As you might know, Europe’s largest open-air festival, the Danube Island Festival, was moved from its traditional end-of-June spot to September because of Austria’s role as Euro 2008 co-host this year.

I almost forgot about this myself, but the festival is set to take place this weekend already (Fri 5 through Sun 7). Apparently, it’s the festival’s 25th birthday this year, and just like last year, 2.000 artists will be performing, providing festival goers with 600 hours of entertainment, all in all. (The traditional fireworks on Saturday got cancelled, however..)

For some reason, I, myself, haven’t been to Donauinselfest for a few years now, but I intend on going again this year. If you do, too, you will find the programme search on the festival’s official website helpful.

For a long time I thought it was only teenagers who force their environment to listen to whateverkindofmusicitistheylistento on public transport. I’ve meanwhile also come across adults who play (.. different, but equally annoying) loud music on their mobiles on buses and trams. The only difference I have noticed is that some of the latter will put their phones close to (one of) their ears for a “better” listening experience (.. which does not really make any difference for anyone else sitting close to them).

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What do YOU do when people play loud music on public transport? - Do you react at all (i.e. ask them to turn the volume down/why they aren’t using headphones/whatever)? Or do you just sit there and wait for the moment you can get off your bus/tram/subway?

Today, not one but two social & cultural events worth visiting are taking place in Vienna:

Free Open Air gegen Rassismus
One of the two is the Free Open Air gegen Rassismus, where a number of mostly (though not only) Austrian bands will be performing from 4pm onwards. This annual free open air event protesting racism traditionally takes place at the Rock gegen Rechts stage, which is located close to Rotundenplatz at the Prater. This year, musical styles range from hip hop to indie pop; headlining act is Shantel & Bucovina Club Orkestar.

Sshhh: our very own DaddyD will be hosting this event together with his FM4 partner in crime DJ Joe-Joe!

More information on & links to the artists who are going to perform (in German)

Wagenplatzfest
The other event is a party organised by the inhabitants of Austria’s only trailer park, Wagenburg/Wagenplatz Wien. (Note: those not familiar with the more “European” concept of trailer parks might want to check out this Wikipedia article on the topic!)

The programme starts at 5pm and includes film screenings and band performances, among other things. Food and drinks (of both the alcoholic and the non-alcoholic variety) will naturally be available as well. If you’re still being sceptic about the whole trailer park thing, I can assure you that while the party’s organisers (.. or at least some of them) have squatted before, the 4000m2 (!) of land they’re currently residing on is being rented legally!

PS: considering that it’s Walpurgis Night tonight, this party should prove fun!