Vienna is preparing to host the 70th Eurovision Song Contest (ESC), which will take place in the capital for the third time in Austrian history in May 2026. The Wiener Stadthalle will serve as the venue for the two semi-finals on May 12 and 14, as well as for the grand final on May 16.
The enormous international importance of the competition is already reflected in ticket sales: Of a total of 95.000 tickets sold for nine shows, 42 percent were for international guests, with Germany being the second most important buyer country after Austria.
The city's supporting program extends across the entire city and will be launched on May 10th with a festive opening ceremony at City Hall Square. There, the "Eurovision Village" will be set up as a fan zone for up to 15.000 people, offering daily live broadcasts, concerts, and culinary delights. In addition, around 30 public viewing locations, including the Ottakringer Brewery and the Hermann beach bar, will offer opportunities to watch the Eurovision Song Contest. A special focus is placed on social inclusion: 500 free tickets will be distributed through aid organizations to low-income individuals to make the event accessible to a broad cross-section of the population.
The tourist infrastructure is complemented by specific offerings such as the official app "ivie" and the "Eurofan House" at the Vienna Museum, which hosts interviews and expert presentations. Viennese coffeehouse culture is also integrated into the festival, with 20 establishments sponsoring participating countries. In the area of public transport, Wiener Linien (Vienna's public transport operator) is focusing on themed events such as karaoke trams on line 49 and live music in selected subway stations. At night, the PraterDOME transforms into the "Euro-Club," serving as a central meeting point for delegations and accredited fans.
Vienna is using the hosting of the anniversary Eurovision Song Contest to solidify its position as a global cultural and congress metropolis. In addition to the musical performances, including those by the ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra, the city expects a significant economic boost from the large number of international visitors. Vienna is focusing on a close integration of digital fan engagement, such as a mobile scavenger hunt, and physical experience spaces. With the official motto "United by Music," the Austrian capital is positioning itself as a bridgehead for cultural exchange within Europe.