The Viennese open-air event format returns to its original location in the garden of Palais Auersperg after a temporary stay in the Augarten. From May 12th to 17th, 2026, the area in Vienna's eighth district will host a combination of gastronomy and culture.
This year's program is largely focused on the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC). In cooperation with the ORF (Austrian Broadcasting Corporation), the Palais will serve as an official side-event venue, where both semi-finals and the grand final will be shown on large screens. Access to the public viewing areas is free for visitors.
The new operators of Palais Auersperg, Philipp Grünbacher and Thomas Chang, together with initiator Paul Rittenauer, are pursuing a concept that blends international flair with local tradition. Every day from 15:00 pm, guests are presented with a diverse culinary offering, ranging from Lebanese street food to sushi and barbecue, as well as classic Austrian dishes. The food is complemented by a curated selection of drinks. The aim is to open the baroque private garden to the public and create an urban meeting place in the densely built-up Josefstadt district.
In addition to the evening broadcasts, the event offers a supporting program in the afternoon. On several days, so-called daytime parties will take place starting at 14:00 p.m., featuring DJ sets and live performances to get everyone in the mood for the main shows. A special event is planned for May 15th: a picnic. The organizers emphasize that the event is designed to be weather-independent: In case of rain or inclement weather, the public viewing activities can be moved at short notice to the baroque interior of the Palais.
The Palais Auersperg boasts a long history as a meeting place. Built in the early 18th century, it served for centuries as a venue for aristocratic celebrations and cultural performances. Its current use for large-scale modern events like the Eurovision Song Contest aims to bring the building's historical character into the present day. Reservation systems have already been activated for companies and larger groups to facilitate the planning of events during the international Eurovision week.