Vienna welcomes Europe – Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in the Austrian capital
After 2015, Vienna will once again host the biggest TV show in the world. The finale will take place on 16 May 2026.
Since Johannes “JJ” Pietsch's victory at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, there's no doubt that the Eurovision Songcontest will be coming to Austria in 2026. The decision to hold the contest in Vienna not only means a return to a tried-and-tested venue, but also sends a strong message to international cultural tourism.
Vienna, a music metropolis with global appeal, combines historical elegance with urban creativity. Back in 2015, the city impressively demonstrated how to stage the Eurovision Songcontest as a sustainable major event of the highest standard – with over 20,000 additional overnight stays, 500 jobs created, and advertising value in the hundreds of millions. This generated over 38 million euros in gross value added.
“In 2015, Vienna impressively demonstrated that the ESC is both a cultural highlight and an economic driver, and we will build on this in 2026. Vienna combines cultural diversity, a strong tourism industry and excellent infrastructure. This provides the ideal conditions for successfully hosting the ESC and raising Austria's international profile”, Elisabeth Zehetner, State Secretary for Energy, Startups and Tourism.
“My heartfelt congratulations go to Vienna! The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in world capital of music is a great opportunity to showcase Austria in all its diversity – cosmopolitan, creative and with an unmistakable attitude to life – our ‘Lebensgefühl’. This international event will inspire and connect people from all over the world,” said Astrid Steharnig-Staudinger, CEO of Austria Tourism, the national tourist office of Austria.
Event tourism is one of the mainstays of Austria's visitor mix: 11% of vacationers attend music events, spend above average (average €218 per day), and stay longer. The 2026 Eurovision Songcontest will multiply these effects, with Vienna as the stage that combines cultural depth, tourist excellence, and urban spirit.
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