The race for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 host city is about to kick off in Austria, as the dust settles after the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. Several Austrian cities seem to be interested in welcoming the Eurovision bandwagon next year, with all its glam, glitz and glitter.
Austria was crowned the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 last Saturday when JJ stormed to victory with his entry ‘Wasted Love’.
Austria will have the grand honour of hosting the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, namely the 70th edition of the competition. Several cities have expressed their desire to host the competition next year.
SPÖ Graz Chairwoman Doris Kampus has announced an initiative in the city council to bring the Eurovision Song Contest to Graz next year.
Doris Kampus told ORF:
Culture is a central part of our identity. Now it’s time for us to regain this status at the heart of Europe.
The Mayor of Graz Ms. Elke Kahr told ORF:
With the Stadthalle, Graz not only has the appropriate infrastructure, but also the expertise to host large-scale events.It’s not about ‘whatever the cost,’ but about a realistic, professional application with a view to possible co-financing from various partners.An event like the Eurovision Song Contest would not only inspire millions of people, but would also provide a tangible economic stimulus for Graz and the entire Styria region.
Graz is vying to bid to host Eurovision 2026 at the Graz Stadthalle which can accomodate circa 11,000 spectators and is connected to the Graz Messe.
The City of Graz has to study and evaluate all the requirements for hosting the event and the financial cost, financing etc. Graz was one of the three shortlisted cities to host Eurovision 2015 along with Innsbruck and Vienna.Hence discussions have kicked off in Graz with all the potential stakeholders in order to evaluate the pontential bid.
ORF is yet to open the Eurovision 2026 Host City Bidding race. Several cities have already expressed their desire to host Eurovision 2026: Innsbruck, Vienna, Oberwart and Wells
