pectetetecompeVienna is selected officially as the host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Austrian broadcaster ORF and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced today that the 70th edition of the contest will take place in Austria’s capital. The live shows scheduled for at Vienna’s renowned Wiener Stadthalle. The contest is held on 12, 14 and 16 May. This marks a return of Eurovision to Vienna after 11 years, as the city last hosted the event in 2015.
Austria earned the honor of hosting Eurovision 2026 thanks to the victory of singer JJ at the 2025 contest in Basel, Switzerland. JJ’s win brought the contest back to Austria, ensuring the country will host the Eurovision Song Contest for a third time. Udo Jürgens and Conchita Wurst won the contest before.
The selection of Vienna comes after a competitive bidding process between Vienna and Innsbruck. ORF evaluated both bids, and the Austrian capital’s experience and facilities ultimately gave it the edge.
A Eurovision Homecoming for Vienna
Vienna is no stranger to the Eurovision Song Contest. The city’s rich musical heritage, from classical composers to a vibrant modern music scene, makes it a fitting host for Europe’s biggest music event. Vienna previously hosted Eurovision in 1967 and again in 2015. The city earned praise for its organization and hospitality. The 2015 contest at Wiener Stadthalle was a resounding success. The contest drew tens of thousands of visitors and resulting in around 1.3 million overnight stays in the city during the event. The European Broadcasting Union gave highly positive feedback on Vienna’s hosting in 2015.
As Austria’s capital and largest city, Vienna offers well-developed infrastructure ready for the influx of fans, artists, and media. The city boasts roughly 80,000 hotel beds to accommodate visitors. There is an extensive public transportation network. Vienna’s international airport also provides direct flights from over 65 countries, ensuring convenient access for all the participating delegations and fans traveling from abroad.
Wiener Stadthalle: The Contest Stage
Wiener Stadthalle will serve as the venue for all Eurovision 2026 shows. This iconic multi-purpose arena is Austria’s largest indoor venue. There is a seating capacity of around 16,000 spectators. Stadthalle has hosted countless major events and concerts, including the Eurovision Song Contest 2015, which makes it well suited for the contest’s complex staging requirements.
By choosing an established venue, ORF can leverage Stadthalle’s existing infrastructure and experience. The arena requires no significant new construction to meet Eurovision’s needs. This allows preparations to get underway immediately. ORF’s production team will benefit from the prior experience of hosting Eurovision at this venue in 2015. They will use those lessons to make the 2026 edition even more spectacular.
Looking Ahead to May 2026
With the host city now confirmed, excitement is building for a memorable Eurovision Song Contest in May 2026. The event will feature two semi-finals and a grand final over one week. Dozens of countries from across Europe, as well as guest nations, will compete for the coveted Eurovision trophy. Viewers can anticipate elaborate stage performances, eclectic musical styles, and the celebratory spirit that Eurovision is known for.
Host broadcaster ORF will now turn its focus to the detailed planning and creative aspects of Eurovision 2026. In the coming months, ORF and the EBU exto reveal the official theme and artwork for the contest. Apart from that, the show presenters and other production details will be known. The city of Vienna will also begin its preparations. That includes planning the official Eurovision Village fan zone and other public events to entertain visitors throughout the week.
Tickets for the live shows are projected to go on sale in late 2025, once the arena seating plan is finalized. With under nine months to go, Vienna is already gearing up to welcome Europe for an unforgettable Eurovision experience in May 2026.
