40 days until the Song Contest final: Vienna goes Eurovision from today
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In just under five weeks, Vienna will once again become Europe’s biggest stage as the Austrian capital hosts the Eurovision Song Contest for the third time. Not only is the Wiener Stadthalle, an internationally renowned venue, hosting the two semifinals and the final show, but Vienna’s Rathausplatz in the heart of the city will also serve as the central hub of Eurovision Week and the main gathering place for Eurovision fans from Vienna, Austria, and across Europe.
The Eurovision Song Contest is much more than just a program on ORF; it’s a media extravaganza across all of ORF’s platforms – a 360-degree experience on every level: from the big prime-time shows on ORF 1 to deep into the digital universe.
“For more than a week, Vienna will become the global hub for music entertainment. The Austrian capital has the honor of hosting the Eurovision Song Contest for the third time. In 2015, we set international benchmarks—and in 2026, our aim is... to raise the bar once again. As Mayor, it’s especially important to me that this event delivers a great experience – not just for those who could afford or were able to secure tickets to the Stadthalle. It’s especially important to me that this event becomes an unforgettable experience for all Viennese and visitors alike—regardless of their financial circumstances. That’s why we focused on creating an extensive program across the entire city. With our program of side events, there is something for everyone – for young and old alike, and many free events. Vienna is not only the host city, but above all a city of peace, solidarity, and togetherness. That is clearly reflected in every event on the program,” says Mayor Michael Ludwig.
“The Eurovision Song Contest rests on three pillars: the EBU, the national broadcaster and a host city that delivers. Vienna delivers. In 2015, we showed what is possible: the most welcoming Eurovision in history, recognized for its atmosphere, accessibility, and international appeal. In 2026, we’re building on that success and taking the city experience to the next level. With Vienna OffStage, we are turning the entire city into a stage, creating the largest social program in Eurovision history. With the Vienna Experience Bag, we are rolling out the biggest fan activation of all time. And with our ivie app, welcome desks, and a curated experience program, Vienna becomes an experience far beyond the Stadthalle,” explains Norbert Kettner, the City of Vienna’s Eurovision coordinator and Director of the Vienna Tourist Board.
“We are very pleased to offer a diverse range of activities in Vienna and across Austria for the Eurovision Song Contest. Here at ORF, it is very important to us to make Eurovision accessible to everyone, not only on screen, but as a live experience throughout the country. My thanks also go to our partners, whose support helps us make the Eurovision Song Contest accessible to all audiences,” emphasizes ORF Interim Director General Ingrid Thurnher.
“Our ORF glass studio on Vienna’s Rathausplatz is the centerpiece of our coverage and, in the final Eurovision week, is set to become the living room of all of Austria. It is an architectural statement of openness and also something new for ORF, because for the first time we will be broadcasting from there across all our national TV and radio channels. We are the ‘ORF for everyone’ and that is why we also have all channels under one roof. This will be the hub of our multimedia coverage,” says ORF Program Director Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz.
“From the Eurovision Village and the EURO CLUB to the Eurovision Kids’ Disco, the Eurovision Market Contest at Naschmarkt, and the Eurofan House at Wien Museum, Vienna will become one big Eurovision celebration. And with public viewings across the country, the Eurovision spirit will be felt across the whole country. “This broad and diverse program reflects what we have set out to achieve from the very beginning—not just with the shows at the Vienna Stadthalle, but with the event as a whole: to reach and inspire as many people as possible in Austria, across Europe, and around the world, explains Executive Producer Michael Krön.
Eurovision Village: The Heart of Eurovision in the City Center
Hosted by the City of Vienna and developed in close collaboration with ORF, the Eurovision Village is one of Eurovision’s central hubs, welcoming up to 15,000 fans. From May 10 to May 17, 2026, the Eurovision Village will open its doors – with free admission.
