An international celebration in the city’s heart: Rathausplatz will host live performances, DJs, giant screens, and Austrian food stalls – free entry daily from morning until midnight during Eurovision week.
The excitement in Vienna is reaching its peak: Preparations for Eurovision 2026 are moving ahead at full speed, and the Austrian national broadcaster ORF has now unveiled the first details and the visual concept of the Eurovillage, the official celebration hub of the contest.
The Eurovillage will be built in the very heart of the city, at the iconic Rathausplatz, and will operate from May 10th to May 17th. For eight days, the square will transform into the center of music, culture, and entertainment, drawing fans from all over the world. The zone will open daily from 10:00 CEST until midnight, with free entry for all visitors.
A Demo of the EuroVillage:
What Will the Eurovision Village Offer?
The village will feature live screenings of the three Eurovision shows: the first semi final on May 12th, the second semi final on May 14th, and the grand final on May 16th. All will be broadcast on giant screens installed in the square.
The festivities will not end there: alongside the live broadcasts, visitors can enjoy live concerts, DJ sets, light shows, and a variety of interactive activities designed for fans. Local food stalls will offer tastings from Austrian cuisine, bringing audiences closer to the festive spirit of a real open-air festival in the heart of Vienna.
The official opening of the Eurovillage is scheduled for May 10th, the same day the official Eurovision opening ceremony will take place. As tradition demands, the turquoise carpet, one of the competition’s most recognizable symbols, will be laid in a semi-circle formation across Rathausplatz, enabling thousands of fans a closer encounter with the glamour of participating artists.
Vienna Turns Into a Festival City
While the Wiener Stadthalle, Vienna’s main arena, is set to host the contest’s central shows, the Eurovillage will add another layer of festivities – a blend of music, culture, and international energy that will transform Vienna into Europe’s focal point for an entire week.
The European Broadcasting Union is expected to reveal the full list of participating countries for Eurovision 2026 between November and December. By year’s end, we should also learn the names of the contest’s hosts. Ticket sales for the competition are set to begin in January 2026.
Watch the host city reveal video:
Eurovision 2026: The 70th Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Austria, following the country’s third historic win with the song “Wasted Love” performed by JJ. This will be the third time the contest is hosted in Austria, after 1967 and 2015.
