3,000 drones in the sky: Vienna prepares a spectacular Eurovision opening

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Vienna is preparing a grand opening for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026: 3,000 drones will rise simultaneously into the sky above Schönbrunn Palace, creating a large-scale light show set to music and enhanced by special effects. This will mark the first major public event ahead of Eurovision in Austria’s capital.

The project also represents a significant technical achievement. Although drone shows are becoming increasingly common at major international events, a formation of comparable scale has been seen in Europe only once before – at the Vatican in September 2025 during a concert by Andrea Bocelli and Pharrell Williams.

The programme includes:

illuminated portraits of Austrian contest winners: Udo Jürgens, Conchita Wurst, and JJ;
a musical selection featuring iconic winning songs;
the official musical theme of Vienna 2026, composed by Dorothee Freiberger;
a DJ set by Ö3 preceding the show;
additional light installations and symbols associated with Eurovision and Vienna.

Schönbrunn Palace will serve as a striking backdrop, amplifying the scale and visual impact of the event.