The host city of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will be Vienna in Austria. The arena will be Wiener Stadthalle, and the dates have also been confirmed: 12, 14 and 16 May 2026
Turin – Liverpool – Malmö – Basel… Vienna!
Austrian broadcaster ORF and the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) have just revealed that the 70th edition of our beloved contest will be held in Vienna, Austria. The contest will take place in Wiener Stadthalle.
The dates have also been revealed:
- Semi-final 1: 12 May 2026
- Semi-final 2: 14 May 2026
- Grand Final: 16 May 2026
All three live shows will start at 21:00 CEST.
It will be the third time the contest will be held in Austria. The country also hosted Eurovision in 1967 and 2015:
- 1967: Vienna (Großer Festsaal der Wiener Hofburg)
- 2015: Vienna (Wiener Stadthalle)
- 2026: Vienna (Wiener Stadthalle)
The only cities that submitted bids by the deadline were Innsbruck and Vienna.
Vienna
Vienna launched its official bid on 3 July with the slogan “Europe, shall we dance?”
The Austrian capital proposed to host the contest at the Wiener Stadthalle, the same venue that hosted Eurovision 2015.
With a seating capacity of around 16,000 and no need for additional construction, the venue was seen as a strong contender. Vienna also highlighted its robust infrastructure, with over 80,000 hotel beds, extensive public transport, and an international airport offering connections to more than 65 countries.
The city pointed to the success of Eurovision 2015 as proof of its capability, noting the 1.3 million overnight stays during the event, and overwhelmingly positive feedback from the European Broadcasting Union.
Martin Green CBE, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest says:
– 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.
– Together with Host Broadcaster ORF and the city of Vienna we will create a spectacular celebration of music that will reverberate across the world.
Roland Weißmann, Director General of Host Broadcaster ORF adds:
– 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.
Participants
19 countries have expressed their interest for participation in the contest, which is subject to change:
EBU Member Broadcasters, on behalf of their countries, have until mid-October 2025 to formally submit their applications to take part in Eurovision 2026.
Tickets
Tickets usually go out early the same year or late in the year before the contest. We expect the tickets for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 to go on sale late 2025.
The start of ticket sales depends on several factors: Firstly, the host city (Vienna) and arena (Wiener Stadthalle) must be chosen. Secondly, selection of the ticket agency. Thirdly, a floor plan of seats/stands in the arena once stage design, green room, and camera placement have roughly been decided.
Eurovision tickets in previous years
- Eurovision 2025: 29 January 2025 (pre-registration 16 Dec. 2024 to 10 Jan. 2025)
- Eurovision 2024: 28 November 2023
- Eurovision 2023: 7 March 2023
- Eurovision 2022: 7 April 2022
- Eurovision 2021: No public sale
- Eurovision 2020: 12 December 2019
- Eurovision 2019: 18 February 2019
- Eurovision 2018: 30 November 2017
- Eurovision 2017: 14 February 2017
- Eurovision 2016: 26 November 2015
- Eurovision 2015: 15 December 2014
- Eurovision 2014: 29 November 2013
- Eurovision 2013: 26 November 2012
Also read: Greek Eurovision song sparks political controversy with Turkey
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Source: Christian Petersen – eurovisionworld.com
