Vienna’s perennially popular ball season is back, and the LGBT community is pulling out all the stops for this year’s majestic events. On Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, the theme for the highly popular Kreativball is “Australia/Oceania – Sailor, Stop Dreaming.” Set for Feb. 22 at Parkhotel Schönbrunn, the Rainbow Ball is a grand affair where formal attire is de rigueur and all profits benefit the work of Hosi (Homosexuelle Initiative) Wien.

On Feb. 27, the Rosenball gets underway at the Palais Auersperg. More of a rollicking disco than a formal waltz, the evening nevertheless launches with a traditional Polonaise dance, and what you wear most definitely matters: The glamour factor tends to run off the charts. Held on the same evening as the more traditional Opera Ball taking place at the State Opera House, attendance at the Rosenball is regarded as a political proclamation. Have your best tux or most fabulous frock at the ready, but remember — these events tend to sell out in advance.

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