It will open daily from 2.00 pm until midnight, or until the live shows end. Open daily from 2:00 PM to midnight (or until the end of the live shows), the Village will open early at 11:00 AM on Ascension Day with a special “Eurovision Brunch” and will also reopen on the Sunday after the final from 2:00 to 7:00 PM, giving fans a chance to look back on the week’s big moments. As the largest public fan meeting point, the Eurovision Village offers a varied stage program every day for a week, with numerous concerts, international Eurovision DJs, and a range of interactive formats. In addition to performances by former and current Eurovision participants and other live acts, the public viewings of the three TV shows are at the heart of the action. They will be broadcast live from the Wiener Stadthalle on May 12, 14, and 16 and shown on a total of 15 screens at Vienna’s Rathausplatz. For these three shows, parts of the Ringstrasse will also be closed so that up to 30,000 fans can watch the action live.
Fourteen food and drink stands will showcase Viennese and international cuisine, from schnitzel to tapas and from dumplings to pasta, as well as breweries and traditional wine taverns. BioDöner, Viennese burgers, French crêpes, and Italian aperitifs are also on the menus. One of the highlights will be daily appearances by Eurovision Song Contest 2026 artists, who will perform their competition entries live at the Eurovision Village.
On and off the main stage, several activities add extra appeal: at the “Be a Shootingstar” photo point, fans can step into the role of Eurovision stars, walk the permanently installed Turquoise Carpet, and have professional photos taken in front of the original photo backdrop, which they can then post on their own social media channels. Each day, the community votes for the best pictures in the Shootingstar Award. The AI karaoke booth turns visitors into Eurovision stars by digitally integrating the performers’ heads and voices into the original performances. The top five clips are shown and awarded each day on the main stage. In addition, the Eurovision Quiz, hosted by Robert Steiner, invites families and fans to explore 70 years of Eurovision history in a fun, interactive way on their smartphones, with exciting prizes to be won. The full program and lineup for the Eurovision Village can be found online at: eurovision.wien.gv.at or on the Vienna Tourist Board’s ivie app.
On May 10, the Opening Ceremony with the spectacular “Turquoise Carpet” kicks off Eurovision Week in Vienna
May 10 marks the official start of Eurovision Week in Vienna with the Opening Ceremony and the Turquoise Carpet event. It is the only moment when all 35 delegations will appear together. Coming from the Burgtheater, they will proceed in alphabetical order along the turquoise carpet toward City Hall. The Opening Ceremony will begin with a performance by the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Christian Kolonovits, after which the Woodstock Allstar Band will welcome each delegation to Vienna Rathausplatz with a musical tribute to their respective country.
The Opening Ceremony with the Turquoise Carpet will conclude with JJ’s winning song “Wasted Love,” accompanied by the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra (RSO Wien). The entire procession of all the delegations will be broadcast live on ORF1 starting at 5.00 pm. The Opening Ceremony with the Turquoise Carpet will offer up to 10,000 fans the opportunity to see all participating nations up close. Afterwards, the official Welcome Reception will take place at City Hall, to which all the delegations are invited.
EURO-CLUB 2026: the official hotspot of Eurovision Week is at the PraterDOME
From May 11 to May 16, 2026, the EURO-CLUB at Vienna’s PraterDOME will be the official meeting point for Eurovision Week. Across six evenings, fans, artists, delegations, and international guests can look forward to a varied program. As host, Eric Papilaya will guide the audience through the entire EURO-CLUB week, giving the official after-show hotspot an Austrian Eurovision flair. The program will be complemented by Austrian Eurovision stars who, alongside international Eurovision acts and Eurovision DJs, will create special live moments at the PraterDOME. Both semifinal shows and the final will also be shown live at the Club. With two additional formats, EURO-CLUB 2026 is purposefully expanding its program beyond the classic evening offering.
The Golden Years Party on Friday, May 15, from 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm, is geared especially toward older Eurovision fans. The focus is on Eurovision classics, evergreen hits, and popular Eurovision anthems, complemented by selected Austrian Eurovision acts live at the venue.
With Europe’s largest Kids Disco on Saturday, May 16, from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm, the EURO-CLUB is also offering something special for young Eurovision fans: the biggest Eurovision Kids Disco brings the Eurovision spirit to the dance floor in an age-appropriate format for children aged between 6 and 12. Eurovision star Auri is pencilled in as the special guest.
