences designed to surprise guests.
The opening days of the festival set the tone by mixing relaxation with socialising. Each afternoon the Pink Beach Club at the Pörtschach lido welcomes guests for sunbathing, swimming and music. DJs play a broad selection of tracks, from classic house anthems to current hits, while bartenders serve cocktails and local beverages. It is informal and friendly; people arrive straight from hotels or holiday apartments, some still carrying towels, and conversations often begin with questions about where fellow guests have travelled from or which events they plan to attend later in the week. Many participants say the lido sessions are the easiest way to meet people because the atmosphere feels more like an extended lake picnic than a nightclub.
Several themed parties take place at different venues around Lake Wörthersee during the week. One of the most talked‑about events is the Almdudler Almrausch Party at Hotel Schloss Leonstain. This evening combines traditional costume with queer creativity; expect lederhosen, dirndls, sequins and wigs together on the dance floor. The hotel’s courtyard is transformed into an open‑air ballroom where a live band and guest performers entertain the crowd. Food stalls offer regional snacks such as Kärntner Kasnudeln and Reindling, and there is a steady flow of the Almdudler herbal lemonade that sponsors the event. If you enjoy blending local customs with playful fashion this party should be high on your list.
Fans of club culture will want to experience the Pink Lake Club Night in the “Fabrik” in Saag, a converted industrial building on the southern shore of the lake. Over the course of one night this venue hosts an elaborate light show, international DJs and drag performances. The dance floor extends across multiple levels, with quiet corners for conversation and balconies overlooking the crowd. In past years the line‑up has included well‑known names from the European club scene as well as up‑and‑coming artists. Tickets tend to sell out quickly, so festivalgoers are encouraged to book in advance if clubbing is a priority.
Perhaps the most distinctive element of Pink Lake Festival is the Boat Cruise Party. On one afternoon three passenger boats are linked together and sail across the lake while DJs and entertainers keep the mood upbeat. Each boat has its own theme and music style; one focuses on pop and chart hits, another on house and electronic music and the third on hits from the 80s and 90s. As the boats glide past villages and forests the sun sets over the water, creating a memorable atmosphere. This party sells out every year because it combines sightseeing with celebration, so guests should secure tickets well in advance.
In addition to these headline events the festival schedule includes numerous smaller gatherings. There are yoga sessions on lakeside lawns, guided hikes in the surrounding hills, drag brunches hosted by local restaurants and art exhibitions featuring regional and international queer artists. The organisers also arrange excursions to nearby towns such as Velden and Klagenfurt, where participants can explore historic architecture, visit museums or simply stroll along waterfront promenades. Because the event stretches across an entire week, many attendees pick and choose activities according to their energy levels. Some focus on nightlife and rest during the day, while others prefer daytime socialising and early nights. Flexibility is one of the festival’s strengths; there is no single way to experience Pink Lake, and everyone is welcome to create their own rhythm.
The appeal of Pink Lake Festival extends beyond the official programme. Pörtschach and its neighbouring villages have invested in making their towns welcoming for lgbtq+Q travellers. Hotels, guesthouses and restaurants display rainbow flags during the festival and staff members often attend events themselves. Local residents volunteer as helpers, providing information about public transport and recommending sights that are off the typical tourist trail. The regional tourism office offers suggestions for day trips, such as taking the cable car up the nearby Pyramidenkogel for panoramic views or visiting Minimundus in Klagenfurt for a playful world architecture experience on a small scale.
Although Pink Lake Festival is a celebration, it also includes space for reflection and community support. Some workshops focus on topics such as queer history in Austria, mental health and advocacy. Representatives from regional organisations are available to discuss resources and services, and there are opportunities to donate to local charities. In a time when many pride events combine political activism and celebration, the organisers of Pink Lake strive to balance entertainment with awareness.
If you are planning to attend the 2026 edition it is wise to arrange accommodation early. Pörtschach has a range of options from simple lakeside pensions to upscale hotels, but rooms fill up quickly once tickets go on sale. Travel to the area is relatively straightforward; Klagenfurt Airport is about twenty kilometres away and there are frequent trains from Vienna, Salzburg and Villach. Buses and ferries connect the towns around the lake, making it easy to move between venues even if you do not have a car. During the festival many events are within walking distance of the main promenade, which adds to the relaxed atmosphere.
For those who cannot attend in August, the organisers introduced a winter event called Pink Christmas, which will run from 12 December to 14 December 2025. This smaller gathering transforms Pörtschach into a festive market with live music, culinary treats and illuminated boats on the lake. While the scale is more intimate than the summer festival, it offers another opportunity to experience the hospitality of the region.
Pink Lake Festival 2026 promises a week of celebration, connection and scenic beauty. Whether you are drawn by the Beach Club afternoons, the themed parties, the legendary boat cruise or simply the chance to relax by a lake in good company, this event offers a warm welcome and a varied programme. As with previous editions the organisers emphasise respect and inclusion, ensuring that all guests feel at ease. If you are looking for a summer getaway that combines natural landscapes with lively gatherings, mark your calendar for 24–30 August 2026 and prepare to make lasting memories on the shores of Wörthersee.
