Austria: Linz and Wels will bid together to host Eurovision 2026

Wels and Linz are already in Eurovision fever – planning has begun!

The city of Wels, along with Linz, is bidding to host the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest – sustainable, modern, and welcoming. With a state-of-the-art event hall , outstanding infrastructure  , and a clear commitment to green event standards, Wels offers all the prerequisites for an unforgettable, climate-friendly music spectacle in the heart of Europe. A working group with the city of Linz and the tourism regions is currently reviewing and planning the submission for this mega-event. There is a lively exchange of ideas to best combine the strengths of both cities – Wels in its indoor venues and Linz in public viewing .

Austria’s most modern trade fair venue : a space for music, people, and magic.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new exhibition hall took place less than two weeks ago, and completion is scheduled for January 2026. The new exhibition hall 22 will enable the expansion of the event business and thus further growth at a high level of quality. Starting in January 2026, this will open a new chapter in the success story of Messe Wels , and the city of Wels will live up to its reputation as a top trade fair city . The Eurovision Song Contest comes at just the right time!

Therefore, the centerpiece of the bid is the new exhibition hall 22, which, with its flexible spatial layout, state-of-the-art stage technology, and current capacity for up to 5,700 visitors—which could be expanded for the Eurovision Song Contest— offers optimal conditions for an Eurovision-level production. The complex features generous ancillary areas for the press center, delegations, technical and VIP areas—all within barrier-free grounds. Furthermore, the new exhibition hall is an architectural highlight,  featuring state-of-the-art event technology and multifunctional use . The hall has a direct connection to the exhibition center with ample parking and logistics zones . With its central location and excellent accessibility, the hall fulfills the ideal requirements for the song contest.

12,000 beds in the tourism regions: Logistics meets quality of life.

With more than 3,500 beds in hotels, guesthouses, and private rooms in Wels and the surrounding region, comfortable accommodations for fans, media representatives, and artists are guaranteed. In addition, more than 8,500 beds are available in Linz and the tourism region.

Its central location on the Westbahn line and its proximity to Linz (airport and ICE interchange) make Wels an ideally accessible host .

Green Event ESC: Climate Protection as a Stage Star

Wels is committed to sustainability: As a certified Green Event venue, the city is planning the 2026 ESC according to clear ecological guidelines. These include climate-friendly mobility concepts, regional organic gastronomy, waste prevention, and energy-efficient event planning. The application is based on the criteria of the Austrian Ecolabel for Green Events.

Cities with heart, history and future

“Wels is ready to welcome Europe together with Linz – with a perfect infrastructure, a strong team and the shared passion to connect music and people,” emphasizes Mayor Dr. Andreas Rabl .

By applying for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, Wels and Linz not only want to inspire the ESC community, but also send a strong signal for regional identity, openness and environmental responsibility.