Austria’s capital city has been chosen as the host city of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, following JJ’s win in Basel in 2025 with 'Wasted Love'. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Austrian broadcaster ORF confirmed that Vienna will stage the milestone edition of the Contest in May 2026.
The Grand Final will take place on Saturday 16 May at the Wiener Stadthalle, Austria’s largest indoor arena, with the Semi-Finals set for Tuesday 12 May and Thursday 14 May.
Vienna has previously hosted Eurovision twice: in 1967, after Udo Jürgens’ victory with 'Merci Chérie', and in 2015, following Conchita Wurst’s win with 'Rise Like A Phoenix'. With its third hosting, the city joins Copenhagen, Malmö and Stockholm in fourth place on the list of most frequent Eurovision host cities.
Martin Green CBE, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, said: “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 ORF, added that "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.”
Delegations, fans, and journalists from across Europe and beyond will be welcomed to the Austrian capital, where a week of cultural events will accompany the Contest. Full details of the Eurovision Village, EuroClub and other activities will be revealed in the coming months.