Wien Museum transforms into the official Eurofan House
From May 11 to May 16, 2026, the Wien Museum will be transformed into the Eurofan House, becoming the Song Contest meeting point for fans, acts, and the international Eurovision community. The program includes exclusive interviews by the world’s largest international fan outlet Wiwibloggs with this year’s acts, panel discussions, talks and presentations, as well as activities and events organised by OGAE Austria, Austria’s official Song Contest fan club. As the official daytime hotspot, the Eurofan House will be open with free admission Monday through Saturday from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm. More information about the program can be found on the social media channels of Wiwibloggs and OGAE Austria.
A wide-ranging events program for those who can’t attend the Stadthalle
Eurovision is not limited to an event at the Vienna Stadthalle. Eurovision is an experience meant for everyone, not only paying guests but all Viennese and visitors alike, regardless of their financial means. That is why ORF and the City of Vienna have put together a wide-ranging program of events across the entire capital, making the world’s largest music event accessible to everyone.
The new Marktraum market hall at Naschmarkt will host the Eurovision Market Contest.
On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 2:00 to 7:00 PM, the Vienna Market Authority will present the Eurovision Market Contest in and around Marktraum at Naschmarkt. Visitors can look forward to a varied program centered entirely on the Eurovision Song Contest. Numerous market stalls will offer specialties from the countries participating in this year’s Song Contest in the City of Vienna. The culinary offerings are complemented by live music featuring current and past Song Contest entries, creating a vibrant, international atmosphere in the center of Vienna.
The Danube becomes Vienna’s Eurovision dance floor
Daily disco cruises during Europe’s most music-filled week are a highlight for anyone who wants to discover Vienna at its most vibrant. From May 9 to May 17, international live DJs will bring high-energy beats on board the MS Vienna. Eurovision sound, a relaxed atmosphere on the sun deck, and impressive views of Vienna’s skyline. Live DJs from across Europe, including DJ Douze Points, Sasha Balkan, DJ Linus, and DJ FirstRANK, who are known for packed dance floors and infectious energy, will fill the Danube with Eurovision vibes that have cult status in the fan community. They perfectly match the pulsating flair of this extraordinary week. On May 11, the EURO DAY CRUISE comes with a special nostalgia bonus: music by Udo Jürgens, Johnny Logan, Nicole, Vicky Leandros, ABBA, and many more. Departure is from the Vienna/Reichsbrücke pier, and guests explore and dance along the Danube on a two-hour cruise.
Explore Eurovision in the world capital of music with Zukunftstouren (Future Tours) and experience the Silent Sidewalk Disco
Vienna in full swing – Guerrilla Walk with Oliver Hangl feat. Tex Rubinowitz: April 16 & 23, 6.00 pm During the Eurovision Song Contest, Vienna – with its unique place between imperial legacy, provincial roots, and international visibility – will become a city suspended: between pop spectacle, tourism, and everyday city life. On a Guerrilla Walk, Viennese performance artist Oliver Hangl questions the grand narrative of the event together with random passersby and local residents. Special guest Tex Rubinowitz – cartoonist, writer, Bachmann Prize winner, and self-proclaimed Eurovision fan – will contribute both intellectually and musically.
United by Music: a walk between glitter and everyday life. April 30, 5.00 pm
On this walk, we visit the places where Vienna made Eurovision history. At the same time, we will explore fundamental questions such as who owns public space and how do different groups use the city as a stage, for self-presentation, self-empowerment, and to make their causes heard?
Famous musicians and composers: May 4, 11.45 am On a walk through Vienna Central Cemetery, everything revolves around music. Passing the old arcades, visitors will pause by the graves of famous composers such as Brahms, Beethoven, Schubert, Lanner, and Suppé. Next, the walk continues to music legends such as Udo Jürgens, winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 1966, Hansi Dujmic, Willi Resetarits, Kurt Hauenstein, and Paula Preradović, lyricist of the Austrian national anthem.
