Vienna to host Eurovision 2026 final May 16 at Wiener Stadthalle

Vienna has been selected to host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026, with the grand final set for May 16 at the Wiener Stadthalle. The decision follows a competitive bid process led by Austria’s public broadcaster ORF and the European Broadcasting Union, and comes on the back of Austria’s victory earlier this year when JJ won Basel with the song Wasted Love. The semifinals are scheduled for May 12 and May 14, positioning Vienna to stage the 70th edition of Europe’s biggest live music event.

The choice of Vienna underscores the city’s bid strength, which officials said rested on a combination of world-class infrastructure, logistical capacity and economic feasibility. ORF’s Director General, Roland Weißmann, noted that after a thorough examination and a unanimous jury assessment, Vienna offered the most attractive package not only in terms of facilities but also the overall cost outlook. The European Broadcasting Union’s leadership echoed that assessment, highlighting Vienna’s reputation as a cultural hub and its central European location as ideal for a global event that attracts delegations, artists and fans from around the world.

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