The city of Vienna, Austria’s capital, has officially announced its bid to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, which is scheduled to take place on either May 16 or May 23. This event is expected to attract millions of viewers from around the world, following the surprising victory of JJ at Eurovision 2025. The Austrian broadcaster ORF has launched the bidding process, with the host city to be announced on August 8—when the final date for the grand final will also be revealed.

Vienna has already hosted Eurovision twice in the past—once in 1967, following the victory of Udo Jürgen Bockelmann in 1966, and again in 2015, after Conchita Wurst’s win in 2014. Now, Vienna is the leading candidate to host for a third time, alongside Graz, Linz & Wels and Innsbruck, which are also competing for the honor. The city’s extensive experience gives it a significant edge in the current selection process.

This year, for the first time, the possibility is being considered to hold large public viewing events at the Ernst Happel Stadium—similar to what was done in Basel in 2025—even though the stadium itself is not suitable for hosting the grand final due to the lack of a roof. For Austria, this is an opportunity to showcase local culture, integrate new technologies, and set a new standard for hosting major events. Notably, Eurovision 2026 will mark the 70th edition of the contest, a milestone that highlights a long-standing European tradition with ever-growing global impact.

In recent years, hosting Eurovision has become not only a musical highlight but also a strategic opportunity for cities and countries. From my experience as a regular viewer and close follower of the contest, it’s clear that host cities enjoy global exposure, infrastructure upgrades, a surge in tourism, and increased investment—alongside logistical, security, and technological challenges. The standards set by the European Broadcasting Union require cities to offer indoor arenas with a capacity of at least 10,000, eight weeks of availability, advanced public transportation, and a wide range of hotels. Behind the scenes, this year’s selection process includes two stages: submitting a statement of interest and submitting formal bid documents, with ORF maintaining secrecy until the official announcement.

Historical Comparison: Eurovision 2026 and a Tradition of Innovation

Eurovision 2026 marks 70 years of the European tradition and puts Austria at the forefront of host countries. If Vienna is chosen, it will join the select group of cities that have hosted the contest three times or more. The contest’s history is filled with unforgettable moments, musical milestones, surprises—and quite a few controversies. Each edition brings new trends and sometimes even changes the face of European pop. This year, with technological advancements and growing audience engagement, we may witness one of the most innovative and spectacular Eurovisions ever.

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.