Vienna to Host Eurovision 2026: Show Dates, Hosts, and Special Guests for the Grand Final

Eurovision 2026 in Vienna

According to Главком: The Austrian broadcaster ORF has unveiled its plans for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, which will be held in Vienna under the theme 'The Big Show!'. The event will take place at the capital's renowned concert venue, the Wiener Stadthalle. The semi-finals are scheduled for May 12th and 14th, with the grand final set for May 16th. This year's show will be hosted by Viktoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski.

Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz, ORF's program director, is curating the program for Eurovision 2026. The contest is one of the world's most-watched non-sporting events, drawing a massive global audience each year. In a notable highlight for Ukrainian fans, singer Leleka will perform in the second semi-final.

Special Guests and Participants

Alongside the main competition, a lineup of special guest performers has been announced. The invited artists include:

• Verka Serduchka, who finished second at Eurovision 2007,
• the winners of Eurovision 2006 – Lordi,
• Erika Vikman, a participant in Eurovision 2025,
• and Il Volo, who placed third at Eurovision 2015.

This ambitious roster of guests underscores the organizers' goal of creating an unforgettable show that celebrates diverse European musical talent. The inclusion of Ukrainian artist Leleka also highlights the contest's significance for Ukraine's music scene and its international support.

Eurovision serves as a vital platform for showcasing musical talent from across nations and promoting cultural exchange in Europe. Official Source

By bringing together such a wide array of performers, the organizers aim not only to boost viewer interest but to foster a celebratory atmosphere that unites different musical styles and traditions.

As the excitement builds for the Eurovision 2026 grand final, fans can also look forward to the detailed lineup for the second semi-final. This segment promises to showcase a variety of performances and songs that reflect the rich musical diversity of Europe. For a closer look at the participating countries and their entries, check out the full lineup for the second semi-final.