Vienna vs. Innsbruck: Who will host ESC 2026 in Austria?

Vienna vs. Innsbruck: Who will host ESC 2026 in Austria?

An exciting event is just around the corner in Austria: The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will take place in May 2026, and two cities are applying to host it: Vienna and Innsbruck. This application comes close to the deadline and shows the great interest of both cities in organizing this popular music event. After the Austrian singer JJ won the competition at the ESC 2025 in Basel, Austria now wants to shine again as host. Loud Radio Herford The Austrian broadcaster ORF will announce the final venue and exact dates in mid-August.

Vienna already has experience with major events, having successfully hosted the ESC in 2015. Norbert Kettner, Vienna's tourism manager, emphasizes the city's professionalism and infrastructure. “We have shown that we can organize international events at the highest level,” said Kettner. Innsbruck, on the other hand, brings the breathtaking Alpine scenery into play. Barbara Plattner, the head of tourism, would like to focus on the natural beauty of the region. The Olympic Hall as a venue is ideal for such a massive event.

Farewell to Graz and Wels

While Vienna and Innsbruck are in the starting blocks, Graz and Wels have withdrawn their applications. Graz canceled for financial reasons, while Wels withdrew from the event because the local event hall did not meet all technical requirements and the costs would be high compared to the necessary investments. These decisions show how challenging organizing such large events can be.

The competition will include two semi-finals and a grand final, and anticipation is growing for ESC 2026. As already escvienna2026.com reports, Vienna is planning an open-air fan mile along the Danube Canal, while Innsbruck is thinking about a hybrid event model. It remains to be seen whether the fan mile or a concert in the Alps offers the better atmosphere.

Austria's musical rebirth

Culture and Media Minister Andreas Babler sees JJ's victory and the upcoming ESC as a "big moment for the Austrian music scene" and speaks of ongoing discussions with the ORF about organization and financing. Vienna's mayor Michael Ludwig emphasizes the importance of the event as an opportunity for the city and at the same time congratulates JJ, who studied at the Vienna University of Music and Art. Austria's cultural identity shines through the different cities and their projects, with each city bringing its own strengths and emotions.

Overall, it remains to be seen which city will ultimately win the contract. The discussions are intense and preparations are in full swing to make the ESC 2026 an unforgettable event. As well as Cosmo emphasizes, the event will not only provide a musical platform, but also a significant economic boost for the host city. The solution for many in this city will be: “Hospitality and musical passion!”