The University of Graz is not only a place of education and science, the campus is also a lively stage for all kinds of events: from cosy readings and discussion groups to large conferences and celebrations. A comprehensive overview can be found on the University of Graz website. This selection gives a glimpse in what the 2026 summer semester has to offer.
If you love exciting stories, powerful voices and special evenings, you should make a note of the 2nd Long Night of Crime Fiction at the University of Graz. Five Austrian crime writers will read from their books, accompanied by exciting lectures and talks on one of the most popular literary genres of all. It starts on 27 March at 6 p.m. in the foyer of the University Library. Participation is free of charge; simply register and you're in.
Even in science, there are sometimes setbacks, and at the Fiasco Festival on 25 March, researchers will talk openly and with a wink about their failed projects. They will be accompanied by psychologist Sabine Bergner, who will explain how best to deal with the next fiasco, which should always be expected.
On 9 April, the University of Graz will open its doors to anyone who wants to find out which degree programme suits them best. At the Open House, prospective students can get to know the university and its comprehensive range of courses. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., they can gather all the information they need about their desired subjects at various stations, take a look at the university library and the university museums, and relax for a while in the auditorium. A shuttle bus will take interested visitors to the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz and Graz University of Technology.
On 23 April, there will be an insight into a special true crime story. Journalist Florian Klenk will read from his book ‘Ausreden’ (Excuses) at the Literaturhaus. Using interrogation transcripts, expert reports and other information, Klenk paints a portrait of the ‘black widow’ Elfriede Blauensteiner, an inner monologue that forces us to reflect: What do guilt, justice and empathy really mean?
Just one day later, on 24 April, scientists from the University of Graz will provide an insight into their work at the Long Night of Research. A short trip around the globe allows you to discover other countries and other customs. Questions such as the following will be addressed: In which countries do people live to a particularly old age? What does the University of Graz have to do with polar bears? How foreign does German sound? The itinerary takes you to eight interactive stations on topics such as immigrant animal species, political attitudes and digital deepfakes.
Whether for the garden, balcony or windowsill in your flat, the Botanical Garden of the University of Graz has a special offer for plant lovers every year: for the 18th time, you can buy different and, above all, unusual useful and ornamental plants at the Plant Rarities Market on 25 and 26 April.
On 28 April, literature fans will get their money's worth: Franz Schuh and Maria Hofstätter will read from Karl Kraus's ‘The Last Days of Mankind’. In view of global crises and conflicts, the novel is still frighteningly relevant more than 100 years after its first publication.
On 29 May, the campus will once again become a festival location. At ‘Uni Vibes – the festival that transcends boundaries’, the University of Graz will show its creative and open side. Visitors can expect a mixture of science, art and community. From workshops on democracy to construction site tours and circus performances to a performance by the band Merak with their ‘Balkan Block Party’.
Primary school pupils will demonstrate how much innovative power our children have at the Changemaker Market Day, the highlight of the Changemaker Programme, which aims to teach children about entrepreneurial thinking. Here, the children can offer their own homemade products and services for sale at the university market.
A real highlight of the summer semester at the University of Graz has always been the Kleeblatt Run organised by the University Sports Institute (USI) and the USI Festival on 19 June 2026. From 27 April, you can register for the running event with a relay team. Admission to the USI Festival afterwards is free for participants.