Silent sidewalk disco: May 5, 6.30 pm The sidewalk becomes a stage. At a wireless-headphone disco in public space, the city turns into a dance floor. Participants can choose between two channels, with DJ Mia Legenstein and Dent each providing the soundtrack. Plenty of information about these formats can be found online at eurovision.wien.gv.at
Wiener Linien x Eurovision on Line 49: Hop on and join the fun!
A special highlight is the “WL x Eurovision Streetcar” on line 49, which – branded with a Vienna 12-Points panel on the front and back – will run as a stage on wheels between the Volkstheater and the Stadthalle, bringing music and Eurovision vibes straight into the public realm.
On selected non-show days, it will also serve as a venue for interactive events such as sing-alongs and jam sessions, giving passengers a chance to join in themselves. On those days, it will be stationed at Karlsplatz by the Eurofan House at the Wien Museum.
Cheer and celebrate together: with 29 public screenings across Vienna, large and small, Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will be something everyone can experience.
The most exciting thing is being part of the event at Eurovision in the Stadthalle. At home on the couch is probably the coziest. But the best way is to party and watch the contest together around the city with friends, acquaintances, and family. Vienna stands out because no one has to party alone, and people really live by that: so far, 29 public screenings have been registered in Vienna, where fans and interested visitors can cheer and sing along together.
All public screenings that have been accredited so far can be found on the city map at eurovision.wien.gv.at and at songcontest.orf.at. More screenings are being added all the time. All establishments and venues that would like to offer public viewings can be accredited with ORF at songcontest.orf.at. Interested parties can register until April 17. As an official ORF partner, they will be able to use a specially developed logo and can order the official Eurovision branding materials via the web shop at eurovision.druck.at and display them at their venue.
111 times Vienna: the largest side event program in Eurovision history will turn the entire capital into a stage
From May 4 to 15, 2026, the city itself becomes part of the program, with 78 curated experiences at 33 institutions, all with free admission. The Vienna Tourist Board first laid the groundwork for this with a wide-ranging side-events program in 2015. In 2026, that concept will be expanded even further and taken to a whole new level.
With “Vienna OffStage,” the Vienna Tourist Board is delivering the largest “social program” in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest for accredited media and delegations, turning Vienna itself into a stage. Guided by the motto “United by Music”, Vienna OffStage expands the official event with a multi-layered city experience and opens up new, direct ways for accredited individuals to connect with the city. At the same time, Vienna OffStage deliberately creates occasions for international reporting and content creation: extraordinary settings, personal encounters, and exclusive insights provide high-quality, cross-platform content for media, broadcasters, and digital channels.
The curated program offers extraordinary experiences with plenty of local flavor, from Eurovision Zumba and yoga classes to exclusive access to all venues of leading cultural institutions such as the entire KHM Museum Association, from schnitzel workshops to the chance to create your own Eurovision sausage at a classic Viennese sausage stand.
10,000 limited Vienna Experience Bags make Vienna an experience from the moment you arrive
The bags include a curated booklet with 35 special offers, a free version of the Vienna City Card called “Discounts Only,” and exclusive Eurovision Song Contest merchandise. They will be distributed to 9,000 ticket holders through a prize drawing, with an additional 800 or so going to volunteers in recognition of their support. In doing so, the Vienna Tourist Board is rolling out the largest fan activation in Eurovision Song Contest history.
Host City app ivie becomes the central hub for Viennese residents and visitors to the city
Starting in early April, the official host city app, ivie—already one of Europe’s most successful destination apps with around two million downloads—will serve as the central guide to all Eurovision-related locations across the city, helping both Austrian and international visitors navigate Vienna. From April 20, the Eurovision Song Contest Challenge invites everyone to take part in a digital puzzlehunt, where prizes include 400 limited fan packages as well as a weekend in Vienna for two people, including an overnight stay at Hotel Jaz in the City Wien.
Six Eurovision Welcome Desks provide personal support for Eurovision fans
From May 2 to 17, in-person assistance will be available at the Tourist Info locations on Albertinaplatz and at the airport, as well as at four additional Welcome Desks: one at Vienna Main Station, two at the Stadthalle, and one at the Eurofan House at Wien Museum. With eurovision.wien.info, Host City Vienna has created a dedicated landing page for international visitors, offering practical information for visiting Vienna in five languages: German, English, Italian, French, and Spanish.
