ORF kicks off Eurovision 2026 in Vienna with the Turquoise Carpet. All 35 delegations join the historic celebration.
After two intense weeks of rehearsals, backstage dramas, and record-breaking viewing figures, it is time to slow down, put on evening wear, and celebrate. Today, Sunday, May 10th, the Eurovision 2026 week in Vienna officially begins with the traditional reception – the Turquoise Carpet event. The ceremony will start at 17:00 CET.
A Historic Route in Vienna
This year, the Austrian host broadcaster ORF has decided to push the opening ceremony to its limits. The Turquoise Carpet event marks the only moment in the competition where all 35 participating delegations will walk together. The prestigious route will begin at the famous Burgtheater and continue to Vienna’s magnificent City Hall.
To transform the event into a massive public celebration, the complex is open to the general public and is expected to host up to 30,000 enthusiastic fans who will shower the artists with support. Each delegation walking the carpet will be welcomed with high energy by the Woodstock Allstar Band, but this is just the beginning.
Royal Austrian Traditions
Following Austrian traditions, the event will feature a particularly royal and prestigious touch with the participation of the RSO Vienna symphony orchestra. The highlight of the opening ceremony is expected to be a powerful live performance of last year’s winning song, “Wasted Love“, fully accompanied by the symphony orchestra – a performance that will surely shake the streets and deliver an unforgettable television moment.
Watch the Eurovision 2026 Turquoise Carpet Live:
The massive and glittering event will be broadcast live by ORF 1, and naturally on the official Eurovision YouTube channel. Furthermore, the ZOOP network, the competition’s new social partner, will cover the ceremony with dedicated on-ground content creators, capturing the artists in their most spontaneous moments. Get your screens ready, because Eurovision is finally here.
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.
