It has been clear for a week now: the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will take place in Vienna. The decision had barely been made when preparations for the music event of the year began in full swing. The first news about the ESC in Vienna and what you can expect from the events is now available.
The Eurovision Village is coming to the Rathausplatz
We were already able to cheer on JJ’s victory last year on Rathausplatz. And there will be a Eurovision Village there again in 2026. Anyone who can’t get tickets for the event in the town hall will be able to enjoy the live broadcasts to the full. The semi-finals on Tuesday, May 12, and Thursday, May 14, as well as the final on Saturday, May 16, will be shown on Rathausplatz.
Live performances and DJs are also planned for the Eurovision Village. Exactly who will be performing is still to be decided. The “Danke Wien” event will take place on the last day of the Eurovision Song Contest. This is intended to provide the best possible conclusion for all viewers, who can look back on the ESC together. A total of ten food stalls are planned to cater to both large and small appetites.
Show stages at the opening ceremony
There is more news about the ESC in Vienna at the opening ceremony. The Eurovision Village will get off to a festive start, specifically with a “Turquoise Carpet Event“. This means that the country delegations will present themselves one after the other on a large stage directly in front of City Hall. This gives ESC fans the opportunity to get in touch with the artists even before the big show begins. Afterwards, the official opening of the ESC will be broadcast live on an LED screen from the second floor of City Hall.
The City of Vienna is very much looking forward to the upcoming event. In the spirit of the capital’s living diversity, the Eurovision Village is also free to enter and open to all. Mayor Michael Ludwig emphasizes: “The biggest music event in the world should be an experience for everyone in our city – regardless of their financial means.