Is Eurovision 2026 in Vienna?

Yes, Vienna is hosting Eurovision 2026 at the Wiener Stadthalle. Austria earned the right to host after winning in 2025.

What dates are Eurovision 2026?

The semi-finals take place on May 12 and May 14, 2026, and the Grand Final is on May 16, 2026. There are also several rehearsal shows throughout the week.

Where can I watch Eurovision 2026 live?

You can watch it on national broadcasters like BBC One or stream it via platforms such as Peacock or YouTube. Availability depends on your country.

How many countries are participating in Eurovision 2026?

Around 35 countries are expected to compete. The final number is confirmed closer to the event.

Where is the Eurovision Village in 2026?

The Eurovision Village will be at Vienna’s Rathausplatz. Entry is free and includes live screenings and performances.

What is the “Big 4” in Eurovision?

France, Germany, Italy, and the UK automatically qualify for the final. The host country also goes straight to the Grand Final.

How long does a Eurovision live show last?

Each live broadcast usually runs for about three to four hours. The Grand Final includes all performances plus jury and public voting.

When did Eurovision first start?

The first Eurovision Song Contest took place in 1956 in Lugano, Switzerland. It began with just seven participating countries.

Eurovision 2026: Vienna’s big music party

Glitter. High notes. Wild staging. And over 160 million viewers worldwide tuning in. Eurovision 2026 is heading to Vienna, and the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest promises bold performances, unforgettable songs, and serious main-character energy.

After Austria’s 2025 win, Vienna takes center stage, hosting the contest at the Wiener Stadthalle from May 12–16, 2026. Expect a full week of semi-finals, rehearsals, fan events, and a buzzing Eurovision Village at Rathausplatz.

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A quick look at Eurovision song contest history

Eurovision began in 1956 with just seven countries competing. Today, it’s one of the most-watched non-sporting events in the world, regularly attracting over 100 million viewers.

What started as a way to unite Europe through music has turned into a global cultural phenomenon. It’s where careers are launched, legends are born, and surprise winners rewrite the script. Eurovision isn’t just a show. It’s a moment.

Eurovision 2026: European flags waving against a clear blue sky — European flags in the wind, a symbol of the unity and diversity that shaped Eurovision’s history

Eurovision 2026 location and key dates

Eurovision 2026 is in Vienna and all live shows will take place at the Wiener Stadthalle.

Here’s the schedule:

Semi-final 1: May 12, 2026
Semi-final 2: May 14, 2026
Grand Final: May 16, 2026

There are also preview and rehearsal shows throughout the week. Even if you don’t have arena tickets, you can still join the fun at the Eurovision Village at Rathausplatz, where fans gather to watch live screenings, enjoy concerts, and soak up the atmosphere for free.

Eurovision artists and songs to watch in 2026

One of the biggest reasons to follow Eurovision 2026? The artists and songs already creating buzz across Europe. Around 35 countries are expected to compete, and several entries are already confirmed. The playlist is shaping up to be diverse, emotional, and dance-floor ready.

Here are some standout Eurovision artists and songs so far:

🇦🇱 Albania – Alis with “Nân”

An emotional entry blending traditional elements with modern production.

🇭🇷 Croatia – LELEK with “Andromeda”

A dramatic national final winner with strong staging potential.

🇨🇾 Cyprus – Antigoni with “JALLA”

A confident pop entry that’s already gaining attention.

🇩🇰 Denmark – Søren Torpegaard Lund with “Før vi går hjem”

A heartfelt Scandinavian pop track with strong vocals.

🇪🇪 Estonia – Vanilla Ninja with “Too Epic to Be True”

The iconic all-female rock group returns, bringing nostalgia and arena energy.

🇲🇹 Malta – AIDAN with “Bella”

High-energy pop built for choreography and crowd reactions.

🇲🇩 Moldova – Satoshi with “Viva, Moldova!”

Up-tempo and bold. Expect audience participation.

🇺🇦 Ukraine – LELÉKA with “Ridnym”

A folk-inspired performance blending tradition with contemporary sound.

More countries will reveal their Eurovision songs in the coming weeks, so fan favorites and betting predictions will keep shifting. Expect emotional ballads, powerful pop, rock comebacks, and cultural storytelling. Eurovision always delivers variety.

Eurovision 2026: Dark concert stage with lights and hanging disco balls — Lights, lasers and disco balls, the kind of epic stage vibes we expect from Eurovision 2026

Who is predicted to win Eurovision 2026?

As of mid-February 2026, bookmakers suggest Finland is the early favorite. Greece and Sweden are close behind. But here’s the thing: odds change fast once all songs are released and rehearsals begin. Eurovision history has shown us that surprises happen every single year. Nothing is decided until the final votes roll in.

How much are Eurovision 2026 tickets?

Ticket prices vary depending on the show and seating category:

Jury rehearsals: approx. €25–€163
Afternoon rehearsals: approx. €10–€108
Semi-final live shows: approx. €53–€263
Grand Final live show: approx. €63–€363

The first ticket release sold out in under an hour. If you’re planning to attend, always buy through official channels and keep an eye out for additional sales.

MEININGER Tip: Demand is huge. Plan ahead.

Eurovision where to watch

If you’re not in Vienna, you can still catch every glitter-filled moment.

In the UK, all shows will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
In the US, Peacock streams the live broadcasts
In many countries, you can also watch through national broadcasters or the official Eurovision YouTube channel

Or… turn it into a city break. Explore Vienna by day, join fans at viewing parties by night, and fully immerse yourself in the Eurovision atmosphere.