The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will mark the 70th edition of the event, set to take place in Austria following JJ’s victory in 2025 with the song “Wasted Love.” The contest is scheduled for May 2026, with the most likely dates currently believed to be 12-14-16 May. These dates are tentative and subject to change based on various factors, including other major events like the UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches.
Host City Bidding Process
Several Austrian cities have 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.
Budget
Hosting Eurovision is a significant financial undertaking. ORF estimates that organizing the 2026 contest could cost over €30 million, a substantial increase from the approximately €700,000 required to broadcast the event. This comes amid a €325 million cost-cutting initiative for the broadcaster, and additional financial commitments, including coverage of the men’s football World Cup and the Winter Olympics in 2026.
Confirmed Participants
As of May 2025, the following countries have confirmed their participation:
- Albania
- Austria (Host)
- Belgium
- Denmark
- Finland
- Greece
- Germany
- Italy
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Serbia
- Spain
- Switzerland
Other countries
- Andorra – RTVA and Catalan broadcaster TV3 have confirmed they won’t be at the 2026 contest.
- Australia – SBS has invited artists and songwriters to express interest in participating.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina – BHRT still owes the EBU a whole load of cash and is unlikely to show their face in Austria unless miracles happen.
- Montenegro – RTCG plans to hold their national final, Montesong, again, suggesting potential participation.
- Slovenia – RTVSLO has plans to continue their national selection, EMA, through 2028.
- United Kingdom – The BBC has secured rights to produce Eurovision coverage until 2028.
Ticket Information
Tickets for Eurovision 2026 are expected to go on sale in late 2025. Fans are advised to stay updated through official channels for announcements regarding ticket sales.
The latest information will always appear here
Additional Events
“Eurovision in Concert,” a pre-Eurovision event, is set to return to Amsterdam on April 11, 2026, providing fans an opportunity to see participating artists perform ahead of the main contest.
For the latest updates on Eurovision 2026, including host city announcements and participant confirmations, stay tuned to official Eurovision channels and news outlets, like this one.
Better yet follow us on BlueSky.
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