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Sunday opening during Eurovision? Vienna is planning a big shopping rush!
Vienna will host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026. Discussions about Sunday openings accompany the preparations.
Sunday opening during Eurovision? Vienna is planning a big shopping rush!
Das Jahr 2026 wird in Wien ein ganz besonderes werden, denn der Eurovision Song Contest, die 70. Ausgabe dieses europäischen Musikfestivals, wird in der Wiener Stadthalle stattfinden. Die Veranstaltung ist für den 12. bis 16. Mai geplant, mit den Halbfinalen am 12. und 14. Mai und dem Finale am 16. Mai. Walter Ruck, Präsident der Wirtschaftskammer Wien, sieht darin eine großartige Möglichkeit, um den Einzelhandel zu beleben und hat sich deshalb für temporäre Sonntagsöffnungen ausgesprochen. „Wir müssen die Gelegenheit nutzen, um internationale Touristen nach Wien zu locken und ihnen eine unvergessliche Erfahrung zu bieten“, betont Ruck. The crown berichtet über die geteiligte Meinung der Wiener Bevölkerung zu diesem Thema, wobei viele tatsächlich eine Sonntagsöffnung wünschen.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 has the motto “Chameleon Heart”, which is marked by a new logo. The total cost of the event is estimated at around 36 million euros, with part provided by the City of Vienna and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The EBU will organize the competition, while ORF will manage the production, supported by an experienced team that already worked in Vienna in 2015. Wikipedia informed that the public opening ceremony with the “Turquoise Carpet” is also planned for May 10, 2026.
Economic advantages through Sunday opening
Bettina Emmerling, deputy mayor and NEOS politician, supports the idea of opening on Sundays to enable visitors to the Eurovision Song Contest to shop. It highlights the economic benefits that could arise from the arrival of tens of thousands of international guests. “We have to ensure that Vienna remains attractive as a shopping city,” said Emmerling. The contest falls on a long weekend, which would likely result in closed trading days during this period. Cosmo speculates that an agreement with the SPÖ on flexible opening times and the approval of the social partners is being sought.
The aim is to expand the trade margin for restaurants and retailers and thus create an additional stimulus for the economy. This could prove to be extremely lucrative, especially considering that guests can be offered a huge selection of Viennese delicacies and products.
Although discussions about Sunday opening are still ongoing in Vienna, surveys show that a majority of the population supports shops being open on Sundays. The future development remains exciting and it remains to be seen whether Vienna can establish itself as a pioneer with regard to modern retail opening times with this step.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is not only a musical highlight, but will also demonstrate Vienna's potential as a cultural hotspot while stimulating economic recovery. It remains to be seen how the discussions surrounding the Sunday opening will develop, but the signs are good for a successful contest next year.