Published on
August 20, 2025
The excitement for Eurovision 2026 updates is already building, as Vienna has been selected as the host city for the iconic Eurovision Song Contest. This marks a historic moment for the Austrian capital, which will be hosting the event for the third time in its history. The competition, celebrating its 70th edition, is set to take place in May 2026.
A Historic Venue: Wiener Stadthalle
The Grand Final will be held on May 16, 2026, at the Wiener Stadthalle, Austria’s largest indoor venue. This arena, which has seen many memorable performances, will once again play a key role in this highly anticipated event. The Semi-Finals are scheduled for May 12 and 14, making it a week full of musical excitement.
Vienna’s selection as the Eurovision Song Contest venue comes after a thorough evaluation process by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and ORF, Austria’s national broadcaster. The city stood out due to its top-tier infrastructure, extensive accommodation options, and proven experience in hosting large international events.
Vienna’s Eurovision Legacy
Vienna has a rich history with the Eurovision Song Contest. This will be the city’s third time hosting the event. It previously welcomed the competition in 1967, following Austria’s first win, and again in 2015, when Conchita Wurst brought home the victory. The upcoming 2026 edition will mark a special milestone as the city hosts the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 for the third time.
1967: Vienna hosted the first-ever Eurovision Contest in Austria, following Udo Jürgens’ victory in 1966 with “Merci Chérie.”2015: Vienna once again played host, this time after Conchita Wurst’s victory with “Rise Like a Phoenix.”
Now, Vienna is set to host the 70th edition of the contest, bringing its wealth of experience and cultural significance to the global stage.
The Eurovision Host City Decision
The selection of Vienna as the Eurovision Host City came after a highly competitive bidding process. The EBU and ORF considered several factors, including venue facilities, local infrastructure, and the city’s ability to host thousands of fans, journalists, and delegates. Vienna’s robust event infrastructure, large hotel capacity, and central location in Europe made it an ideal choice.
The city’s offering was deemed highly attractive, not just from an infrastructure standpoint, but also in terms of its ability to provide a memorable and welcoming experience for all participants and fans.
A Week of Eurovision 2026 Activities
Leading up to the Grand Final, a variety of events will take place around Vienna, offering a full Eurovision 2026 activities experience. Fans can look forward to numerous public events, including the Eurovision Village and Euroclub, which will be central to the festivities. The cultural side of Vienna, including its renowned music scene, art museums, and coffeehouse culture, will add an extra layer of excitement for anyone attending.
Vienna’s historic appeal, combined with the excitement of Eurovision, will make it the place to be in May 2026. Whether you’re a Eurovision fan or simply a lover of culture, there will be plenty to explore in this cosmopolitan city.
Support and Excitement from Key Figures
Martin Green CBE, the Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, expressed his enthusiasm about Vienna’s selection. He highlighted the city’s reputation as one of the world’s most musical cities and its strategic location in Europe as key reasons it’s the perfect venue for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Green also mentioned the Wiener Stadthalle’s outstanding performance as a host venue during the 2015 edition and looked forward to bringing the Eurovision community together for an unforgettable celebration of music.
Roland Weißmann, the Director General of ORF, also shared his excitement, emphasizing how Vienna’s infrastructure, logistics, and economic considerations made it the most suitable option. He noted that the contest would be a celebration for all of Austria, something that would make the nation proud.
Michael Ludwig, Vienna’s Mayor, spoke about the city’s commitment to offering an accessible and inclusive Eurovision experience. He pointed out that Vienna’s bid was backed by a strong emphasis on providing free public events for all to enjoy, ensuring that the Eurovision Host City experience would be open to everyone, regardless of budget. Ludwig’s statement reflected Vienna’s drive to make the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 a city-wide celebration.
Vienna’s Ideal Conditions for the Contest
Vienna tourism director, Norbert Kettner, also voiced his excitement for the upcoming event. He emphasized the city’s ideal conditions for hosting such a large-scale competition, highlighting Vienna’s 80,000 hotel beds, excellent transport connections, and the city’s proven event infrastructure. Kettner is confident that Vienna’s partnership with ORF and the EBU will ensure a fantastic experience for all involved.
Kettner also noted that Vienna’s blend of cultural offerings, from music to art to food, would provide Eurovision fans with much more than just a competition to watch. It’s this unique mix that will make Vienna stand out as the Eurovision Host City once again.
What to Expect: Eurovision 2026 Updates
As the event approaches, more Eurovision 2026 updates will be announced, including ticket sales, the full list of participating broadcasters, and more details about additional activities taking place throughout the city. Fans can expect an exciting week of events, both official and unofficial, celebrating Europe’s most iconic music competition.
Vienna is no stranger to hosting major international events, and with the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 just around the corner, it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and unity. Whether you’re attending the Grand Final, enjoying public events, or exploring the city, Vienna will provide a one-of-a-kind experience.
Conclusion
As the world prepares for the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, Eurovision 2026 updates will continue to roll in, giving fans all the information they need to plan for the event. Vienna’s legacy as a Eurovision Host City and its deep cultural roots make it the perfect place to celebrate this iconic competition. With an exciting mix of performances, events, and cultural offerings, Eurovision 2026 in Vienna promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
