In a dazzling display above Schloss Schönbrunn, Vienna’s night sky became a canvas of light as 3,000 drones performed a choreographed spectacle to celebrate the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest 2026.
The show, held on Monday evening, served as a grand “warm-up” for the internationally renowned music competition. For around 15 minutes, the drones formed glowing images that paid tribute to Austria’s Eurovision champions: Udo Jürgens, Conchita Wurst, and JJ. Among the highlights were Jürgens’ iconic piano, Conchita depicted with wings, and JJ’s symbolic paper boat drifting across the sky.
The illuminated performance also featured recognizable Eurovision imagery, including the contest’s trophy and the slogan “United by Music,” reinforcing the event’s spirit of unity and celebration.
According to organizers, the production ranks among the largest drone shows ever staged in Europe, rivaling similar large-scale events such as one previously held in the Vatican. The visual spectacle was accompanied by a musical score from Dorothee Freiberger, blending Eurovision-winning songs with specially composed elements inspired by Vienna’s musical heritage.
The event not only impressed audiences visually but also highlighted the creative and peaceful uses of drone technology. As Vienna prepares to host Eurovision, the show set an optimistic tone for what promises to be a vibrant celebration of music and culture
We bring you a photogallery courtsesy of ORF (Photo credit: Hans Leitner/ Lukas Krummholz).
