Eurovision 2026: Official Date and Venue Announced for Austria’s Capital
Marking a new chapter in the history of one of the world’s most renowned musical competitions, the organization announced that the 70th edition of Eurovision will take place in Vienna, Austria.
According to reports from the respected British publication The Guardian, the grand event is scheduled for May 16, 2026.
The contest will be hosted at Wiener Stadthalle, the largest indoor arena in Austria, capable of accommodating up to 16,000 spectators.
Prior to the final, semifinals are set for May 12 and 14, which will serve to select the finalists for the main show.
This will be Vienna’s third time hosting Eurovision, after previously organizing the event in 1967 and 2015.
The latter marked the 60th anniversary of the festival and was also held at Wiener Stadthalle.
The organizers emphasized that Vienna was chosen because of its extensive infrastructure, central European location, and proven experience of hosting large-scale international events.
The decision also reflects Vienna’s readiness to once again serve as a vibrant hub for this major musical celebration, considering the city’s history of hosting Eurovision as well as its capacity to gather international delegations, artists, and fans.
Vienna’s mayor, Michael Ludwig, expressed pride and excitement over welcoming guests from around the world and confirmed the city’s preparedness for the event.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Austria’s ORF emphasized that their choice underpins Vienna’s reputation as one of Europe’s most suitable cities for hosting large-scale cultural and entertainment events.
The preparations are already underway, and Vienna looks forward to once again creating a spectacular event that will be broadcast worldwide under the theme “United By Music.” However, alongside the celebration, the Eurovision 2026 also sparked political and social debates.
Countries including Italy and Germany threatened to boycott if Israel were excluded from participation, while Slovenia indicated it might withdraw if allowed to participate.
Spain called on the EBU to impose sanctions on Israel similar to those enforced against Russia in 2022.
Further controversy arose when Dutch singer J.J.
after winning, made a statement suggesting Israel should be excluded from future contests – a remark that drew criticism within Austria, where the country typically maintains friendly relations with Israel.
J.J.
later apologized, explaining his words had been misunderstood.
Moreover, Eurovision in Austria was also the subject of domestic political criticism.
The far-right Freedom Party labeled the event as a “left-wing, woke spectacle” and questioned the substantial expenses associated with hosting — with Basel’s recent budget allegedly reaching nearly $40 million.
The year 2026 saw an increased participation of entries linked to Russia, despite Moscow’s exclusion from the competition, including artists and representatives supporting pro-Russian policies across Europe.
Tensions surrounding these geopolitical issues have added a complex layer to the discussions about the festival, making Eurovision 2026 not only a musical event but also a focal point for political debates across Europe.