Finally Space at the Main Square: Car-Free Day 2026
Imagine the Main Square belongs to you. No metal avalanche, no honking concert, just space to breathe and ride your bike. That's exactly what awaits us on September 22, 2026, when Graz participates in the Europe-wide Car-Free Day again. And not for the first time, but for the 27th time! You could say we Grazers are real veterans at this.
This whole event is part of the European Mobility Week, which runs from September 16 to 22. Since 2010, there has been the "Discovery Journey on Foot" through Graz's city center and the "Step Counter Distance Game" at Karmeliterplatz. Over 1,200 Graz primary school children participate every year, getting a taste of how nice it is to move around without a car. A great thing, if you ask me, because the little ones learn playfully how to get around the city best.
The Mobility Festival at the Main Square: An Afternoon for Everyone
The highlight is clearly the Mobility Festival on September 22, 2026 directly at Graz's Main Square. From 1 PM to 6 PM, there will be plenty to offer under the motto "Mobility for All Generations". There’s really something for everyone, whether you are just learning to walk or have a few decades under your belt.
It kicks off at 1 PM, and at 2 PM there will be an official welcome from Vice Mayor Mag. Judith Schwentner and Department Head Dipl.-Ing. Wolfgang Feigl. Later in the afternoon, at 4 PM, you can listen to the ALMA rap "I Turn Off My Tunnel". It is meant to remind us all how important consideration is in road traffic – a topic that is particularly close to our hearts as cyclists. Right after that, at 4:10 PM, the Black and Green Rhythms will showcase their hip-hop choreographies. And for musical accompaniment and good vibes throughout the afternoon, from 1 PM to 6 PM, Antenne Steiermark with Peter Bauregger will be there.
What Can You Experience? From Bike Wash to Giant Bubbles
The list of activities and booths is long and diverse. Here are a few highlights you shouldn't miss:
Traffic Culture and Pedestrian Info: The owl ALMA from the city of Graz raises awareness about consideration and respect. You can also get information about everything related to walking from the pedestrian representative of the city of Graz.
Safety First: The "Out of the Blind Spot with Trucks" action by KLS Safety and the professional fire department is a must. Here you will be shown how dangerous the blind spot can be with trucks and how you can protect yourself as a cyclist or pedestrian. The professional fire department even provides a real truck for this purpose. The annoying topic of "dooring" will also be addressed – who doesn't know the situation when a car door suddenly opens?
Get Your Bike Ready: Bicycle will be on-site with a mobile bike wash and a repair station. Bring your bike and get it ready for everyday use. A great opportunity to take care of your bike properly.
For the Little Ones: The balance bike course from VSÖ helps the youngest to assess balance and speed. The barefoot course and the mobility tactile cinema from IVP are a treat for the senses – you can feel different materials and be surprised.
Fun and Games: Jakotopia comes with the SpielExpress, a fire truck vintage from over 60 years ago that makes giant bubbles and spits out crazy, self-made bicycles. Julia Saarinen ensures "Great Fun for Little Mobility Pros!" with ALMA jumping games, traffic chaos, and painting activities.
Information and Consultation: The Climate Pact #bindabei informs about the city's climate protection goals. The environmental office has its info bike on-site and clarifies issues about traffic noise and mobility concepts. Holding Graz presents its GrazMobil app and the car-sharing system tim. The Climate Alliance Styria has an interactive quiz wheel, and the cycling lobby ARGUS Styria shows historical postcards and provides information.
Reading Material and S-Bahn Info: The Literaturhaus Graz presents books on mobility and sustainability with bookolino and informs about the literature festival for young audiences (November 5 to 18, 2026), which also features books about walking and train travel. And if you want to know what’s next for the S-Bahn, you can get informed by the state of Styria and the transport association. The Graz police will also be present and provide information on important road traffic regulation topics.
To ensure the whole festival runs smoothly, Energie Graz provides the necessary power – a heartfelt thank you for that! And if you’re wondering who coordinates all this: Susanne Malik from KOOP Live Marketing is the contact person, and Dr. Daniela Hörzer from the city of Graz, Department of Transport Planning, is leading the project.
The city of Graz will also have photos and videos taken at the festival, which will be published on the website, social media, and in print media. So, don’t forget to smile!
The Car-Free Day is a great opportunity to experience our city from a different perspective and see how much space we actually have when cars take a break. Maybe just the right occasion to pull the bike out of the basement and conquer the Main Square before a tram shows you who has the right of way.
See you on September 22, 2026!
#bikegraz #carfreeday #graz #mobility #bikelove
Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky for more Graz bike news!
