ORF’s editorial team has unveiled the longlist for Austria’s national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. This year, twelve artists representing a wide range of genres and performing in different languages will compete for the chance to represent Austria on the international stage.

Among the potential representatives are:

• Anna-Sophie – «Superhuman»
• Bamlak Werner, 24 – «We Are Not Just One Thing»
• Cosmó, 19 – «Tanzschein»
• David Kurt, 26 – «Pockets Full of Snow»
• Frevd (5 members) – «Riddle»
• Julia Steen, 23 – «Julia»
• Kayla Krystin, 31 – «I brenn»
• Lena Schaur, 22 – «Painted Reality»
• Nikotin – «Unsterblich»
• Philip Piller, 30 – «Das Leben ist Kunst»
• Reverend Stomp (4 members) – «Mescalero Ranger»
• Tamara Flores, 28 – «Chingona»

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Публикация от ORF (@orf)

In total, ORF received more than 500 submissions this year. For the first time since 2016, the selection process returns in the form of a televised show titled «Vienna Calling – Who Will Sing for Austria?», allowing viewers to directly influence the choice of Austria’s Eurovision representative.

The live broadcast will take place on 20 February at 8:15 PM and will air on ORF 1 and ORF ON. The show will be hosted by Alice Tumler and Cesár Sampson.

Photo: Instagram @orf

Summer 2025 in Austria promises to be a true open-air celebration. From music festivals to theatrical performances, from film screenings to culinary delights — the whole country becomes one big stage. Whether you prefer street jazz, opera, or chamber theatre in the mountains — this summer in Austria offers something for everyone.

Popfest Vienna — music in the heart of the capital

Karlsplatz, Vienna | 24–27 July 2025 | Free entry

Contemporary Austrian music in the open air: from indie to electronic, right next to St. Charles Church.

More: popfest.at

Vienna Cultural Summer — art for everyone

9 stages across Vienna | July–August 2025 | Free

The festival features cabaret, circus, concerts, children’s shows — all in parks and public squares.

Film Festival at Rathausplatz — classics under the stars

Rathausplatz, Vienna | July–September 2025 | Free

Opera and ballet performances, as well as cult films on a giant screen + delicious street food.

Vienna Opera Summer — classics in the city centre

Heumarkt, Vienna | 1–19 July 2025

Open-air opera for lovers of high culture.

Tickets: opernsommer.at

Salzburg Festival — culture against the Alpine backdrop

Salzburg | July–August 2025

Sophisticated performances and concerts in the city’s historic locations.

Glatt & Verkehrt — music without borders

Krems and surroundings | July 2025

Jazz, world and folk music in wineries and cozy venues across the Wachau region.

Poolbar Festival — creativity without limits

Feldkirch | 2 July–10 August 2025

An art festival with club nights, concerts and performances — in a former swimming pool.

Shame & Beauty — art and reflection

Vorarlberg | 11–26 July 2025

Contemporary art and live performances against the scenic backdrop of lakes and mountains.

Reichenau Festival — theatre with charm

Reichenau an der Rax | 2 July–3 August 2025

Modern plays and classics at the Südbahnhotel and in the castle park.

Africa Days in Vienna — festival of cultures

Danube Island, Vienna | 8–18 August 2025

Live music, Afrobeat, food, fashion and workshops in the open air.

More: afrika-tage.at

Granada — 10 years on stage

Arena Open Air, Vienna | 16 August 2025

The popular Austrian band celebrates its anniversary — the concert promises to be heartfelt and fun.

Tickets: oeticket.com

Long Night of Viennese Markets

Vienna (various locations) | 29 August 2025

A night atmosphere with live music, street food and art programmes.

On the night of May 17 to 18, the grand final of the international music competition «Eurovision Song Contest 2025» was held in the Swiss city of Basel. The musical show began with a «flag parade», during which all finalists walked the stage accompanied by music and visual effects.

The contest was opened by last year’s winners, Nemo, with the song «The Code».

A total of 26 countries took part in the final: ten winners of the first semi-final, ten winners of the second semi-final, five representatives from the «Big Five» (the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, and France), and Switzerland’s representative as the winner of last year’s contest.

In the end, based on the public and jury votes, the winner of Eurovision 2025 was Austria, represented by singer JJ with the song «Wasted Love».

Therefore, the next Eurovision Song Contest in 2025 will be held in Austria. This marks the country’s third victory; the last time Austria won was in 2014.

Second place went to Israel’s representative Yuval Raphael with the song «New Day Will Rise».

The evening’s headliners included former Swiss Eurovision participants Peter, Sue & Marc, Paola, Gjon’s Tears, and Luca Hänni. Also featured were Croatia’s 2024 representative Baby Lasagna and Finnish rapper Käärijä.

Additionally, last year’s winners Nemo returned to the Eurovision stage.

Photo: Instagram @eurovision

Cafés where you can not only enjoy coffee and dessert but also spend time with adorable corgis have been popular internationally for some time. Now, such a venue has opened in Austria.

The new corgi café in Leopoldstadt revolves around two fluffy four-legged friends, Theodor and Tegla. Wearing bow ties like real waiters, they wag their tails joyfully and love being petted.

The café opened at the beginning of December but has already become a magnet for visitors, as corgis are currently an absolute trend.

To ensure the dogs are not overwhelmed, the café has implemented a reservation system:

«The well-being of Theodor and Tegla is our top priority. To ensure their comfort, we limit the number of guests in the café. They have a space where they can rest and sleep,» say owners Noemi and Richard.

Photo: Helmut Graf