Vienna is set to become the vibrant epicenter of European music in 2026, having been officially chosen to host the 70th Eurovision Song Contest. The announcement, made by Austria’s public broadcaster ORF on August 20, 2025, follows Austria’s euphoric victory earlier this year in Basel, Switzerland, where the artist JJ—whose full name is Johannes Pietsch—captivated audiences with his song “Wasted Love.” This win marked Austria’s third triumph at Eurovision, placing JJ alongside the nation’s previous champions, Conchita Wurst (2014) and Udo Jürgens (1966), as reported by the Associated Press and Austrian media.
The selection of Vienna was the result of a competitive bidding process, with Innsbruck also vying for the honor. Ultimately, Vienna’s superior infrastructure, logistical advantages, and economic strengths tipped the scales in its favor. ORF Director General Roland Weissmann explained, “After thorough examination and based on a unanimous jury assessment, ORF has concluded that Vienna’s bid is the most attractive not only in terms of infrastructure and logistics, but also economically.” According to Austrian media, Innsbruck’s Olympiahalle fell short due to its inability to host the green room on-site—a Eurovision must-have in recent years—and its limited hotel capacity, which would have complicated travel for delegations and fans alike.
Vienna’s selection marks the third time the Austrian capital will host Eurovision, joining the ranks of cities like Copenhagen, Malmö, and Stockholm, each of which has also hosted the contest three times. Only Dublin, London, and Luxembourg City have welcomed the event more often. The city’s previous hosting stints were in 1967 and 2015, the latter of which also took place at the Wiener Stadthalle arena, the venue set to stage the 2026 competition.
The Wiener Stadthalle, with its capacity exceeding 16,000 spectators, is no stranger to Eurovision’s demands. Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, praised the venue, stating, “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. Vienna’s exceptional Stadthalle was a great venue for the 60th contest in 2015, and organizers are looking forward to welcoming delegations, artists, and fans next May, as the world’s largest live music event celebrates 70 glorious years of being united by music.”
The excitement in Vienna is palpable. Mayor Michael Ludwig expressed his pride and anticipation, sharing on social media, “As mayor of Vienna, I am naturally delighted that Vienna has prevailed and will once again represent Austria next year. I am convinced that we will have a wonderful May together.” Ludwig has also emphasized the city’s commitment to accessibility, remarking, “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 Eurovision 2026 festivities will be spread across Vienna’s iconic locations. The opening ceremony is scheduled for May 10 at Vienna’s City Hall, which will also host the EuroClub, a pop-up nightlife spot for fans and performers. The square outside City Hall will transform into the Eurovision Village, an open-air screening area where the public can soak up the contest’s electric atmosphere. The main events will follow a familiar schedule: the first semi-final on Tuesday, May 12; the second semi-final on Thursday, May 14; and the grand final on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
ORF, as the host broadcaster, is already gearing up for the monumental task of organizing what is widely regarded as the world’s largest live music event. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which oversees Eurovision, is equally enthusiastic. Martin Green added, “Together with host broadcaster ORF and the city of Vienna we will create a spectacular celebration of music that will reverberate across the world.”
JJ’s victory in Basel was more than just a personal achievement; it was a moment of national pride and a ticket for Austria to bring Eurovision home once again. JJ, whose operatic, multi-octave vocals blended seamlessly with techno influences, is also known for his performances at the Vienna State Opera. His win was watched by a global audience—Eurovision’s 2025 edition drew an estimated 160 million viewers, underscoring the contest’s enduring appeal and its power to unite (and sometimes divide) music lovers across the continent.
The 2025 contest was not without its controversies. During the final, Israeli singer Yuval Raphael finished in second place, but her performance was marred by a protest incident. According to Sky News, pro-Palestinian demonstrators surged toward a barrier during Raphael’s act, resulting in two detentions by Swiss police. The Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR confirmed that a crew member was struck with paint but was unharmed. The incident highlighted the politically charged atmosphere that sometimes accompanies Eurovision, reflecting its unique position at the intersection of culture, entertainment, and current affairs.
As anticipation builds for the 2026 edition, Vienna is preparing to welcome delegations, artists, and fans from across Europe and beyond. The city’s rich musical heritage, from classical composers like Mozart and Beethoven to contemporary stars, provides a fitting backdrop for Eurovision’s milestone 70th anniversary. For many, the contest is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of diversity, creativity, and the unifying power of music.
Further details about ticket sales and event logistics are expected to be released later in the year. For now, Vienna is basking in the spotlight, ready to stage one of the world’s most beloved spectacles. With its blend of tradition, innovation, and a dash of Eurovision magic, the Austrian capital is poised to deliver a show that will resonate far beyond its borders—and, if history is any guide, will leave fans counting down the days until May 2026.
