Vienna to Host the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in 2026
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Vienna has been officially selected to host the 2026 Eurovision Song contest, marking the third time the Austrian capital will welcome the world’s largest live music event. The decision follows Austria’s triumphant win at the 2025 contest in Basel, Switzerland, where artist JJ secured victory with the song “Wasted Love.”
Host City Selection Process
The selection of Vienna as the host city was the result of a comprehensive bidding process. Officials meticulously evaluated various cities based on their capacity to accommodate the substantial logistical demands of the Eurovision Song Contest, including facilities for delegations, media, and the thousands of fans who attend each year. The evaluation considered venue availability, infrastructure, and the overall ability to create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for the event.
Vienna joins an exclusive group of cities to have hosted the Eurovision Song Contest multiple times. It now shares a ranking with Copenhagen, Malmo, and Stockholm, each having hosted the event three times. Only Dublin, London, and Luxembourg City have hosted more contests.
Did You Know?
Dublin holds the record for hosting the Eurovision Song Contest seven times.
Event Details and Timeline
The 70th Eurovision final is scheduled to take place on May 16, 2026, at Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle arena. The Austrian broadcaster, ORF, will be responsible for organizing and hosting the event. The opening ceremony will be held at Vienna’s City Hall on May 10, alongside the EuroClub, a popular pop-up nightlife destination for fans. The square outside City Hall will transform into Eurovision Village, offering an open-air screening area for the public to enjoy the performances and festivities.
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Ceremony | May 10, 2026 | Vienna City Hall |
| EuroClub | may 10-16, 2026 | Vienna City Hall |
| Eurovision Village | May 10-16, 2026 | Square outside Vienna City Hall |
| Grand Final | May 16, 2026 | Wiener Stadthalle |
Statements from Key Figures
Martin Green, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, expressed his enthusiasm for Vienna’s selection: “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.”
He further 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.”
Vienna’s mayor,Michael Ludwig,emphasized the city’s commitment to accessibility: “In Vienna,we can be proud that our city has been selected… 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 indeed very vital to me that cultural events are accessible to everyone, regardless of the size of their wallet.”
Pro Tip:
Keep an eye on the official Eurovision website for updates on ticket sales and event schedules.
What aspects of Vienna’s cultural scene do you think will enhance the Eurovision experience? And how will ORF leverage Vienna’s musical heritage to create a memorable contest?
Recent Contest Highlights
The 2025 Eurovision final, held in Basel, Switzerland, saw Israeli singer Yuval Raphael finish as the runner-up. The performance was briefly disrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters, leading to the detention and subsequent release of two individuals by Swiss police. A crew member was also reportedly struck with paint during the incident, but sustained no injuries.
The Enduring Legacy of Eurovision
The Eurovision Song Contest, first held in 1956, has evolved from a post-war effort to unite Europe through music into a global phenomenon. It continues to serve as a platform for emerging artists and a celebration of cultural diversity.The contest’s impact extends beyond the music itself,fostering international collaboration and promoting cultural exchange. The event’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to adapt and remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Frequently Asked Questions about Eurovision 2026
- What is the Eurovision Song Contest? The Eurovision Song Contest is an international song competition featuring participants from primarily European countries.
- where will Eurovision 2026 be held? Eurovision 2026 will be held in Vienna, Austria, at the Wiener Stadthalle.
- When is the Eurovision 2026 final? The final is scheduled for May 16, 2026.
- who won Eurovision 2025? JJ from austria won the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Wasted Love.”
- How can I get tickets to Eurovision 2026? Ticket data will be released later in 2025. Check the official Eurovision website for updates.
We’ll continue to provide updates as more details about the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna become available. Share this article with fellow eurovision fans and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
