The stage is set, the glitter is still settling from Basel, and Austria is buzzing with the prospect of hosting the Eurovision Song Contest 2026!
Thanks to JJ‘s absolutely epic victory with “Wasted Love,” the grand honour of welcoming Europe’s most flamboyant music spectacle has landed squarely on Austrian soil.
But before we can cue the confetti cannons and disco balls, there’s a vital decision to be made: which Austrian city will have the privilege of playing host?
The bidding race for Eurovision 2026 has narrowed down to a thrilling two-horse race, promising a nail-biting finish between two very different, yet equally determined, contenders: the historic capital, Vienna, and the picturesque Tyrolean gem, Innsbruck. Both cities have officially thrown their hats into the ring, each brandishing their chosen arena like a champion jockey their whip.
Vienna- will the majestic Austrian imperial get to host Eurovision for the third time?
Vienna, ever the elegant empress, is making a strong case for a triumphant return to the Wiener Stadthalle. This iconic venue, already a seasoned veteran of the Eurovision stage, famously hosted the dazzling 2015 contest. Its well-oiled machinery, ample capacity for over 10,000 enthusiastic fans, and a proven track record of handling a massive international event like Eurovision, give it a significant edge. Imagine the seamless logistics, the familiar grandeur, and the comforting echo of past Eurovision anthems within its walls!
Can Innsbruck mesmerise everyone with its Alpine grandeur?
But hold your horses, because Innsbruck is galloping onto the scene with a fresh perspective and a fierce desire to shake things up. The Tyrolean capital is pinning its hopes on the Olympia Halle, a venue steeped in Olympic history. While perhaps not as globally recognized for musical extravaganzas as the Stadthalle, the Olympia Halle boasts excellent infrastructure, a substantial capacity, and the undeniable charm of being nestled amidst the stunning Alpine landscape.
The argument from Vienna‘s corner is clear: why fix what isn’t broken? The Wiener Stadthalle delivered a spectacular show in 2015, earning praise for its efficiency, hospitality, and sheer spectacle. The city’s extensive hotel infrastructure, seamless transport links, and experience in managing large crowds make it a safe, reliable, and frankly, very appealing choice for the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and host broadcaster ORF. It’s the comfort food of Eurovision hosting, tried and true.
However, Innsbruck offers a tantalizing alternative – the chance to discover a new side of Austria for the Eurovision faithful. Picture this: delegates and fans not only enjoying the show but also breathtaking mountain vistas, crisp alpine air, and perhaps even some pre-show skiing! The Olympia Halle, originally built for the Winter Olympics, has the robust framework to handle a production of this scale, and Innsbruck is eager to prove its mettle on the global stage.
Beyond the venues, the bids delve into the nitty-gritty of logistics. Both cities are submitting detailed plans covering everything from security measures and media facilities to accommodation capacity and cultural side events. The EBU and ORF are looking for a complete package, a city that can not only house the contest but also truly embrace and celebrate the Eurovision spirit.
The atmosphere is electric, with local media and fans eagerly dissecting every advantage and disadvantage. Vienna’s bid often highlights its central European location and well-established tourism industry, while Innsbruck champions its unique charm and the potential for a fresh, memorable Eurovision experience. It’s a classic tale of big city sophistication versus alpine adventure.
Ultimately, the decision rests with ORF, in conjunction with the EBU, and they’ll be weighing every factor carefully. The provisional dates for the Grand Final are set for either May 16 or May 23, 2026, meaning the chosen city will have a little less than a year to transform its chosen arena into a Eurovision wonderland.
So, who will it be? The grand dame of Vienna, ready for a repeat performance, or the mountain marvel of Innsbruck, eager to make its Eurovision debut? The coming weeks promise to be a fascinating watch as this two-horse race gallops towards the finish line, deciding where Europe will gather next to celebrate music, unity, and a good old-fashioned sing-along. One thing’s for sure: Austria is ready to welcome the world!
The deadline for Austrian cities and regions to submit their bids to ORF concludes on Friday 4 July, hereafter the EBU and ORF will kick off negotiations with the candidate cities and evalaute their respective bids.
ORF and EBU are expected to determine the Eurovision 2026 Host City by mid August. The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will be either held on 12, 14 and 16 May (Grand Final) or on 19, 21 and 23 May (Grand Final)
