ESC Vienna 2026

What to expect

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will take place in Vienna in May! After the impressive victory of JJ with his song "Wasted Love" at ESC 2025 in Basel, Austria will be the host for the third time – after the editions of 1967 and 2015.

After a multi-stage application process, ORF officially selected Vienna as the host city on August 20, 2025. The venue will be the Wiener Stadthalle, which already hosted ESC in 2015.

The dates are set: The first semi-final will take place on May 12, 2026, the second semi-final on May 14, 2026. The grand final will be celebrated on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Several cities had previously expressed interest – including Graz, Innsbruck, Wels, Linz, Oberwart, and St. Pölten – but in the end, Vienna prevailed with its infrastructure, international accessibility, and many years of experience.

So it's clear: ESC 2026 will thrill music fans from all over Europe with two exciting semi-finals and a grand final in the Wiener Stadthalle.

Look forward to an unforgettable show in the Wiener Stadthalle – it will be a real highlight!

How do I get tickets for the ESC 2026 in Austria?

Ticket sales for the ESC 2026 are expected to start at the beginning of 2026 – as soon as the venue has been officially confirmed. Official tickets will only be available through authorized platforms such as oeticket.com. Beware of scam sites!

Buy tickets

The Venue: The Federal Capital

Vienna – a city full of history, culture, and music

Discover imperial architecture, cozy coffee houses, and a vibrant nightlife during your stay.

Want to experience Vienna like a local? Discover tours and activities:

GetYourGuide - Tours in Vienna

Book your hotel early to secure the best deals:

Booking.com - Vienna Hotels

Buy Merchandise

Show your passion for the ESC with merchandise, T-shirts, flags, and more.

Amazon - Merchandise & Fan Items

News about Eurovision Song Contest 2026

August 20, 2025: Vienna has been confirmed as the host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, with the final show on May 16, 2026, at the Wiener Stadthalle.
May 26, 2025: Vienna expands its concept with an additional open-air fan mile along the Danube Canal and promises an accessible ESC experience.
May 25, 2025: The ORF delegation announces a decision on the host city for July 2025. All remaining applicants are currently being intensively reviewed.
May 24, 2025: Innsbruck relies on a hybrid event model with digital interaction and live events at the Olympiaworld complex.
May 23, 2025: Graz presents details of its ESC 2026 concept and plans an indoor stage at the Stadthalle as well as a Europe-wide public viewing network.
May 22, 2025: The city of Vienna presents an initial concept for the ESC 2026, which includes a stage at the Rathausplatz and a comprehensive sustainability concept.
May 21, 2025: The city of Wels unexpectedly withdraws its application, citing logistical challenges as the reason.
May 20, 2025: The city of Salzburg officially withdraws from the race to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Graz and Innsbruck reconfirm their applications.
May 19, 2025: JJ, the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, expresses his support for Vienna as the host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.
May 18, 2025: Financial challenges at ORF: The costs for hosting the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 are estimated to be over 30 million Euros.
May 17, 2025: ORF announces a transparent selection of the host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, Wels, and Oberwart show interest.
May 16, 2025: Following JJ's victory with 'Wasted Love' at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel, Austria begins preparations for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.

Looking Back: The Last 10 Eurovision Winners

Year	Host City	Winner	Title
2024	Malmö, Sweden	Switzerland	"The Code"
2023	Liverpool, United Kingdom	Sweden	"Tattoo"
2022	Turin, Italy	Ukraine	"Stefania"
2021	Rotterdam, Netherlands	Italy	"Zitti e buoni"
2019	Tel Aviv, Israel	Netherlands	"Arcade"
2018	Lisbon, Portugal	Israel	"Toy"
2017	Kyiv, Ukraine	Portugal	"Amar pelos dois"
2016	Stockholm, Sweden	Ukraine	"1944"
2015	Vienna, Austria	Sweden	"Heroes"
2014	Copenhagen, Denmark	Austria	"Rise Like a Phoenix"

Frequently Asked Questions about the Eurovision Song Contest

When will ESC 2026 take place?
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will take place in Vienna: The semi-finals are on May 12 and May 14, and the grand finale on May 16, 2026.
Where will ESC 2026 be held?
ESC 2026 will be held in Vienna at the Wiener Stadthalle. The decision was made in August 2025 in favor of the Austrian capital.
How can I buy tickets?
Tickets are sold exclusively through authorized platforms like oeticket.com. Beware of unofficial vendors.
Who will represent Austria?
This has not yet been determined. ORF will present the Austrian act at a later stage.
Will ESC 2026 be broadcast on TV?
Yes, ORF and other European broadcasters will broadcast the competition live as usual.

Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Austria