Call for Artists: Applications Open for Pflasterspektakel 2026
Apply before 15 January 2026 for one of Europe’s largest street-performance festivals
Pflasterspektakel, one of Europe’s most vibrant and long-running street-performance festivals, has opened its 2026 call for applications.
This is not a British UNIMA event, but we know many of our members and colleagues work in outdoor arts, festival touring, and street puppetry — and we thought this internationally renowned festival may be of interest. Full information from the organisers is provided below.
Info for Artists (from Pflasterspektakel)
For almost 40 years Pflasterspektakel has been a meeting point for street performers from all over the world. It has become one of the largest and most successful street performance festivals in Europe with around 100 participating companies and artists and more than 200,000 visitors within 3 festival days.
Pflasterspektakel is a busking festival. The organizer, the cultural department of the City of Linz, provides hotel accommodation including breakfast, a daily allowance and a contribution to travel expenses. For performing at Pflasterspektakel it is necessary to apply via the online form during the call for application from 15 November to 15 January.
Pflasterspektakel 2026 takes place from 23 to 25 July.
In the list below you will find all the information on application, performance modalities and the conditions of participation.
Application 2026
The call for applications for the 38th Pflasterspektakel (23–25 July 2026) runs from 15 November 2025 until 15 January 2026.
Artists can apply via online form only.
Invitations or refusals will be sent by 15 February at the latest, via email.
Each year, more than 800 companies and solo performers apply; around 100 acts are invited — half of them for the first time.
Participation
The invitation/refusal will be sent until 15 February at latest by email. Every year about 50% of the participants are invited for the first time. The number of acts is limited to about 100 companies and solo performers. Therefore the festival cannot consider all applications.
Performance Mode
At the daily “time and location reservation”, artists choose their performance slots and locations according to the general festival regulations. Festival staff assist and advise, helping artists find the right setting for their work.
Artists may perform 2 or 3 times per day.
Performances start on the hour.
Each slot is 1 hour including set-up and take-down.
Special performance types (fire, pyrotechnics, loud music, samba/percussion, street painting, static/walking acts, long load-in/out, mobile work, etc.) have special conditions.
Official permits are handled by the festival.
Performance Locations
Around 40 locations throughout the city centre: pedestrian zones, courtyards, squares and parks.
Some sites include audience seating.
Not all locations have power.
Fire and loud shows are limited to specific sites.
Indoor/covered spaces are available in case of severe weather.
Additional Performances
Extra opportunities may be available through:
Kaleidoscope Shows at the Circus Tent
Nightline
Lottery for special performance locations
Artists will receive details with their participation agreement and again at check-in.
Stage & Sound
No stages provided.
No sound equipment provided.
Artists must bring all sound gear.
Sound should be directed only to the immediate audience to avoid overlap with neighbouring acts.
Not all locations have power.
Technical Equipment
Artists must bring all required cables, adapters, power distribution, tape, etc.
The festival may assist with equipment rentals.
Travel Allowance
All participating artists receive a travel allowance, calculated by a zonal distance model based on the direct route to Linz, counted for both outward and return travel.
Highlights:
Bonus for eco-travel (carpooling, train, public bus).
Max allowance per artist/group: €1,000.
Proof of starting point and departure date required.
Accompanying persons are not eligible.
Based on three days of participation.
(Full details available on the organiser’s website.)
Daily Allowance
Artists receive €30 per day per person (up to 10 people).
Paid via bank transfer.
Busking income is retained by artists.
No per diems for companions.
Accommodation
Hotel accommodation with breakfast is provided.
Hotels are central; parking nearby.
Accommodation for companions is not covered.
Festival Office
First stop on arrival:
University of Arts Linz
Hauptplatz 8
4020 Linz
The festival office provides:
Check-in
Information on schedules, parking, hotels
Changing and washing rooms
Café with affordable meals, snacks and drinks
Journey & Transport
Train: Linz Central Station
Car: Various motorway access points (vignette required on Austrian motorways)
Plane: Linz Airport or Vienna International Airport
Transfers available via bus/train.
Application Reminder
Applications open: 15 November 2025
Applications close: 15 January 2026
Festival dates: 23–25 July 2026
Responses sent by: 15 February 2026
Artists must apply via online form only.