Overview
Overview
The Vienna Opera Ball (Wiener Opernball) 2027 takes place on 4 February 2027 at the Vienna State Opera, one of the world's most glamorous annual social events. The opera house transforms into a grand ballroom hosting around 5,000 guests for an evening of waltzing, live orchestral music and Viennese tradition.
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The Vienna Opera Ball is the glittering highlight of the Viennese carnival season, held annually at the Vienna State Opera on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday. Since its revival after World War II, the ball has drawn heads of state, political and industrial elite, and high society from around the world. The evening begins with a ceremonial opening around 10 pm, featuring performances by the state opera ballet and opera stars, followed by the grand entrance of 180 carefully selected debutante couples who perform the traditional polonaise and waltz to the Blue Danube.
Once the debutantes have danced, the floor opens to all guests, who can explore nine floors of the opera house transformed into a vast ballroom with 20 bars and buffets, five dance floors, and music spanning 16 genres. The dress code is strictly white tie and tails for men and floor-length gowns for women, with white opera gloves mandatory for female debutantes. Catering is provided by Café Gerstner and other vendors, and services like hairdressing, makeup, and an in-house tailor are available on-site.
The ball has a rich history dating back to 1814, with the first opera house ball in 1877. It was suspended during World War II and briefly cancelled in 1991 due to the Gulf War and in 2021-2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2008, Desirée Treichl-Stürgkh has chaired the event. The ball also inspired a novel and TV movie, and was featured in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 postcard for San Marino.
📍 Vienna State Opera⏱️ 9 hrs
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Good to know
- Dress code is white tie and tails for men, floor-length gowns for women; white opera gloves mandatory for female debutantes.
- The ball runs until 5 am; various rooms and lounges offer different music and dance styles.
- Catering is provided by Café Gerstner and other vendors on all floors.
- Hairdressing, makeup, and in-house tailor services are available on-site.
- Medical teams are on standby.
Frequently asked questions
What is the history of the Vienna Opera Ball?
The tradition goes back to 1814, with the first ball in the opera house in 1877. It was suspended during World War II and revived after, with occasional cancellations due to the Gulf War and COVID-19 pandemic.
What is the dress code?
White tie and tails for men, floor-length gowns for women; white opera gloves are mandatory for female debutantes.
How are debutantes selected?
They are carefully selected young women and men who have successfully completed an audition in the opera, selected according to their Vienna Waltzing skills.
Lineup
Carl Michael Ziehrer
Carl Michael Ziehrer was an Austrian composer. In his lifetime, he was one of the fiercest rivals of the Strauss family; most notably Johann Strauss II and Eduard Strauss.
Frédéric Chopin
Frédéric François Chopin was a Polish composer and virtuoso pianist of the early Romantic period who wrote primarily for solo piano.
Johann Strauss II
Johann Baptist Strauss II, also known as Johann Strauss Jr., the Younger or the Son, was an Austrian composer of light music, particularly dance music and operettas, as well as a violinist.
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