Festivals celebrate occasions and moods and generate their own realities that manifest as living memories. Festivals transform people, allowing them to take on unfamiliar roles. Festivals also change places, give rise to new public spheres, and are capable of bringing together critical as well as joyful, angry and enthusiastic groups with resulting impacts on cities and societies. The festival is also closely linked to the display of political or social power. Those who take part suspend existing rules or create new ones. The MAK exhibition DAS FEST brings art, cultural and social history to life. The book that accompanies the exhibition brings together the expert opinions of the MAK team as well as those of renowned authors and explores essential aspects of festival design. Festivals as a source of inspiration: from happenings to religious holidays With contributions by Chiara Baldini, Brigitte Felderer, Lili Hollein, Werner Oechslin, and many more MAK exhibition, which runs from 14 December 2022 to 7 May 2023