U-Bahn Stars will delight passengers on Vienna’s public transit network with live music
Another great feature is the “U-Bahn Stars”. They have been part of Vienna for nearly nine years, performing in stations across the city in the style of London’s buskers and bringing live music to passengers at selected spots throughout the public transit network. For two weeks in May, the motto at all the U-Bahn Stars spots will be “70 Years of Eurovision”. During Eurovision, selected stations will be transformed into temporary stages where international artists will perform. This will make music more visible and accessible to passengers as they go about their everyday lives. Highlights will include the pop-up location at Urban-Loritz-Platz near the Stadthalle and the Eurovision Open Stage at Karlsplatz, where there will be a stage for international musicians. This is sure to get everyone in the right mood as they make their way to the Song Contest. U-Bahn Stars will also be making an appearance at the jam session.
Wiener Linien puts the finishing touches on the overall Eurovision experience in Vienna
Passengers will be offered a mix of service and authentic experiences in public spaces. Clear guidance will be provided – especially for international guests – through information in English, additional announcements at key locations such as City Hall, the Eurovision Village, Praterstern – EURO-CLUB, and Urban-Loritz-Platz – Eurovision Main Venue – as well as welcome announcements in the five main languages (German, English, Spanish, Italian, and French).
Information staff will be easy to spot at major transit hubs, wearing special Eurovision high-visibility vests and available to assist at any time. Vienna’s public transit system is increasing service frequency around the Eurovision Song Contest, with subways running at shorter intervals. In the Stadthalle area, streetcar lines 6, 18, and 49 will be extended as needed.
At the same time, Eurovision will be a visible presence throughout the entire network, thanks to the special livery on our vehicles (approximately 550 trams) and targeted displays throughout the city. The U2 line will be designated as the Song Contest route, connecting key hotspots such as City Hall (Eurovision Village), Praterstern (EURO-CLUB), and Karlsplatz (Eurofan House Vienna Museum and the WL x Eurovision Tram events).
Eurovision 2026 is shaped by a commitment to sustainability
As part of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, ORF and the City of Vienna will jointly prepare a report on selected sustainability aspects surrounding the event, including the calculation of greenhouse gas emissions. To this end, the main event hosted by ORF at the Vienna Stadthalle will receive dual certification under the Austrian Ecolabel criteria as a Green Event and for Green Producing.
Viennese venues organized by City of Vienna Marketing, such as the Village at Rathausplatz, will be run as an EcoEvent. In the lead-up, great care has been and continues to be taken in advance to ensure that the relevant data are collected according to uniform criteria and can be compared for subsequent analysis. The sustainability report by ORF and the City of Vienna is expected to be presented in late summer.
Eurovision Song Contest: A citywide program for all generations
With a wide-ranging program of side events, ORF is bringing the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna to life for a variety of audiences. In April, several senior facilities will host participatory musical events with live piano accompaniment, where Song Contest classics and well-known evergreen hits will be sung together, complemented by performances by club singers and in-house choirs. On May 7, 2026, a free children’s disco invites kids to enjoy music, dancing, and interactive activities with DJs, mascots, airbrush tattoos, and a photo booth. What’s more, ORF is providing 500 free tickets for the afternoon preview show on May 15, 2026 at the Vienna Stadthalle. They will be passed on to social organizations to enable people in difficult social circumstances to attend the event.
Service
More information and ORF’s full Eurovision coverage can be accessed at the following links:
Media inquiries
Vienna Tourist Board
International Media Relations Team
Email: press@vienna.info
ORF – Eurovision Song Contest 2026
Roman Horacek
Head of Communications
Phone: +43 1 87878 13869
Email: roman.horacek@orf.at
Press spokesperson for Mayor Michael Ludwig
Mario Dujakovic
Phone: +43 1 4000 81859
Email: mario.dujakovic@wien.gv.at
