Vienna Secures the Eurovision Crown

Vienna is back in the Eurovision spotlight. Today, Austria’s national broadcaster ORF, in concert with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), confirmed that the 70th Eurovision Song Contest will be hosted in Vienna, with the Grand Final scheduled for Saturday, 16 May 2026 at the iconic Wiener Stadthalle, and semi-finals on Tuesday, 12 May and Thursday, 14 May.

The announcement landed live across various platforms — from Ö3’s “Wecker” radio programme to ORF2’s “Guten Morgen Österreich” and Eurovision’s official YouTube channel — setting the stage for what promises to be a spectacular celebration.

This marks the third time Vienna has hosted Eurovision, joining its historic appearances in 1967 and 2015. The Wiener Stadthalle, familiar turf for the contest, will once again transform into an arena of lights, music, and national pride.

Hall D, with a capacity of over 16,000, offers the space and technical capabilities Eurovision demands. In the voting between Vienna and Innsbruck — the only other city in the running — Vienna edged ahead thanks to its proven track record in event infrastructure, logistics, and cultural cachet.

Kronen Zeitung, Austria’s largest newspaper, reports local infrastructure analysis confirmed that Innsbruck’s dressing rooms and green room would not fit within the Olympiahalle venue, requiring cumbersome transport arrangements outside the arena, an operational complication both logistically and artistically. Additionally, the city’s hotel capacity was judged too scattered and limited compared to Vienna’s densely networked accommodation infrastructure — making Vienna a more artist and fan-friendly choice.

The 2026 host announcement follows Austria’s winning moment at Eurovision 2025, when JJ triumphed in Basel with the powerful ballad “Wasted Love.”

EBU’s Director Martin Green CBE praised Vienna’s long-standing musical heritage and central location, calling the city “the perfect Host City” to mark Eurovision’s 70th edition.

ORF Director General Roland Weißmann added that Vienna presented the most attractive bid—logistically, economically, and symbolically. Mayor Michael Ludwig welcomed the return, emphasising Vienna’s accommodation capacity, cultural offerings, and tradition of hosting major international gatherings.

Meanwhile, Vienna Tourism Director Norbert Kettner framed Eurovision as an artistic match made in heaven — “cosmopolitan capital meets world’s largest music show”.

Expect Vienna to buzz with activity for Eurovision week — including the Eurovision Village, Euroclub, and fan zones all across the city. Further details — from ticketing to special anniversary performances — will be revealed in the coming months.