Austria in ESC fever: Which city will host 2026?

Austria in ESC fever: Which city will host 2026?

On May 19, 2025, Minister of Culture And Minister Andreas Babler is pleased with the return of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) to Austria. Preparations for the Song Contest 2026 are already underway, while several cities, including Innsbruck, Oberwart, Wels and Graz, have expressed interest in the edition. Mayor Michael Ludwig von Vienna describes the previous victory as a "big moment" and sees great potential for Vienna, again to act as hosts of the event. He emphasizes the city's ability to organize international major events professionally.

BALLER himself speaks of a "big moment for the Austrian music scene" and is confident about the financability of the event. Talks with the ORF to organize and financing are already underway. In Innsbruck, Mayor Johannes Anzengruber is planning a new application and emphasizes that not everything has to take place in Vienna, whereby the Olympic Hall is listed as a suitable venue.

applications and support of the cities

Graz also plans to apply for the ESC. Mayor Elke Kahr emphasizes that support from everyone involved is necessary. The Graz SPÖ chairwoman Doris Kampus supports this Initiative and refers to the cultural identity of the city. The Styrian state government is open to an application, but requires reliable figures for financial assessment. Oberwart and Wels have also registered interest, whereby Wels plans to submit an application with a new exhibition hall to be completed by 2026.

Lower Austria's Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner expresses the wish to align ESC 2026 in the state. In contrast, Klagenfurt and Salzburg are likely to exclude the venues, since they do not have the necessary infrastructure or financial resources. Tourism State Secretary Elisabeth Zehetner sees a great opportunity for Austria's tourism location and emphasizes the economic potential of such major events.

public viewing in Vienna

In the meantime, the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, which takes place in Basel from May 13th to 17th, is in front of the door. Various public viewing events are offered for the Viennese population to pursue participation live. In the "Vindobona" ​​there is a public viewing on May 13th, 15th and 17th, the final show with back views and an ESC quiz includes the tickets between 10 and 39 euros.

The votive cinema will be broadcast on May 17th the entire ESC in its original version; The admission price is 5 euros. The "GUGG" also offers a free public viewing on May 13th, 15th and 17th, while a drag show and screening are offered on May 17 on May 17, with admission prices of 20 euros for the show and free entry for screening.

The anticipation for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 and the exciting events around the ESC 2025 show the great interest and commitment of the cities and the population in Austria.