It’s official: the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is heading to Vienna, Austria, promising a weeklong celebration of music, culture, and spectacle in the heart of Europe. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Austrian broadcaster ORF made the announcement on August 20, 2025, setting the stage for what’s poised to be an unforgettable 70th edition of the world’s most-watched live music event. The Grand Final will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the renowned Wiener Stadthalle, with semi-finals scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, and Thursday, May 14. For Eurovision fans, artists, and delegations alike, all roads now lead to Vienna.
Vienna’s selection as the host city comes after a rigorous and competitive bidding process, according to BBC and Broadband TV News. The city’s world-class infrastructure, extensive accommodation capacity, and storied musical heritage made it the standout candidate among several Austrian cities vying for the honor. Roland Weißmann, Director General of ORF, summed up the decision: “After thorough examination and based on a unanimous jury assessment, ORF concluded that Vienna's offer is not only the most attractive in terms of infrastructure and logistics but also economically. The Contest is a celebration for all of Austria, which we will all be proud of.”
This will be the third time Vienna hosts Eurovision, following previous stints in 1967 and 2015. The 2015 contest, also held at Wiener Stadthalle, saw Sweden’s Måns Zelmerlöw claim victory and marked Australia’s debut in the competition, with Guy Sebastian finishing a respectable fifth. The venue itself, Austria’s largest indoor arena with a capacity of 16,000, regularly hosts major international events, including the Erste Bank Open tennis tournament. Its central location and modern facilities ensure it’s well-equipped to welcome the thousands of fans, journalists, and performers expected to descend on the Austrian capital next May.
The road to Vienna was paved by Austria’s most recent Eurovision triumph. JJ’s rousing performance of “Wasted Love” at the 2025 contest in Basel, Switzerland, clinched the country’s third win and secured hosting rights for 2026. As reported by Aussievision, Austria’s victory was met with jubilation nationwide and set off a flurry of preparations for the upcoming milestone event. The full list of participating countries will be unveiled in September 2025, with tickets for all live shows, jury shows, and rehearsals going on sale in December. The much-anticipated semi-final draw is slated for January 2026, adding to the mounting excitement.
Martin Green CBE, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, expressed his enthusiasm about the return to Vienna, stating, “The EBU is thrilled that Vienna has been selected as the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Vienna’s reputation as one of the most musical cities in the world, and its location in the heart of Europe, makes it the perfect Host City for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest. The city's exceptional Stadthalle was a great venue for the 60th Contest in 2015 and we’re very much looking forward to welcoming delegations, artists and fans alike back there next May as the world’s largest live music event celebrates 70 glorious years of being United by Music.”
Vienna’s Mayor, Michael Ludwig, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the city’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity: “In Vienna, we can be proud that our city has been selected by the EBU and ORF as the most suitable Host City for one of the world’s largest events. We submitted a convincing overall package with enormous accommodation capacities, excellent infrastructure, and a lot of experience in hosting international events. Additionally, we placed great emphasis on offering numerous Eurovision Song Contest events in public spaces that can be visited free of charge. As the Mayor of Vienna, it is very important to me that cultural events are accessible to everyone, regardless of the size of their wallet.”
The festivities won’t be limited to the main arena. Vienna’s City Hall will play host to EuroClub and the official Opening Ceremony on Sunday, May 10, 2026, setting the tone for a week of vibrant celebrations. The Eurovision Village, located at City Hall Square, will offer fans free public access to concerts, performances, and activities, ensuring the spirit of Eurovision is felt throughout the city. For those planning their trip, Vienna’s extensive transport links—including Austria’s largest international airport and rail connections to cities across Europe—make it an accessible destination for visitors from near and far. Even neighboring Bratislava, Slovakia, is just a quick 45-minute train ride away, offering additional accommodation options for the influx of fans.
The choice of Vienna also resonates with Eurovision’s storied history. The city first hosted the contest in 1967, following Udo Jürgens’ iconic win with “Merci Chérie” in 1966. Nearly five decades later, Vienna welcomed the Eurovision family again in 2015, following Conchita Wurst’s groundbreaking victory the previous year. Each time, the city has risen to the occasion, showcasing its flair for hospitality and its deep-rooted connection to music. According to Broadband TV News, the selection committee placed a premium on Vienna’s proven ability to stage large-scale international events, as well as its readiness to accommodate the diverse needs of delegations, crew, and fans.
For many Austrians, Eurovision is more than just a contest—it’s a point of national pride and a showcase of the country’s cultural vibrancy. The announcement has already sparked a wave of excitement across Austria, with fans eagerly awaiting further details about the shows and accompanying events. Social media polls, such as one conducted by Aussievision, revealed a near-even split among fans over whether Vienna or Innsbruck should host, but ultimately the capital’s experience and facilities tipped the scales in its favor.
Looking ahead, organizers are promising a spectacular celebration that honors Eurovision’s past while embracing its future. As Martin Green put it, “Together with Host Broadcaster ORF and the city of Vienna we will create a spectacular celebration of music that will reverberate across the world.” The upcoming months will see more announcements about performances, special guests, and the lineup of competing nations, as anticipation builds toward May 2026.
In the meantime, fans are encouraged to follow official Eurovision channels for the latest updates and prepare for what promises to be a historic event. With Vienna’s rich musical legacy, world-class venues, and a citywide commitment to accessibility, the 70th Eurovision Song Contest is set to unite Europe—and the world—once again in a joyous celebration of song and community.
As the countdown to May begins, all eyes are on Vienna, where the stage is being set for Eurovision’s next unforgettable chapter.
