If you plan to follow or cover Eurovision Song Contest 2026, you must know when and where press conferences take place. Backstage news, media updates, and official alerts all shape how the contest appears. This guide shows you press conference times and key media facts so you never miss a moment.
Why Press Conference Timings Matter
Press conferences bring news, artist updates, and plans together. Journalists and fans get the news first and can ask for rare interviews. These meetings help insiders see the contest up close. Eurovision 2026 will take place in Vienna, Austria after its 2015 show. The event runs from May 12 to May 16 with two semi-finals and one grand final:
- Semi-Final 1: Tuesday, May 12, 2026
- Semi-Final 2: Thursday, May 14, 2026
- Grand Final: Saturday, May 16, 2026
All live shows begin at 21:00 CEST.
Official Press Conference Schedule and Venues
Host City Announcement Press Conference
Before the main event, the host city was named on October 16, 2025. Austria’s ORF broadcast the news live at 08:15 CET on ORF 2, Ö3 Wecker Radio, and the Eurovision YouTube channel. That day, a press conference began at 16:00 CET. The mayor of Vienna, the winning city, spoke about plans for the contest. The mayor explained the event ideas and how the city will greet visitors.
On-Site Press Conferences During Eurovision Week
In contest week, media meetings focus mainly on:
- Semi-Final Qualifiers: These take place on site with dress rehearsals and live shows.
- Grand Final Winner Press Conference: Here, the winner speaks and meets the media.
No sessions will occur on site with individual artists during the week. Journalists must send interview requests for artists to each country’s media head ahead of time.
Media Centre Location and Hours
A Media Centre at the venue will serve press conferences and news work. It has:
• Desks and work areas
• Fast Wi-Fi and printing spots
• Shared rooms for interviews and radio sessions (which can be reserved on site)
• Screens that show dress rehearsals and live shows
The Media Centre opens on Saturday, May 4, 2026, and closes on Sunday, May 5. It then reopens from Monday, May 6 through Sunday, May 12. Opening hours change daily, and there is extra time during live shows.
Important Timings for Media Access and Rehearsals
• Media Badge Collection: Pick up badges daily from May 3 to May 11 at the Accreditation Centre near Malmömässan. The Centre is open from 07:00 to 19:00.
• Rehearsal Viewing: Accredited media join the arena during the first dress rehearsals of each live show:
- Monday, May 6 at 15:45
- Wednesday, May 8 at 15:45
- Friday, May 10 at 13:30
These sessions are also shown in the Media Centre and on the Online Media Centre.
• Media Access to Live Shows: Only a few photographers from agencies will be allowed live on stage. All others must have a valid ticket along with accreditation.
• Online Media Centre: All approved press members receive online access to watch rehearsals, media conferences, and live shows.
Other Useful Media Information for Eurovision 2026
• Rules: All media must follow rules for filming, broadcasting, and on-site presence. Recording or live streaming without permission during dress rehearsals or shows is not allowed.
• Social Events: Accredited media can join certain social events during the contest. These meetings give a chance to meet others outside the official press work.
• EuroClub: This after-show event takes place each day during the contest (except Tuesday and Thursday, when it starts an hour later). Tickets for media are few and given out on a first-come basis.
• Public Transport: Accreditation badges also allow free travel on public transport in Malmö. This helps journalists move between venues easily.
Planning Your Eurovision 2026 Media Coverage
If you plan to cover Eurovision 2026 onsite or online, use this checklist:
- Secure your accreditation as early as possible. Applications open months before the event.
- Mark the press conference dates. Key news falls with the dress rehearsals and shows, including the October 16, 2025 press conference.
- Send interview requests ahead of time to each country’s media head.
- Check Media Centre hours to plan when and where you work.
- Follow all rules on access and filming. This keeps your accreditation safe.
- Get your EuroClub tickets early as limits apply to each person.
Final Thoughts
Eurovision 2026 in Vienna brings familiar excitement and new stories with the local charm. Knowing press conference times and media access helps professionals and fans stay in step with the action. Whether you write news, blog, or follow online, set your calendar by the official schedule to capture every key moment.
For updates and full schedules, visit official Eurovision sites and accredited media channels.
Ready to cover Eurovision 2026 like a pro? Mark your calendar for May 12-16, keep your accreditation nearby, and watch the press conferences to hear all about Vienna!
