Vienna unveiled what was billed as the largest side event programme in Eurovision history for the 2026 contest, specifically curated for accredited media and delegations. Dubbed ‘Vienna OffStage’, the initiative transformed the entire Austrian capital into an expansive stage, offering a unique array of experiences. The Vienna Tourist Board spearheaded this ambitious project, significantly expanding upon its successful 2015 side-events concept.
From May 4 to 15, 2026, the city itself became an integral part of the Eurovision programme, offering an impressive 78 curated experiences across 33 institutions. All these events were provided with free admission, making the city’s rich cultural tapestry accessible to international guests.
The Vienna Tourist Board had first laid the groundwork for such an extensive offering with a wide-ranging side-events programme in 2015. For the 2026 edition, that proven concept was expanded even further and taken to a whole new level, demonstrating Vienna’s commitment to hosting an unforgettable contest.
With Vienna OffStage, the Vienna Tourist Board delivered the largest ‘social programme’ in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest for accredited media and delegations. This initiative effectively turned Vienna itself into a vibrant stage for those covering and participating in the event. Guided by the overarching Eurovision motto ‘United by Music’, Vienna OffStage expanded the official event with a multi-layered city experience. It also opened up new, direct avenues for accredited individuals to connect with the city and its culture.
Furthermore, Vienna OffStage deliberately created numerous occasions for international reporting and content creation. It provided extraordinary settings, personal encounters, and exclusive insights, which in turn offered high-quality, cross-platform content for media, broadcasters, and various digital channels.
The meticulously curated programme offered extraordinary experiences infused with plenty of local flavour. These ranged from energetic Eurovision Zumba and yoga classes to exclusive access to all venues of leading cultural institutions, including the entire KHM Museum Association. Culinary enthusiasts could partake in schnitzel workshops or even create their own bespoke Eurovision sausage at a classic Viennese sausage stand, ensuring a truly immersive and memorable visit for all attendees.
Accredited journalists, delegations and the competing artists at Eurovision 2026 were treated to the best of Viennese hospitaly and got a chance to enjoy and experience 111 different specially curated tours and experiences which included: Decorate Your Own Original Sacher Torte, The Spanish Riding School Horse Show, Musikwieren Guided Tour, How to make your own Schnitzel, The Eurovision Danube Cruise, Wine Tasting in Vienna, Belvedere Palace, Schonnbrunn Musical Concerts at the Orangerie, Zumba classes, Yoga classes etc.
Vienna OffStage is showing how #Eurovision2026 goes beyond the stage: 111 free experiences across the city connect delegations, media and guests with Vienna’s culture, food and everyday life. ️️ Creating value beyond the @Eurovision Song Contest. pic.twitter.com/wlN4UpY2Wg
— Vienna (@_vienna_info_) May 12, 2026
Apart from the curated program of side events the accredited media, delegations and competing artists were also invited to experience a large number of museums, attractions and experience various activities at their own leisure whilst in Vienna: including a visit to the Kunst Historische Museum, Madame Tussaud’s Museum, the Prater Ferris Wheel, Albertina Museum, the Imperial Treasury etc.
From May 4 to 15, 2026, Vienna itself became the stage. A total of 78 curated experiences and 33 participating institutions offered events free of charge. Building on the successful 2015 concept, Vienna Tourism has elevated the idea into its largest form yet with Vienna OffStage – the most extensive social program ever realized in ESC history.
Under the motto “United by Music,” Vienna OffStage provided a variety of unique experiences with strong local flavor, including Eurovision-themed Zumba and yoga classes, exclusive access to major cultural institutions like the entire KHM Museum Association, schnitzel workshops, and even the chance to design your own ESC sausage at a Viennese Würstelstand.
