Eurovision Song Contest 2026 takes place in Vienna

The duel between the metropolis and the alpine idyll has been decided: Vienna will be the host city for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, which ORF will organize in 2026 following JJ's triumph at the music competition in Basel this year. Thus, the federal capital prevailed over the Tyrolean state capital, as the broadcaster announced on Wednesday. Vienna will be the ESC host city for the third time after 1967 and 2015.

ESC to be held in Vienna

"After thorough examination and based on a unanimous jury assessment, ORF has concluded that Vienna's offer is not only the most attractive in terms of infrastructure and logistics but also economically," ORF Director General Roland Weißmann was quoted in a statement. The broadcaster's chief also thanked the city of Innsbruck for its application, "which applied with great commitment and an impressive concept."

Along with the decision on the host city for the anniversary edition of the singing competition, the schedule for the gigantic music show has also been announced: The final of the ESC 2026 will take place on May 16 in the Wiener Stadthalle. It is also confirmed that the 1st semi-final is scheduled for May 12, and the 2nd semi-final for May 14.

"Convincing Overall Package"

Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) expressed pride, "that our city has been chosen by the European Broadcasting Union and ORF as the most suitable venue for one of the largest events worldwide. We have submitted a convincing overall package with enormous accommodation capacities, excellent infrastructure, and a lot of experience in hosting international events."

Vienna's offer includes services - also due to the existing infrastructure - that would reduce the financial burden for ORF, as stated in the announcement. This includes, for example, the possibility of accommodating all necessary facilities in already existing buildings of the event location. The maximum financial framework of the city of Vienna for the ESC 2026 is estimated at 22.6 million euros. Total costs have not yet been specified.

"Strong Signal for Innsbruck and Tyrol"

Innsbruck's Mayor Johannes Anzengruber (JA - Now Innsbruck) wished Vienna "all the best" and offered his support so that Europe can experience an "unforgettable music festival." "At the end of the day, it was probably the money," speculated the city leader regarding the decision in favor of Vienna to the APA. The overall package from Innsbruck or Tyrol amounted to just over 20 million euros financially, he revealed. This was slightly below Vienna's maximum of 22.6 million euros. The state of Tyrol had made it clear in advance that, aside from the infrastructure with the Olympiahalle, no additional financial resources would be provided. In any case, they had submitted an "overall offer" that made it very difficult for ORF to make a decision. This was also confirmed to him by ORF Director General Roland Weißmann, according to the mayor.

"That we were able to compete with Vienna on equal terms until the end is a strong signal for Innsbruck and Tyrol," emphasized Anzengruber, highlighting a positive aspect despite the defeat. The application itself had already "put the Tyrolean capital in the international spotlight and sustainably strengthened our position as a venue for international major events."

ESC Final 2026 with Austria

As for the singing competition itself, Austria, as the host country and last year's winner, is automatically qualified for the Grand Final, which is followed annually by around 170 million people. The act that will then wave the red-white-red flag at the home ESC is to be determined in February 2026 in an ORF casting show.

More about the Eurovision Song Contest

(APA/Red)

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