ORF lists likely 2026 Eurovision Song Contest dates

Austrian ORF has officially initiated the search for the host city of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, following JJ’s victory with “Wasted Love” at the 2025 contest in Basel.

Obviously, fandom has known pretty much all of this for days, but it’s now ‘in writing’, so to speak, and we wanted to make sure you have the latest update.

The broadcaster has opened the application process, inviting cities and municipalities across the country to submit their bids by July 4, 2025, with an announcement promised by 8 August.

Requirements for Host Cities

Interested cities must meet specific criteria set by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU):

• A fully equipped event hall with a capacity of approximately 10,000 spectators.
• Availability of the venue for at least eight weeks (seven weeks before and one week after the event).
• Good international transport connections.
• Adequate accommodation facilities in the region.
• Demonstrated capabilities in organisation, security, and sustainable event implementation.

The application process consists of two phases:

• Expression of Interest: Cities submit an initial declaration to receive detailed application documents.
• Submission of Detailed Bids: Completed applications must be submitted electronically by July 4, 2025, at 12:00 PM (CEST).

ORF has said it not disclose the list of applicant cities during the selection process. But given we have the internet, it’s an ‘open secret’.

Potential Host Cities Express Interest

Several Austrian cities have already expressed interest in hosting the event:

• Vienna: The capital city, which previously hosted Eurovision in 2015, is a strong contender.
• Graz: Proposed venues include the Stadthalle Graz and the Schwarzl-Freizeitzentrum in nearby Unterpremstätten.
• Linz and Wels: These two cities are considering a joint bid with a focus on sustainability and regional development.
• St. Pölten: The city has proposed the VAZ St. Pölten as a potential venue.
• Oberwart: Despite challenges with accommodation capacity, the city is exploring hosting possibilities.
• Ebreichsdorf: A proposal includes constructing a temporary venue to meet the contest’s requirements.

Conversely, cities like Salzburg and Klagenfurt have decided not to submit bids, citing logistical and financial constraints.

Provisional Dates for Eurovision 2026

We’ve already speculated on this, but the provisional dates for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 are now official…

• Semi-Final 1: May 12 or 19, 2026
• Semi-Final 2: May 14 or 21, 2026
• Grand Final: May 16 or 23, 2026

These dates are subject to confirmation based on the selected host city’s schedule and logistical considerations.

As Austria prepares to host the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, the selection of the host city will play a crucial role in shaping the event’s success and legacy.

BOOKMARK: Our 2026 home page with the latest list of confirmed countries and ticket information (as and when there is some)

Picture shows: ORF General Director Roland Weißmann – ORF Commercial Director Eva Schindlauer – Martin Österdahl – Martin Green – ORF Program Director Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz – ORF Radio Director Ingrid Thurnher – ORF Technical Director Harald Kräuter – ESC Commercial Director Jurian van der Meer