“Vienna’s Got Balls” — And That’s Official

You have to love it when a destination promotes itself as having balls!

Who would have expected it from “stodgy” old Vienna? Well, actually we would have. Vienna’s is not just the capital of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. It’s also a center for innovation, exciting modern art and lots of cool and cutting-edge events. Including these balls, or dances.

Below and on the next page are some of the events we think will most appeal to LGBT travelers sent by our friends in the tourism office who were the ones who gleefully tee’d them up as a city with balls. If you decide to head to Vienna, be sure to download our free app and subscribe or purchase our January/February 2013 issue.

The Life Ball (May 25, 2013) is Europe’s wildest – and highest grossing – AIDS/HIV charity event. Everyone from the Federal Chancellor to Hollywood A-listers makes their way to Rathausplatz for the fashion show, before letting their hair down for a night of hard partying. Life Ball tickets are a seriously hot commodity, but everyone can enjoy the spectacular opening ceremony and fashion show free of charge.

Austria’s NYC Pop-up Store: Last Day’s Today

If you’re in New York and in need of a Viennese coffee or a Sacher Torte, hurry on downtown the Austria Pop-up Store at 201 Mulberry Street, open till 9 pm tonight. Tonight’s the last night. Here’s what you can expect:

Begin your Austria travel experience this October in New York and visit our first Austria Pop-Up store. Dive into our authentic Austria showcase: experience true Viennese coffeehouse culture at our temporary Sacher Café, have fun reenacting Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss”, and get a first glimpse of art works of the Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM). This and much more will be on display with the first viewing of an Austria iPad app courtesy of Tripfilms.com
Check back for special event announcements and daily happenings.
WHEN?
October 5 – 19, 2011
Open daily from 12 pm to 9 pm and on Fridays and Saturdays until 10 pm.
WHERE?
Join us @ Openhouse Gallery on 201 Mulberry Street in NYC
Map: openhousegallery.org/contact

Info: Austria Pop-up Store

SUITE DREAMS: THE LEVANTE PARLIAMENT HOUSE, VIENNA

By Jeffrey James Keyes

The Levante Parliament is the perfect launching pad for a comfortable stay in Vienna.  The building, which dates back to 1908, has been decorated around the four elements of life: Air, Earth, Fire, and Water.  The hotel itself can be considered an art gallery, featuring stunning glasswork by Nemtoi and photography by Kurt Themessl.

Follow Themessl’s portraits of dancers to one of the 70 rooms to find comfortable beds, many of which overlook a quaint garden.  Venture outside to explore what Vienna has to offer.  Check out the Sisi Museum at the Hofburg Imperial Palace, Klimt’s legendary Beethoven Frieze at the Secession, and walk in the footsteps of the Hapsburgs at the Schoenbrunn Palace during the day.  After your disco nap, head to Bar Restaurant Café Willendorf for a quick bite or Motto for a fabulous spread before going bar & café hopping.

Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com.

Yuletide in Europe’s Cool Capitals

Vienna, above, lights up for Christmas and New Years

Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com

From canal parades in Amsterdam to beautiful outdoor lightning installations in Vienna, Europe’s gay-friendly coolcaptial cities (Amsterdam, Antwerp, Valencia, Vienna, and Zurich) offer a tantalizing array of Christmas activities right through the new year.

Amsterdam

• Christmas Canal Parade (December 9, 2010-January 1, 2011)

A series of four major Christmas activities take place in and around Amsterdam canals and several important plazas throughout December. The highlight takes place on December 23, as a specatular, lit-up parade of boats sails from the Prinsengracht to the River Amstel. Information: WinterMagicAmsterdam.com.

Antwerp

• Skating on the Scheldt (December 11)

Belgium is a very Catholic country. Though no longer very religious, they really love Christmas. This year Antwerp’s ice-skating rink will be located in Steenplein, overlooking the river Scheldt. Alongside the rink, visitors will find a Christmas market and food and beverage stands. The city counts no fewer than 107 nativity scenes. Information: Antwerpen.be.

Valencia

• Innocents Day and New Year’s Mascleta (December)

This artsy, design-oriented Spanish city has become a popular destination for LGBT travelers in recent years. Christmas season is a fun time to visit. On December 28 Innocents Saints Day, Valencia’s version of April Fool’s Days sees all sorts of pranks and hijinks such as fake/inventive newspaper headlines. The biggest New Years Masletá (an eplosive fireworks display) takes place in the Paseo de la Alameda. Information: TurisValencia.es.

Vienna

• Designer Lighting Design (Through December 23)

“Light-UP,” Vienna’s contemporary holiday light installations, feature designs ranging from perched clouds in the Volksoper district to an open-air ball room on Graben. Eco-conscious readers note: 70% of the designs use energy-saving LED technology. Information: CoolCapitals.com/Vienna.

Zurich

• Christmas Lighting at the Bahnhofstrasse (Through January 2, 2011)

Zurich also has a Christmas holliday light installation, known as “Lucy,” stretching along the world-famous Bahnhofstrasse. Lucy is turned on at 6pm every night through New Years. Information: Zuerich.com.

For more information about coolcapitals click here.