Vienna is expecting 88,000 guests: the Eurovision Village will be spectacular!

Vienna is expecting 88,000 guests: the Eurovision Village will be spectacular!

On August 26, 2025, the anticipation of one of Europe's largest music competitions will be palpable in Vienna: The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will not only bring together the best artists and music lovers, but will also provide an enormous economic boost for the city. The competition will take place in the town hall, while the town hall square will serve as a vibrant Eurovision Village. The official announcement of the venue only took place last week - Vienna won an exciting race against Innsbruck.

The Eurovision Village will open its doors from May 10 to 17, 2026 and will be open to visitors daily from 11 a.m. to midnight. Those responsible are expecting a variety of events, including concerts, DJ sets and exciting light shows. A special highlight will be the live broadcast of the two semi-finals (May 12th and 14th) and the grand finale (May 16th). Ten stands invite you to discover culinary delicacies and enjoy the atmosphere to the fullest.

A cultural celebration for everyone

Mayor Michael Ludwig emphasizes that the ESC should be something everyone in the city can experience. Safety on site is a top priority: preparations are already in full swing to offer the millions of fans and visitors an unforgettable experience. The opening ceremony will take place in the magnificent Vienna City Hall and will underline the festive setting for delegations and fans with the “Turquoise Carpet”.

The economic statistics speak for themselves. According to a study by ECOAustria Around 88,000 additional guests are expected, which, according to forecasts, will bring around 21 million euros to the city. In addition, the added value for Vienna is estimated at over 52 million euros. Such positive effects are no coincidence: the last time the ESC was held in Vienna in 2015, it brought an economic stimulus of 57 million euros ORF Vienna reported.

Long-term benefit for the city

Investments in the event amount to 36 million euros, which is a moderate cost compared to other venues. The advertising value is estimated at a staggering 730 million euros, meaning not only short-term benefits but also long-term growth in tourism and the local economy. The increase in interest in Vienna will have a positive impact on the catering and hotel industries.

In summary, it can be said that the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is not only a musical highlight, but also brings hopeful economic prospects for Vienna. It remains exciting to see how the city and its citizens will welcome the international guests and create a unique festival of music and culture. Preparations are underway and the city has already shown a good hand for the event.