When is the next Eurovision Song Contest likely to be?

Austrian ORF are already working on arrangements for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, with a promise to reveal host city details in July. But knowing nothing officially, should never stop us spending Sunday speculating about likely dates.

Multiple cities across Austria have expressed interest in hosting the competition, including Ebreichsdorf, Graz, Innsbruck, Linz, Oberwart, St. Pölten, and Vienna. The competition between these cities reflects the significant cultural and economic benefits associated with hosting Eurovision, as well as Austria’s experience from previously hosting the contest in Vienna in 1967 and 2015

Staying in line with recent years, the most likely scheduling window falls between May 12-16, 2026.

The date selection process must navigate around major European sporting events, particularly UEFA Champions League semi-finals scheduled for April 28-29 and May 5-6, 2026, with the Champions League final set for May 30, 2026.

Additionally, the UEFA Europa League semi-finals on April 30 and May 7, with the final on May 20, 2026, and the German Football Cup final on May 23, 2026, create scheduling constraints that Eurovision organisers must consider.

The traditional Eurovision format will maintain its established structure with three shows: Semi-final 1 on Tuesday, Semi-final 2 on Thursday, and the Grand Final on Saturday, all scheduled for 21:00 local time.

This timing ensures optimal viewing across European time zones while maintaining the contest’s traditional weekend finale that has become synonymous with Eurovision viewing parties across the continent.