With the Eurovision 2026 schedule confirmed by ORF, rehearsals are set to begin at the Wiener Stadthalle. Here is the full Vienna timeline.
Eurovision 2026 is approaching rapidly, and excitement is reaching its peak. This year, the Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Vienna, Austria. As it does every year, the competition will attract millions of viewers from around the globe, eager to witness the musical highlights of the season.
For fans tracking the final preparations, the schedule for the Semi-Finals, the Grand Final, and the intensive rehearsal cycle is already set. This guide provides all the essential information to ensure the international community does not miss a single moment of the most glittering musical event of the year.
The Eurovision 2026 Event Timeline
The Austrian national broadcaster, ORF, will host the event at the Wiener Stadthalle. The first Semi-Final is scheduled for May 12th, followed by the second Semi-Final on May 14th. The week will culminate in the Grand Final on May 16th. All live broadcasts are set to begin at 21:00 CET.
The main events will officially kick off with the Opening Ceremony. This will be followed by the two Semi-Finals and the decisive Grand Final. The full schedule is as follows:
| Date | Event | Time (CET) |
| May 10th | Opening Ceremony | 17:00 CET |
| May 12th | First Semi-Final | 21:00 CET |
| May 14th | Second Semi-Final | 21:00 CET |
| May 16th | Grand Final | 21:00 CET |
The Semi-Finals and the Grand Final will be broadcast live on the official Eurovision YouTube channel.
Rehearsals at the Wiener Stadthalle
One of the most fascinating stages of the production, often hidden from the general public, is the rehearsal period. Official rehearsals for the artists are scheduled to begin on May 2nd at the Wiener Stadthalle. In this venue, every national delegation will have the opportunity to adjust to the stage, test lighting and sound, and refine their choreography before the live broadcasts.
The rehearsal period lasts approximately two weeks. During this time, each country is allocated specific sessions, including technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and general rehearsals – some of which are open to accredited journalists and fans. The full rehearsal schedule from Vienna is currently being updated in real-time.
Key Rehearsal Milestones:
-
May 2nd: Start of official artist rehearsals.
-
May 10th: Eurovision Opening Ceremony.
-
May 12th – 16th: General rehearsals, Semi-Finals, and the Grand Final.
The EuroMix team will be on the ground in Vienna to cover all preparations. International followers will receive a rare glimpse behind the scenes, including last-minute stage changes and the initial reactions from the press and fans in the Austrian capital. Follow the official Instagram coverage to stay updated on every development.
Accessing the Live Shows
All stages of the competition will be available for live viewing via the official Eurovision YouTube channel. Fans can also follow continuous updates from Vienna, including interviews and backstage footage, directly here on EuroMix.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where is Eurovision 2026 being held? The competition will take place at the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, Austria.
How many countries are participating this year? 35 countries will participate in Eurovision 2026.
Which channels will broadcast the event? The live broadcast will be available on the official Eurovision YouTube channel.
Can viewers vote for their own country? No, viewers can only cast ballots for other participating nations within their respective Semi-Final or during the Grand Final.
The Eurovision Song Contest is expected to be an unforgettable event, featuring spectacular performances, moving songs, and a close competition until the final results are announced. With rehearsals beginning on May 2nd and the main week opening on May 10th, the road to the trophy is officially underway. EuroMix will provide ongoing coverage of all rehearsals and behind-the-scenes drama.
Eurovision 2026: the 70th edition of the contest will take place in Vienna, Austria, on May 12th, 14th, and 16th, 2026. The Wiener Stadthalle arena, which will host the event, is expected to accommodate around 16,000 spectators per show. The contest returns to Austria following the nation’s third historic win with the song “Wasted Love”, performed by JJ. It will be Austria’s third time hosting Eurovision, after previous editions held in the country in 1967 and 2015.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +972 50-944-1919
A leading journalist and content creator in the Eurovision field.
