Fans from more than 70 countries to travel to Vienna for 70th Eurovision Song Contest
Tens of thousands of fans from 75 countries around the world are traveling to Vienna for Eurovision Song Contest 2026: the OurVision 2026 news feed is now live.
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A turquoise carpet, café fever, and strict rules: that’s what awaits you at Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna
In 2026, Vienna will once again become the music capital of Europe, it’s a safe bet that a huge contingent of (Hungarian) Eurovision fans will be in attendance at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest. However, this won’t be just a simple weekend getaway; city officials and organizers are preparing amazing programs, an interactive app, themed cafés, and massive parties. Forget the standard tourist guides—we’re diving right into the thick of it! Here’s a comprehensive, down-to-the-last-detail fan guide so you know exactly what to do, where to go, and how to do it during the May madness.
Your Digital Tour Guide and Green Travel
Before you even set off, the most important step is to download the official Host City app. The Vienna city guide app, ivie, becomes the official Eurovision companion for the duration of the Song Contest. Not only will you find the most important venues and fan zones in it, but you can also take part in the Eurovision Song Contest Challenge, a city-wide digital scavenger hunt packed with quiz questions and prizes.
As for logistics, the Austrian public broadcaster (ORF) and ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) are campaigning hard for sustainable rail travel. Public transportation will be your best friend: the U2 subway line will officially be named the “Song Contest Line” and will directly connect key hubs such as Rathaus (City Hall), Praterstern, and Karlsplatz. During the festival week, service will be increased, with approximately 550 trams featuring a Eurovision design, and major subway stations will announce key stops in five languages (including English and Spanish). In the spirit of full accessibility, city officials guarantee that all official venues, screenings, and events will be easily accessible by wheelchair. Additionally, ticket holders arriving by plane will receive a 25% discount on City Airport Train (CAT) services.
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The Turquoise Carpet and the Free Festival at City Hall
The festivities officially kick off on May 10 with the Turquoise Carpet procession. This is the only occasion when all 35 delegations appear together. The stars will walk from the Burgtheater to City Hall in alphabetical order, with host country Austria bringing up the rear. The parade will be greeted by the Woodstock Allstar Band playing music representative of each country, while the ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra will provide the festive atmosphere. The highlight of the event will be the performance of JJ’s winning song, Wasted Love. The event, expected to draw some 30,000 spectators, will be broadcast live on screens and on YouTube.
The square in front of City Hall (Rathausplatz) is home to the Eurovision Village, which welcomes fans from May 10 to 17—completely free of charge. The fan village, which can accommodate up to 15,000 people, is open every afternoon from 2:00 PM until midnight. You won’t be bored: in addition to 14 international and Viennese food stands, there will be a turquoise-carpeted photo spot, a digitally enhanced karaoke booth, and a quiz hosted by Robert Steiner. The real draw, of course, is the daily live concerts featuring current and past Eurovision stars, and on the three days of the live broadcast (May 12, 14, and 16), events at the Stadthalle will be shown on 15 giant screens.
The Secrets of Nightlife and the EuroClub
When the sun sets over the Prater, the PraterDOME transforms into the epicenter of nightlife, the official EuroClub. From May 11 to 16, this will be the place where fans, delegations, and artists party together. Host Eric Papilaya will lead the show over six themed nights, but the big news for 2026 is that the club will also be open during the day. On May 15, the “Golden Years Party” will delight lovers of classics and evergreens with performances by Austrian icons, and the next day, Europe’s largest Eurovision kids’ disco awaits children ages 6–12, where the 2026 mascot, Auri, will also make an appearance.
Coffeehouse culture, Eurofan House, and a cultural pilgrimage
Vienna wouldn’t be Vienna without its coffeehouses. From May 3 to 17, select coffeehouses in the city will transform into official Eurofan Cafés , with each location representing one of the 35 participating countries. This is the perfect opportunity to meet the delegations or even the singers themselves over an espresso macchiato.
The Wien Museum serves as a hub for daytime activities, functioning as the Eurofan House from May 11 to 16, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free, and inside, the legendary Wiwibloggs team will be conducting interviews with the artists, while OGAE Austria organizes panel discussions and meet-and-greets.
Culture lovers won’t be bored either. The House of Austrian History (hdgö) is opening an exhibition titled Unstoppable, where you can see Conchita Wurst’s legendary “Rise Like A Phoenix” stage costume up close, as well as set pieces from JJ’s stage design. The Natural History Museum ’s “Voices of Nature” exhibition explores the connection between biology and culture through 35 objects. And for those looking for a laugh, head to the Bronski & Grünberg Theater on May 13, where a hilarious, multilingual theatrical performance pays tribute to the Eurovision Song Contests of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s with live voting and period-appropriate conductor parodies.
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If you don’t have a ticket to the show
Eurovision is unthinkable without watching it together. If you didn’t manage to get into the Wiener Stadthalle, don’t despair for a second. Official “Public Viewing” events are being organized at 26 different locations across the city, where you can experience the excitement of the scoring alongside thousands of fans. Plus, there will be huge parties in front of the screens at 19 additional venues across the country, including Messe Dornbirn in Vorarlberg.
This year, Vienna won’t just be a venue—it’ll be a massive, vibrant Eurovision theme park. Put on your comfy shoes and let yourself be swept away by the Austrians’ hospitality!
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Key Dates: When Should You Head to the Stadthalle?
If you’ve managed to snag tickets to the arena, it’s worth knowing the exact schedule, since you can get in not only for the live shows but also for the preview shows, which cost half as much but offer exactly the same show. The live broadcast of the first semi-final begins on Tuesday, May 12, at 9:00 PM, preceded by rehearsals on the evening of May 11 and the afternoon of May 12 (3:00 PM). The live show for the second semifinal kicks off on Thursday, May 14, at 9:00 PM, with rehearsals held on the evening of May 13 and the afternoon of May 14. The all-deciding Grand Final will captivate audiences worldwide on Saturday, May 16, at 9:00 p.m. You can get in the mood for it at the venue during the Friday evening (Jury Show) and the family rehearsal starting at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Forget about your bag!
No matter which event you choose, there’s one critical safety rule that the organizers will strictly enforce in 2026: they’ve introduced a strict bag ban, known as the “No Bag Policy.” This means you can’t bring a backpack, a handbag, or even a small belt pouch into the arena! You may only carry the most essential, small personal items—phone, wallet, and keys—in your pockets. If you need any special medication, you can of course bring it with you, but make sure it is easily accessible and that you have a doctor’s note confirming its necessity. This strict no-bags rule applies not only to the Wiener Stadthalle grounds but also to entry into the Eurovision Village in front of City Hall—with no exceptions! So leave your bags at your accommodation, stuff your pockets with the essentials, and dive into the Viennese nightlife!
Source: European Broadcasting Union, Eurovision.tv / OurVision International
Illustration: The 2026 Eurovision Village on Vienna’s Rathausplatz – photo by EBU-ORF