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© Ball der Wiener Wirtschaft
Vienna Business Ball 2026
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 September 2026 | ||||||
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Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su |
We look forward to an unforgettable ball night on January 30, 2026, at the Hofburg Vienna.
FAQ
What is the dress code?
DO’s
Long evening gown, grand ball gown
Tuxedo, tuxedo shirt, tailcoat, dark shoes, bow tie
Gala uniform
DON'Ts
No short or high-low skirts and dresses, no cocktail dresses
No pantsuits or similar attire
No ties
We kindly ask for your understanding that individuals not adhering to the dress code may be denied entry to the ball or asked to leave the event. In both cases, no financial reimbursement will be provided. If in doubt, please contact our ball office in advance.
Does the seating ticket already include entry?
No, the seating ticket does not grant entry. You need an entry ticket to access the event.
I unexpectedly cannot attend the ball. Can I return my ticket?
We ask for your understanding that tickets cannot be returned or exchanged.
From what age can I attend the Vienna Business Ball?
Tickets can be purchased from the age of 18. Minors may attend the ball if accompanied by a legal guardian. The after-party at Volksgarten is included in the ticket price but may be attended exclusively from the age of 21.
Is smoking allowed at the ball?
Smoking is strictly prohibited in all areas of the Hofburg. A designated smoking area is reserved outside the main entrance at Heldenplatz. This restriction also applies to e-cigarettes and similar devices.
Are there highlights from previous years?
For a good impression of the Vienna Business Ball, we recommend our recap video of the 2024 Vienna Business Ball.
Program and cast
A varied program guarantees an exhilarating ball night at the Viennese Economy Ball on Friday, January 30, 2026, in the grand halls of the Vienna Hofburg. Dance and festivity, networking and entrepreneurship – this is what awaits our guests.
8:00 PM - Doors open to the Hofburg
9:00 PM - Opening act
10:00 PM – 4:00 AM - Musical potpourri
12:00 AM - Midnight performance with a special guest
12:45 AM - Audience quadrille
4:00 AM - End of the ball
After-party from 3:00 AM - at the Volksgarten with free admission upon presentation of the ball ticket*
Entry for 21+ only*
Vienna Hofburg Kongreszentrum
The Kaiserball developed from the imperial tradition of the so called “Hofball” (court ball) and “Ball bei Hof” that were organized by the imperial couple Franz Joseph (1830–1916) and his wife Empress Elisabeth (1837–1898), who is better known as Sisi. Both ball events were taking place in the Hofburg being the imperial winter residence of the Habsburg family.
The Hofball used to take place towards the end of January, with Empress Elisabeth deciding the precise date. Once the court had gathered in the Zeremoniensaal - which is still one of the most stunning rooms at the Hofburg to this day- selected guests were invited to pay their respects to the Emperor and Empress in person. The popular buffet was set up in the nearby Grosser Redoutensaal. Meanwhile the dance floor was positively brimming with activity - after all some 2,000 ballgoers were in attendance. The last waltz commenced at exactly quarter past midnight, and drew this spectacular imperial event to an end.
The “Ball bei Hof” took place just two weeks later. This more intimate event, reserved for the ruling elite, drew around 700 high-ranking royals and members of the diplomatic corps. To qualify as "Hochadel" (higher nobility), aristocrats were required to demonstrate a lineage going back at least eight generations on both the maternal and paternal sides.The most valuable porcelain in the imperial dining service was unpacked for a formal dinner which was served in the Radetzky apartments and neighbouring rooms. The strict seating order was dictated by rank. Ladies spared no expense and took every care to ensure their appearance matched the occasion, happily parting with between 300 and 500 Gulden for an evening dress - more than the annual income of a court servant.
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