Countdown to Eurovision 2026: Key Delegation Arrival Dates Revealed

The 70th Eurovision Song Contest will happen in Vienna, Austria. Excitement grows across Europe and beyond. The contest will take place in May 2026. It brings together artists, music experts, national teams, and fans in one great cultural city. If you are in a team, plan to attend, or are a devoted fan, knowing the arrival dates and schedule will help you enjoy your experience. This guide gives key dates, places, and details for Eurovision 2026. ## Important Dates for Eurovision 2026 Delegations

Teams from each country must plan their trip around the main contest dates and events. The main events in Vienna are set as follows:

• Opening Ceremony & Turquoise Carpet Event: Sunday, 10 May 2026
• Semi-final 1: Tuesday, 12 May 2026
• Semi-final 2: Thursday, 14 May 2026
• Grand Final: Saturday, 16 May 2026

Most teams come a few days before the Opening Ceremony to get ready for rehearsals, media work, and public shows. Some teams may arrive in the first week of May.

Typical Delegation Arrival Window

• Teams usually arrive from 7 to 9 May.
  This period gives time to rehearse at the Wiener Stadthalle. Rehearsals help with practice and team meetings and let you join the opening events.

• Rehearsals happen from 9 to 15 May.
  Each nation will have practice sessions for technical setup and dress changes before the live shows.

• Teams stay until the Grand Final on 16 May.
  Many leave on the next day or soon after, based on their plans.

The host broadcaster, Österreichischer Rundfunk (ORF), will provide detailed arrival times later. This helps with smooth travel given the number of people and the work needed for transport, hotels, and venue access.

Host City and Venue Highlights

Vienna: A City Set for Eurovision

Vienna has hosted Eurovision twice before, in 1967 and 2015. In 2015, the contest took place in the Wiener Stadthalle. This indoor arena seats over 16,000 people and has modern tools for big events. Its center city location and good public transit by metro and tram make it a good choice for teams, media, and fans.

Key Non-Competition Venues for Teams

• Eurovision Village (Rathausplatz):
  Open from Sunday, 10 May to Sunday, 17 May, this spot has free live shows and screenings. It is a busy place for fans and teams.

• EuroClub (Vienna City Hall):
  This venue hosts after-parties and private shows. Team members often meet and relax here after busy contest days.

Planning Considerations for Delegations

Organizing travel for Eurovision takes careful thought about dates, hotels, and coordination with media and rehearsals. Teams should note these points:

1. Arrive Early for Rehearsals and Meetings:
   Arriving between 7 and 9 May gives enough time to settle in and join the rehearsals, media work, and the Opening Ceremony on 10 May.

2. Book Hotels Soon:
   Vienna has many hotel beds, over 80,000. During contest week, many visitors come. Early booking helps stop last-minute problems.

3. Know the Local Transit:
   Check the metro lines that serve Wiener Stadthalle and Rathausplatz. Quick transit helps reduce travel time between places.

4. Prepare Visa and Travel Papers:
   Teams from outside the European Union or Schengen zone must start visa work early to avoid delays.

5. Follow Health and Safety Updates:
   Keep an eye on news from ORF and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). This helps you follow any rules during the event.

Participating Countries and Representation Insights

For Eurovision 2026, about 27 countries have given a provisional yes. Countries like Albania, Australia, Austria (host), France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and the United Kingdom will take part. This list may change by the official deadline in mid-December 2025. Countries will announce their acts in early 2026. Some choose a televised national final, and others make an internal choice. For example:

• Albania picks its act at Festivali i Këngës on 20 December 2025.
• Denmark chooses during the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix on 14 February 2026.
• Italy is expected to announce its act by 28 February 2026. Knowing these times helps teams plan their travel and practice sessions.

Why Early Planning Matters for Eurovision Delegations

Eurovision is more than one contest night. It is a week of rehearsals, public events, media work, and fan fun. Arriving late can lead to missed rehearsals or media chances. Arriving early means you get:

• More options for practice sessions.
• Better chances with media and public events.
• A smoother time adjusting to the venue and city.
• More time to enjoy cultural and social events in Vienna.

Summary of Key Delegation Arrival Dates and Events

Final Thoughts

If you are part of a Eurovision 2026 team or plan to attend, try to be in Vienna by early May. A week-long stay lets you join rehearsals, meet others, explore the vibrant city, and enjoy the contest fully. Vienna is ready for you with good transport and more. Begin your plans now to secure travel and hotel bookings.

Next Steps

• Look out for news from ORF and EBU for schedules and accreditation updates in late 2025 and early 2026.
• Book your flights and hotels early because many visitors are expected.
• Check with your national broadcaster or team leader for your specific practice times.
• Get ready for media sessions and public events starting with the Opening Ceremony on 10 May.
• Enjoy the week of events as you take part in the fun that Vienna provides.

Preparing well for Eurovision 2026 means arriving early, staying active all week, and taking part in the energy of this international music event. Vienna is set—do you feel ready?

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