Schladming-Dachstein Now Announces First-Ever Summer Opening in June 2026 with Major Music Acts

Published on December 9, 2025

Schladming-Dachstein, a well-known Alpine destination in Austria, will become a hotspot for music and tourism in June 2026 with the launch of the Schladming-Dachstein Summer Opening. The first event will take place from June 3 to 7, 2026. It will include five days of performances by global music legends at the Planai Stadium in Schladming, Styria. This new event positions Schladming as a year-round center for major entertainment after the success of its winter events. This event is set to change the game for the region, featuring five top musical acts across five genres. The concert series starts on June 3 with Scooter. It continues with Sarah Connor on June 4, Roland Kaiser on June 5, Rainhard Fendrich on June 6, and the famous Plácido Domingo on June 7. This varied lineup ensures the event will attract a wide audience, offering unique experiences each night.

A New Summer Tradition for Schladming-Dachstein

The Summer Opening is set to complement the region’s successful winter events, positioning Schladming-Dachstein as a year-round tourism and entertainment destination. The Schladming-Dachstein region has already become a major player in the Austrian tourism sector due to the success of the 2025 Ski Opening, and now, the summer event aims to build on that success. Klaus Leutgeb, Managing Director of Leutgeb Entertainment Group, which is organizing the event, has envisioned the summer opening as an extension of the successful winter concept, aiming to double the region’s visitor numbers and create new tourism momentum.

Schladming-Dachstein: A Year-Round Destination

The opening of this major music event from June 3-7, 2026, will provide an economic and tourism boost to the entire Styria region. The partnership between Leutgeb Entertainment Group, the Schladming-Dachstein tourism association, and the four-mountain ski area Schladming (Hauser-Kaibling, Planai, Hochwurzen, Reiteralm) aims to strengthen the region’s position as a leading European destination for international music events. This collaboration ensures that the region receives continuous media exposure and a significant increase in international visibility.

The event is projected to attract over 100,000 visitors per year, significantly boosting the local economy. Visitors will spend several nights in the region, providing a major economic benefit for hotels, restaurants, and local businesses. With high-quality music events attracting global talent and tourists, Schladming-Dachstein is set to become a prominent hub for large-scale entertainment in Austria.

Economic and Tourism Benefits for Styria

The Schladming-Dachstein Summer Opening is not just an entertainment spectacle but also a critical economic driver for the region. The two major events – the winter and summer openings – are expected to generate significant advertising value, which is projected to rise from €3 million annually from the ski opening to over €6 million with the addition of the summer event. The media coverage from these events extends far beyond traditional advertising, giving Schladming-Dachstein exposure on an international level, which would be challenging for the region to achieve through conventional means.

This increase in visibility is expected to have lasting benefits for the tourism sector. Klaus Leutgeb has stressed that through these events, Schladming-Dachstein will establish itself as a destination for world-class events throughout the year, ensuring long-term growth in the tourism sector.

Collaboration for Success

The partnership behind the Schladming-Dachstein Summer Opening is a model of cooperation between local tourism authorities, private sector investors, and international event organizers. The Schladming-Dachstein tourism association has joined forces with Leutgeb Entertainment Group to fund and organize the event, with significant investment from the organizer. Leutgeb has committed to investing €15-18 million into the event, with the tourism association contributing through advertising subsidies. This public-private partnership allows for a unique event experience while minimizing the financial risk to the region.

Sustainability and Long-Term Goals

The long-term vision for the Schladming-Dachstein Summer Opening is to establish it as an annual tradition, continuously increasing its scale and attracting more international visitors. The clear goal is to bring 100,000 guests to the region annually, ensuring a constant flow of tourism dollars and solidifying Schladming-Dachstein’s place on the international music and event calendar. The Leutgeb Entertainment Group is committed to sustainable event management, ensuring that the success of these major events also benefits the local community and environment.

Conclusion: Schladming-Dachstein Takes Its Place as a Premier European Event Destination

The launch of the Schladming-Dachstein Summer Opening marks an important moment for the region. It establishes Schladming-Dachstein as a top spot for music tourism in Europe. The summer opening will feature an impressive lineup of famous artists. It will also emphasize sustainability and benefits for the community. As Schladming-Dachstein develops into a year-round destination, hosting both winter and summer events will strengthen its position as an important tourism center in Austria.