In just 40 days, the Eurovision Song Contest will transform Vienna’s Stadthalle into the largest stage in Europe. But the City of Vienna and the Austrian public broadcaster ORF are aiming far beyond the venue itself. Their shared ambition is clear: to make Eurovision visible, audible, and tangible throughout the entire city.
Thunder and lightning it’s getting exciting! The clock is ticking and the Eurovision 2026 bandwagon is about to land in the majestic Austrian capital along with all its glam, glitz and glitter.
The City of Vienna and Austrian national broadcaster ORF are gearing up in full steam to organize an unforgettable Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna. More than 100 side events are scheduled to take place in the ESC 2026 host city.
The City of Vienna and ORF are working from strength to strength in order to showcase an extraordinary and mind-blowing experience for all the Eurovision fans, visitors, delegations and artists.
A Festival Atmosphere Across Vienna
More than 100 accompanying events are planned across Vienna, ensuring there is something for everyone—young and old alike. Mayor Michael Ludwig emphasized that many of these activities will be free, making the celebration accessible to all.
The city itself will take on a Eurovision identity. Bridges along the Danube Canal, tramways, drinking fountains, and even bicycle racks will be redesigned in Eurovision style. One tram on line 49 will become a “Disco Tram,” bringing music and energy directly to the streets. Even the city’s waste management department will join in, decorating garbage trucks and bins with playful Eurovision-themed slogans.
At the famous Naschmarkt, a special “Market Contest” will introduce visitors to culinary specialties from participating countries, turning food into another way to experience Eurovision’s diversity.
Events for Fans for ages!
The program includes a wide variety of activities designed to bring Eurovision to life across the city. Highlights range from a children’s disco featuring the ESC mascot Auri to a Eurovision party corner at the Vienna Marathon. There will also be sing-along events in community residences known as “Häuser zum Leben.”
For nightlife enthusiasts, the Euro-Club—hosted this year at the Prater Dome—will offer nightly parties for fans. Meanwhile, the Wien Museum will transform into the Eurofan House, a meeting place where fan clubs from across Europe can connect and celebrate together.
Eurovision Village: The Heart of the Celebration
The central hub for fans will be the Eurovision Village at Rathausplatz. From May 10 to May 17, up to 15,000 visitors per day will gather there to enjoy public screenings, international cuisine, live concerts, and a packed entertainment schedule.
A special highlight will be the Opening Ceremony on May 10, when all participating delegations parade from the Burgtheater to Rathausplatz—broadcast live by ORF.
Eurovision on Screen and Across Austria
Adding to the excitement, ORF will operate a glass studio on-site, producing over 100 hours of live programming. National radio stations—including Ö3, Ö1, and FM4—will broadcast directly from the square, turning it into a media hub for the entire country.
Television audiences can also look forward to major primetime shows. Barbara Schöneberger will host the anniversary show “Wir sind Song Contest,” while Andi Knoll will lead several editions of “Mr. Song Contest proudly presents.”
Public viewing events are expanding rapidly—not only in Vienna but across all Austrian federal states. Venues such as the Volkstheater, Volksoper, MAK, Vindobona, U4, and Ottakringer Brewery will host screenings in the capital. Beyond Vienna, at least 20 official public viewing events are already planned, with the largest expected at Messe Dornbirn in western Austria.
A Nationwide Celebration
According to Eurovision Executive Producer Michael Krön, the goal is to create a shared experience that reaches far beyond the live shows in the Stadthalle. From the Eurovision Village to fan houses, children’s events, and nationwide public screenings, the aim is to unite audiences across Austria, Europe, and beyond.
With such an extensive and inclusive program, Vienna is set not only to host the Eurovision Song Contest—but to live it.
