70th Eurovision Song Contest: Host City Vienna
After 1967 and 2015, JJ’s sensational 2025 victory is bringing the Eurovision Song Contest back to Austria again this year. On May 16, 2026, Europe will crown its Song of the Year at the Wiener Stadthalle in true, colorful ESC style.
Frequently asked questions about the ESC
Facts about the 70th Eurovision Song Contest
The TV live shows:
- Venue: Wiener Stadthalle
- Semifinal 1: Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 9:00 p.m. (CEST)
- Semifinal 2: Thursday, May 14, 2026, 9:00 p.m. (CEST)
- Final: Saturday, May 16, 2026, 9:00 p.m. (CEST)
- Ticket sales: latest information
- Hosts: Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski
The official side events:
- Eurovision Village with Public Screening: May 10-17, 2026, Vienna Rathausplatz
- Opening Ceremony: May 10, 2026 with Turquoise Carpet, Vienna Rathausplatz
- Euro Club – official party venue: May 11 to 16, 2026, Praterdome
All of Vienna is celebrating
For the entire ESC week, Vienna’s Rathausplatz will be transformed into the world’s most beautiful public screening area, just as it did in 2015. Beyond that, numerous official side events and parties will keep the celebrations going all across the city. Vienna will present itself as an open-minded and welcoming host: the world capital of music, where everyone is welcome!
The best public screening sites
The most vibrant side events and exhibitions
Austria hosts for the third time
Back in 1966, Udo Jürgens secured Austria’s first ever Eurovision victory thanks to his global hit single “Merci, Chérie”. The following year, it took place at the Vienna Hofburg. It would be another 48 years before Conchita Wurst triumphed spectacularly in Copenhagen in 2014 with “Rise Like a Phoenix”. In 2015, all of Austria caught Song Contest fever – especially the host city, Vienna. The same-sex pedestrian traffic light couples, that were introduced back then, have not only become an iconic fixture here, but have spread internationally as well. The 2015 edition of the mega event marked the beginning of a new era for Eurovision, establishing many of the standards that make the Song Contest spectacular and popular today. Countertenor JJ (Johannes Pietsch), who trained at the Vienna State Opera, won over the expert jury in particular with his rendition of the song “Wasted Love” and took home the title in 2025.
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Eurovision Song Contest 2025 - JJ, Wasted Love
The hosting team
On the big ESC stage, two well-known Austrian personalities will host the show: Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski. Victoria Swarovski has plenty of experience hosting major live shows and is an heiress to the world-famous crystal company Swarovski. Joining her will be Michael Ostrowski, a multi-award-winning actor, screenwriter, and comedian, known for his humor and charm.
More information
Eurovision.com (EBU)
Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF) - Information provided in German language
Stadt Wien (City of Vienna) - Information provided in German language
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
Where will the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 take place?
The 70th anniversary of Eurovision will take place in 2026 at the Wiener Stadthalle. The Grand Final is on Saturday, May 16; the two semi-finals are on Tuesday, May 12 and Thursday, May 14.
Where is the largest official public screening for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026?
Vienna’s Rathausplatz will be transformed into the most beautiful fan zone in the world during the Eurovision Song Contest.
How many times has the Eurovision Song Contest already been held in Austria?
In 2026, the ESC will be held in Austria for the third time. Each time, the capital, Vienna, has been the host city. After Udo Jürgens’ victory in 1966 with “Merci, Chérie”, the Hofburg Vienna was Austria’s first host venue in 1967. In 2014, Conchita Wurst’s sensational performance secured the second victory. Just like in 2026, the Wiener Stadthalle was the ESC venue in 2015.
Who is hosting the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna?
The hosting duo for ESC 2026 in Austria are Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski. Swarovski regularly hosts major TV formats in German-speaking countries, while Ostrowski is known as an actor, screenwriter, and comedian.
- Roland-Rainer-Platz 1, 1150 Wien
- www.stadthalle.com
Accessibility
no steps
Parking spaces for people with disabilities
on Sorbaitgasse and in the main car park of the Stadthalle
Wheelchair accessible restroom available.
Special wheelchair seats in halls D and F. Inductive hearing system in Hall F.
Halls D and F are wheelchair-accessible.
- Rathausplatz, 1010 Wien
- Riesenradplatz 7, Prater, 1020 Wien
- www.praterdome.at
Opening times
- Fr - Sa, 23:00 - 06:00
