The Eurovision Song Contest reoccurs in Vienna during the year 2026. - Eurovision Song Contest set for a return in 2026 in Vienna
After a competitive bidding process, Vienna, the capital city of Austria, has been chosen as the host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The city will welcome the continental music extravaganza for the third time, following its successful hosting in 1967 and 2015.
Vienna's application was supported by the motto "Europe, shall we dance?" and emphasised its previous experience hosting the Eurovision Song Contest, its extensive infrastructure, and the availability of hotel beds. The city boasts over 80,000 hotel beds, an extensive public transportation network, and a large international airport serving more than 65 countries, making it an ideal location for the event.
The Wiener Stadthalle, with a seating capacity of around 16,000, will once again be the venue for the contest. This iconic location has previously hosted the event in 1967 and 2015, both times with great success. The 2015 contest saw 1.3 million overnight stays and received positive feedback from the European Broadcasting Union, contributing to Vienna's selection for the 2026 event.
The contest format for 2026 will include two semi-finals on 12 and 14 May, and a final on 16 May. In addition to the Wiener Stadthalle, the Eurovision Village will be located at Vienna’s Rathausplatz, offering live performances and show screenings for the public. The Vienna City Hall will once again host the EuroClub for official after-parties and ceremonies, similar to the 2015 setup.
Innsbruck, another Austrian city, also applied to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. However, Vienna's larger size, more extensive infrastructure, and previous experience with hosting Eurovision make it a more suitable host city. Innsbruck, with a population of approximately 130,000 inhabitants, lacks the larger venue, transport links, and accommodation capacity needed for a major international event like Eurovision.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will be the 70th edition of the music event, taking place on May 16, 2026. The Austrian public broadcaster ORF is the organizer of the event. The city where the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 was held, Basel in Switzerland, will be the neighbouring Alpine country to the city hosting the 2026 event.
Vienna, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and proven track record, is set to put on a spectacular show for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The city's slogan, "Together on Top," perfectly encapsulates the spirit of unity and celebration that the contest embodies.
[1] Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF)
[2] European Broadcasting Union (EBU)
