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.

Date: April 27
Gates open at 8:00 PM
Show starts at 9:30 PM
Free admission

In case of strong winds or rain, the event will be postponed to April 28.

Photo: Instagram @eurovision