Vienna will host the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in 2026, following the win of JJ in 2025 with “Wasted Love.” The Austrian capital was confirmed as the host city, with the event set to unfold on May 16, 2026, at Wiener Stadthalle, Austria’s largest indoor arena.
Vienna’s Eurovision history runs deep. The city first hosted the contest in 1967 after Udo Jürgens won with “Merci Chérie,” and it welcomed Europe again in 2015 after Conchita Wurst’s 2014 victory with “Rise Like a Phoenix.” As the competition has grown in prestige, host cities now stage a broader program of events in the run-up to the semi-finals and finals.
ORF, Austria’s public broadcaster, will be the host broadcaster for the 2026 edition. Eurovision is organized by the European Broadcasting Union, the association behind Europe’s public service media.
Vienna’s status as a world-class music hub, paired with its central European location, positions it as an ideal host for the 70th edition, said Martin Green, the contest’s director. He noted that the city, together with ORF and local authorities, plans a spectacular musical celebration that will resonate with audiences around the world. The organizers also envision a multi-event buildup in the run-up to the semi-finals and finals to engage fans and tourists alike.
In broader plans, the Eurovision family is looking to expand beyond its traditional boundaries, with talks about versions of Eurovision being developed in other regions of the world. This signals a longer-term strategy to grow the competition’s footprint while celebrating music from across Europe and beyond.
Editor’s notes:
– The announcement reinforces Vienna’s strong cultural identity and its capacity to host large-scale international events.
– Expect a busy calendar of fan events, concerts, and Eurovision-related activities in the lead-up to the semi-finals and finals.
– The move highlights the ongoing evolution of Eurovision as a global music event with ambitions to expand its reach in new regions.
– Positive takeaway: Vienna’s hosting is likely to boost tourism, showcase Austria’s musical heritage, and add to the city’s year-round cultural calendar.
Summary for readers:
– Vienna will host Eurovision 2026 on May 16 at Wiener Stadthalle.
– This marks the 70th edition and continues the tradition of hosting in the winner’s country.
– The event will feature the usual pre-event programming and a global outreach focus as Eurovision expands internationally.