Max SteventonVienna has been confirmed as the host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, following the city’s successful bid submitted on 3 July 2025. The decision was decided by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF).
Mayor of Vienna Michael Ludwig said the Austrian capital put in a “strong bid” to stage the 70th Eurovision and is “proud” the city has been selected as hosts.
The event will take place at the Wiener Stadthalle (pictured), with the first semi-final scheduled for 12 May 2026, the second semi-final on 14 May, and the grand final on 16 May. More than 1,500 accredited media representatives and tens of thousands of fans are expected to attend.
Vienna was selected over Innsbruck, which had also submitted a bid. The Austrian capital previously hosted the contest in 2015. City officials highlighted Vienna’s existing infrastructure, public transport system, and accommodation capacity as key factors in the successful application. Vienna has more than 82,000 hotel beds across 433 properties and direct flight connections to 195 cities in 65 countries.
Organisers have stated that Vienna will not need to build new infrastructure for the contest, in line with the city’s sustainability goals. In surveys following the 2015 event, nearly four in five accredited media professionals rated Vienna’s hosting as better than other editions.
Vienna Tourist Board CEO Norbert Kettner said, “With Vienna and the Eurovision Song Contest, two things come together that truly belong together: the cosmopolitan capital of culture and music, and the world’s biggest music show with unmatched brilliance. Vienna is ready to leave a lasting impression on the international stage – and we couldn’t be more excited!”
Head of the Vienna Convention Bureau Anita Paic said, “The Eurovision Song Contest highlights exactly what Vienna stands for as a meeting destination: world-class infrastructure, proven competence in hosting major events, and a spirit of international exchange. At the same time, the ESC embodies the power of co-operation and shared emotions – values that are equally essential for successful congresses and corporate events.”