Austria will host the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, following the victory of singer JJ with the song “Wasted Love” at the Eurovision 2025 grand final in Basel, Switzerland. The Austrian national broadcaster ORF has officially launched the process to select the host city for the 70th Eurovision, inviting cities across the country to compete for the right to host Europe’s most-watched musical event. The initial application phase is currently underway and will conclude on July 4th, 2025.

According to the requirements set by the Austrian national broadcaster for potential host cities, the grand final is expected to take place on May 16th or 23rd, 2026.

Broader Significance: Impacts, Trends, and the Battle for the Big Stage

In recent years, Eurovision has evolved far beyond a song contest – it is now a mega cultural, economic, and technological event that draws millions of viewers, creators, artists, and tourists from around the world. For Austria, hosting the contest represents a rare opportunity to upgrade infrastructure, showcase local culture on the international stage, and attract investment and tourism. Based on past experience, the host city is expected to gain global exposure and infrastructure improvements, but will also need to meet strict standards of security, sustainability, and technology – areas that have become central to the requirements of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

Behind the Scenes: Criteria, History, and Unique Aspects of Eurovision 2026

Securing the right to host Eurovision in Austria is considered one of the most challenging and prestigious competitions in Europe. According to EBU criteria, the host city must provide a modern, covered venue with a minimum capacity of 10,000 spectators, full availability for eight weeks, excellent international transport connections, a wide range of hotel accommodations, and proven organizational capabilities. This year’s selection process consists of two stages: an expression of interest and the submission of official candidacy documents. ORF will not reveal the list of candidate cities until the official announcement in July.

Over the years, I have closely observed how hosting Eurovision transforms entire cities – both immediately and sometimes in the long term – from Vienna in 2015 to Tel Aviv in 2019. My personal experience on the ground highlights how the contest fosters national pride among local residents, while also requiring the host city to tackle enormous logistical, security, and communication challenges. This year, with expected technological leaps in production, a focus on environmental sustainability, and digital innovation, Eurovision is set to continue breaking records – in ratings, cultural impact, and investment.

The following cities and towns have announced that they are considering or planning to submit a bid to host Eurovision 2026:

• Ebreichsdorf – A town located close to Vienna, mainly known for its equestrian centers.

• Graz – Austria’s second-largest city, the capital of Styria, with a rich cultural tradition and advanced performance venues.

• Innsbruck – The capital of Tyrol, a picturesque mountain city best known for hosting the Winter Olympics and modern sports facilities.

• Linz & Wels – Two neighboring cities in Upper Austria, offering together large performance venues, hotels, and advanced transportation infrastructure.

• Oberwart – A relatively small town in southeastern Austria, but with an innovative convention and event center.

• St. Pölten – The capital of Lower Austria, a modern city with convenient public transport and state-of-the-art performance halls.

• Vienna – Austria’s capital and largest city, home to Wiener Stadthalle – one of Europe’s largest and most advanced performance venues, which previously hosted Eurovision in 2015.

Generally, large cities – especially Vienna – are considered the leading candidates due to their advanced infrastructure, high hotel capacity, and proven experience hosting international events. However, in recent years, Eurovision has seen a trend toward smaller and medium-sized cities also getting a chance, reflecting a desire to spread the economic and cultural impact across the country.

In 2015, when Austria last hosted Eurovision, Vienna was chosen as the host city, but Graz and Innsbruck also competed for the title. This time, the race may be even tighter, especially with the entry of cities such as Linz, Wels, and Oberwart, which are seeking to present an innovative and efficient alternative.

Austria to Host Eurovision for the Third Time

This will not be the first time that Eurovision is held in Austria:

Eurovision 1967 – Vienna, Großer Festsaal der Wiener Hofburg

In 1967, the 12th Eurovision Song Contest took place in Vienna, the capital of Austria, following the country’s victory the previous year. The event was held at the Großer Festsaal der Wiener Hofburg – the grand ballroom of the historic Hofburg Palace, one of the most impressive and symbolic buildings in the city center. The palace, which previously served as the residence of the emperors of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is considered an important cultural site and a hub for state events. The hall itself features high ceilings, classical ornamentation, and an elegant atmosphere, accommodating hundreds of spectators in an intimate and sophisticated setting. Eurovision 1967 was the last contest to be broadcast in black and white, and the event had a festive and stately character, emphasizing Vienna’s tradition and history.

Eurovision 2015 – Vienna, Wiener Stadthalle

In 2015, after Conchita Wurst’s victory, Vienna once again hosted Eurovision – this time at Wiener Stadthalle, a large and modern performance venue in the west of the city. The main hall (Hall D) of the complex can accommodate approximately 16,000 spectators and is equipped with some of Europe’s most advanced lighting, sound, and production systems. During Eurovision, a massive stage was installed, press areas, VIP zones, and experiential fan areas were built, and the entire venue was transformed for the event. The city celebrated with dozens of side events, public viewing areas, and a variety of activities for visitors and fans. The event was considered one of the most ambitious in the contest’s history and highlighted Vienna’s ability to host international events to a high standard.