**Vienna to Host the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest**
**Meta Description:** Vienna has been selected to host the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, marking its third time as the venue for this iconic music event.
**URL Slug:** vienna-hosts-eurovision-2026
**Vienna to Host the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest: A Musical Celebration Awaits**
Vienna has been officially chosen as the host city for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, following Austria’s victory in the 2025 competition. The announcement comes after artist JJ triumphed with his song “Wasted Love” in Basel, Switzerland. This decision was made after a thorough bidding process, where officials assessed various facilities for their ability to accommodate delegations, fans, and media.
This will be the third time Vienna has hosted the Eurovision Song Contest, placing it in a tie for fourth place among the most frequent hosts, alongside Copenhagen, Malmo, and Stockholm. Only Dublin, London, and Luxembourg City have hosted the event more times. The 70th Eurovision final is set to take place at the Wiener Stadthalle arena on May 16, 2026, with Austrian broadcaster ORF overseeing the event.
Martin Green, the director of the Eurovision Song Contest, expressed excitement about Vienna’s selection, stating, “The EBU is thrilled that Vienna has been selected as the host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Vienna’s reputation as one of the most musical cities in the world, along with its central location in Europe, makes it the ideal host for this milestone event.” He highlighted the Stadthalle’s exceptional qualities, recalling its success as a venue during the 60th contest in 2015.
The opening ceremony will take place at Vienna’s City Hall on May 10, 2026, which will also host EuroClub, the contest’s nightlife hub. The area outside City Hall will transform into the Eurovision Village, an open-air space for public screenings.
Vienna’s mayor, Michael Ludwig, expressed pride in the city’s selection, emphasizing the importance of accessibility to cultural events. “We are committed to providing numerous Eurovision Song Contest events in public spaces that are free for everyone to enjoy,” he stated.
As preparations begin, Vienna is poised to deliver a spectacular celebration of music, uniting fans from around the world for this iconic event.
**FAQ**
**Q: When will the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest take place?**
A: The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest will be held on May 16, 2026, at the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna.