Vienna is gearing up to host the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026, promising an unprecedented celebration for fans worldwide. The Austrian capital is set to welcome an immense live audience, with attendees travelling from over 70 different countries to be part of this historic anniversary. This milestone event is anticipated to be one of the largest in recent Eurovision history.
- 95,000 tickets sold for 70th Eurovision Song Contest, with fans travelling from 75 countries and territories worldwide
- Vienna set for biggest live Eurovision audience in years as the Contest celebrates its 70th anniversary
- 42% of tickets bought internationally, highlighting Eurovision’s rapidly growing global fanbase
- Strong demand from across Europe and beyond, including USA, Australia, Brazil, Japan and South Africa
- 2026 Contest will transform Vienna into a global hub of music, culture and connection both on and off stage
Vienna Readies for Historic 70th Anniversary
The anticipation is building for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, which marks a significant milestone as it celebrates its 70th anniversary. Hosted in the beautiful city of Vienna, Austria, the event is already generating immense excitement, particularly regarding the expected live audience. Organisers have confirmed that fans from more than 70 countries across the globe are making plans to travel to Vienna, indicating a truly international gathering for this special occasion.
This widespread interest suggests that Vienna 2026 is poised to host one of the largest live audiences in many years, perhaps even setting new records for attendance. The contest will take place at the Wiener Stadthalle, which previously hosted the event in 2015.
The EBU’s press release reads:
Fans from Germany bought the second-largest number of tickets, while British fans are the third biggest group heading to Vienna.
But Eurovision’s reach extends far beyond Europe:
Fans are travelling in large numbers from the United States, Australia and Canada.
Many are making the journey from as far afield as Brazil, Mexico, Japan, South Africa, UAE, Hong Kong and New Zealand.
And that’s not all, cheering on their favourites in the Wiener Stadthalle will be fans from countries as diverse as the Solomon Islands, Paraguay and Sri Lanka, proving that Eurovision’s appeal truly spans the globe.
In total, 42% of tickets have been purchased by fans from a wide range of countries across Europe and beyond, highlighting the Eurovision Song Contest’s ever-growing international fanbase.
Thousands of Dutch fans are making the journey to Vienna as well as those from Iceland, Ireland, Spain and Slovenia and returning participating countries Bulgaria, Moldova and Romania.
The Top 10 ticket buying countries are:
- Austria
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- Switzerland
- United States
- France
- Australia
- Czechia
- Slovakia
- Netherlands
A Celebration of Seven Decades of Music
The 70th anniversary is a momentous occasion for the Eurovision Song Contest, reflecting seven decades of musical innovation, cultural exchange, and unforgettable performances. From its humble beginnings in 1956, Eurovision has grown into a global television spectacle, captivating millions annually. The decision to host this landmark event in Vienna, a city rich in musical heritage, adds another layer of prestige to the celebrations.
Martin Green CBE (Director of the Eurovision Song Contest) says:
What makes the Eurovision Song Contest so special is the way it brings people together, United by Music, and these figures really bring that to life.
To see fans travelling from more than 70 countries – from across Europe and as far away as New Zealand, the Americas and beyond – is incredible.
And it’s great to see so many ticket buyers from Asia as we get ready for the exciting launch of Eurovision Song Contest Asia in November.
There’s a real sense of joy in knowing that people from all over the world will come together in Vienna to celebrate music, culture and connection.
The Eurovision Song Contest isn’t just watched globally – it’s experienced globally, and this year Vienna will truly be at the heart of that.
Michael Krön (Executive Producer for ORF) says:
Welcoming fans from more than 70 countries to Vienna highlights the extraordinary reach and enduring significance of the Eurovision Song Contest.
For us as Host Broadcaster, it is both an honour and a privilege that so many people from around the world want to experience this anniversary edition live.
Working closely with the City of Vienna and the EBU, our team is committed to ensuring a well‑organized, safe and truly memorable Eurovision week for everyone involved.
Norbert Kettner (CEO Vienna Tourist Board) says:
Vienna moves Europe and welcomes the world – and there is no better stage to prove it than the 70th Eurovision Song Contest. The city has always been a place of dialogue, a place where the world comes together through music.
For this anniversary edition, the Wiener Stadthalle will become a festival arena like no other – but the experience goes far beyond the stage.
From the Eurovision Village at Rathausplatz to cultural events across the city and public screenings, it will be a true host city experience that brings Eurovision to every corner of the city. Vienna has something to offer for everyone.
Fans can look forward to an extraordinary show, not only celebrating the competitive spirit of the Contest but also looking back at its rich history. The influx of international visitors will undoubtedly create a vibrant atmosphere throughout Vienna, transforming the city into a hub of Eurovision festivities. The semi-finals are scheduled for 12 and 14 May, with the Grand Final on 16 May 2026, and will be presented by Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski. As the countdown continues, all eyes are on Austria for what promises to be an unforgettable chapter in the Eurovision saga.
