8 April 2026  The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) will return to Vienna in 2026, marking the 70th edition of the international music competition. The event will take place at the Wiener Stadthalle, with semifinals on May 12 and May 14, and the final on May 16. The opening ceremony is scheduled for May 10 at Rathausplatz. Vienna previously hosted the ESC in 2015, and now welcomes it again as part of its long-standing role as a cultural meeting point in Europe. ESC 2026: A multi-day international eventThe ESC 2026 runs over several days, combining televised shows with a wide program of public events across the city. While the main competition focuses on music, the surrounding program reflects a broader cultural spectrum. The Eurovision Village at Rathausplatz serves as a central hub, offering concerts, fan activities and public screenings throughout the week.Fashion for Europe returns to RathausplatzOn May 15, between the semifinals and the final, the open-air setting of Rathausplatz will host the "Fashion for Europe" show at 20:00. The event takes place within the Eurovision Village and is organized by the Vienna-based agency Flashed Events, led by Liliana Klein. The format was first introduced during the ESC 2015 in Vienna and returns in 2026 under the theme "United by Fashion". Designers and brands from across Europe are expected to present their collections in a shared runway show that highlights cultural diversity through fashion.At the time of writing, no full list of participating designers has been officially published. However, one confirmed participant is the South Tyrolean brand Luis Trenker, representing Italy. Luis Trenker: South Tyrolean roots and international outlookLuis Trenker was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Bolzano, South Tyrol. The brand is known for combining alpine tradition with an international design language. Its collections draw inspiration from historical South Tyrolean clothing culture while integrating contemporary elements and materials, many of which are produced in Italy and Europe. The label's approach can be described as a balance between regional identity and a broader international outlook, expressed in a distinctive style that combines alpine heritage and craftsmanship with the relaxed elegance of Mediterranean living and a contemporary lifestyle aesthetic.In Austria, the company operates several stores, including in Innsbruck, Kitzbühel, Salzburg, Schladming, Seefeld and Vienna. Through its participation in Fashion for Europe, the brand presents its interpretation of European fashion identity to an international audience. Fashion and music meet in ViennaWith Fashion for Europe positioned just one day before the ESC final, the event highlights how Vienna uses the global attention of the song contest to showcase creative industries beyond music. The combination of fashion, design and performance adds another layer to the international character of the week.Save the date: May 15, 2026, Rathausplatz, Vienna. As the ESC brings global audiences to the city, it also creates a stage for European fashion, reinforcing Vienna's role as a meeting point for culture and creativity. Image: Accessories from the Luis Trenker Spring/Summer 2026 collection, including bag, shoes, scarf and cap, arranged on a red-white picnic blanket by the water with a boat in the background. Photo: © Luis Trenker |