If you love Eurovision or watch music contests online, note these dates. Eurovision 2026 gathers many nations. Countries sing best songs. They first meet in semi-finals and later join the final stage. Read on for key semi-final dates and the overall plan. Plan your party or your trip to Vienna with this guide.
Why Eurovision 2026 Dates Matter for Fans and Viewers
Eurovision spans many nights. It starts with semi-finals. Nations compete in each round. Fans track favorite countries. They watch each performance with care. The semi-finals build the show before the final act.
Eurovision 2026 Key Dates at a Glance
The 70th Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Vienna, Austria. Austria hosts after last year’s win. The show will be at Wiener Stadthalle, a large arena known from 2015. – Semi-final 1: 12 May 2026
- Semi-final 2: 14 May 2026
- Grand Final: 16 May 2026
The first two shows come on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The final appears on Saturday. A day of rest sits between the semi-finals, giving space to prepare.
How Eurovision Semi-Finals Work
Two rounds decide the finalists. In each semi-final, artists sing live. They aim for a top spot. In each round, 10 countries move on. Other countries join the final too. These include the Big Five—France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK—and host Austria. In the end, about 26 acts perform in the final.
Venue Spotlight: Wiener Stadthalle, Vienna
Wiener Stadthalle gets ready again in 2026. The arena fits over 16,000 fans. It staffs a strong tech team for live shows and shots on stage.
Other event spots in Vienna are clear:
- Eurovision Village at Rathausplatz: A public zone with live music, show screens, and local fun.
- EuroClub at Vienna City Hall: A space for late-night shows and private events for stars and guests.
These sites helped the show in 2015. —
Planning for Eurovision 2026: What to Expect
- Broadcast Times: All shows start at 21:00 Central European Time. This time fits many viewers in Europe.
- Who’s Participating: By late 2025, 24 countries join in. New and regular acts share the stage with a mix of musical tones.
- Ticketing: Those who want to visit can buy tickets months before the show. Options exist for both semi-finals and the final.
Actionable Tips to Follow the 2026 Semi-Finals
- Mark your calendar now for May 12 and May 14, 2026. Set reminders to watch the live semi-finals.
- Watch national shows early in the year. Many nations choose their singer between late 2025 and early 2026.
- Check official Eurovision channels and TV stations. They post news about running orders, hosts, and events.
- Visit Eurovision Village events if in Vienna. Enjoy the live fun outside the arena.
Why the Semi-Finals Are Exciting
Semi-finals show many live performances. They mix different styles and fresh talents. Only the top 10 from each round move on. This rule makes the contest tense and full of surprises.
Final Thoughts: Get Ready for May 2026
Eurovision shines in a few busy days in May. Watch from home or plan a trip to Vienna’s Rathausplatz. Note the semi-final dates so you join the fun from the start.
Set alerts for national shows, mark May 12 and 14 for the semi-finals, and get ready for the grand final on May 16. Eurovision 2026 promises a lively show of music, culture, and memorable acts in Vienna.
Ready to join the excitement? Bookmark these dates, follow updates from TV stations, and prepare your snacks and outfits. The countdown to Eurovision 2026 starts now!
