After JJ’s victory in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, numerous Austrian cities are declaring their interest to be the host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Next joining the race is the joint bid of Linz & Wels, hoping to welcome the 70th edition of the contest.
Linz & Wels as joint host cities?
Less than 48 hours after Austria’s 3rd victory in the competition, the cities of Linz & Wels have expressed their intention to host the contest next May, together as a joint bid. Finishing its construction in March 2026, the Messe Wels would be the venue chosen to welcome the show, while Linz would cover the Eurovision-related events.
Linz’s mayor stated that the values of the city match those of Eurovision.
Linz stands for innovation, quality of life and openness – precisely the values that the Eurovision Song Contest also conveys. Together with Wels, we want to organise an unforgettable festival of music and diversity. […] This bid is both a cultural signal and a commitment to cooperation in the region.
Dietmar prammer, mayor of the city of linz
This is not the first time that a joint bid is submitted. Last year, the cities of Bern & Biel also expressed their intention to host the competition, but weren’t selected as one of the shortlisted cities. In the end, Basel was chosen.
Regional Governor in support of the bid
In a press release, the Governor of Upper Austria expressed his support for the region hosting the Eurovision Song Contest.
Upper Austria and the Song Contest – that definitely fits. […] Not every major event automatically has to take place in Vienna. Upper Austria has everything it takes to organise a successful, peaceful, major music festival. That would be the best advertisement for the whole of Austria.
Thomas stelzer, governor of upper austria
The ORF are expecting to release a three-city shortlist in June, with intention of revealing the selected host city in July.
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