The global stage is set and the lights are brightening in the Austrian capital as the 70th Eurovision Song Contest officially begins today, Sunday, May 10, 2026. Vienna is transforming into the epicenter of international music, launching a week of high-stakes competition and cultural exchange with the highly anticipated Turquoise Carpet event.
Serving as the official starting point of Eurovision week, the Turquoise Carpet is more than just a red-carpet equivalent; We see the first time all 35 participating delegations will appear together in Vienna. For fans and followers of the competition, this event marks the transition from preparation to performance, introducing the artists who will vie for the prestigious title in one of the most historic cities in Europe.
The festivities are scheduled to begin at 17:00 CEST, bringing together a massive crowd of enthusiasts and international media. With a capacity for up to 30,000 spectators, the event promises to be a vivid display of fashion, music, and national pride, all unfolding against the backdrop of Vienna’s architectural grandeur.
From Burgtheater to City Hall: The Procession of Nations
The Turquoise Carpet event is designed as a ceremonial procession, moving the 35 delegations through the heart of the city. The journey begins at the Burgtheater, where artists and delegations will make their entrance before walking across the Turquoise Carpet toward City Hall. This route serves as a public introduction to the contestants, allowing the gathered crowds to see the artists in their “carpet catwalk-ready” attire.
According to the official Eurovision website, the delegations will appear in alphabetical order. This structured procession builds anticipation throughout the afternoon, culminating in the appearance of the host country. As is tradition for the organizing nation, Austria will emerge last, signaling the official welcome to the contest.
Beyond the arrival of the artists, the event offers a glimpse into the preparation behind the glamour. Official channels will be highlighting the transition of the artists from their “laidback leisure” wear to their high-fashion looks, providing a behind-the-scenes perspective on the style and image each country is projecting for the 70th edition of the contest.
A Symphony of Sound: Musical Highlights
The auditory experience of the Turquoise Carpet is as carefully curated as the visual one. To welcome the arriving delegations, the Woodstock Allstar Band will provide live music tailored to represent each participating country, ensuring that every nation is greeted with a sonic tribute to its heritage.
Adding a layer of formal prestige to the proceedings, the ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra (RSO Vienna) will provide a ceremonial touch throughout the event. The integration of a full symphony orchestra underscores the scale of the 70th anniversary and the city’s deep roots in classical music.
The event is set to reach its emotional peak with a performance by Austria’s own representative, JJ. Having previously represented Austria on the Turquoise Carpet of Basel 2025, JJ returns to the spotlight on home soil. The ceremony will culminate with JJ performing the winning song for Austria, titled “Wasted Love,” accompanied by the RSO Vienna.
How to Watch the Opening Festivities
For those unable to join the 30,000 fans in Vienna, the event is being broadcast globally to ensure maximum accessibility. The entire experience will be streamed live on the Eurovision Song Contest YouTube channel starting at 17:00 CEST.
Within Austria, the event will receive comprehensive coverage via ORF 1, providing local audiences with a front-row seat to the start of the competition. Fans are also encouraged to follow official social media channels and the dedicated Eurovision app to catch additional glimpses of the 35 different looks debuting on the carpet.
Quick Reference: Turquoise Carpet Event Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, May 10, 2026 |
| Start Time | 17:00 CEST |
| Location | Burgtheater to City Hall, Vienna |
| Participating Delegations | 35 |
| Spectator Capacity | Up to 30,000 |
| Broadcast Platforms | YouTube, ORF 1 |
As the Turquoise Carpet concludes, the focus will shift toward the rehearsals and the semi-finals. With the delegations now officially arrived and presented, the 70th Eurovision Song Contest moves from the streets of Vienna into the competitive arena, where the quest for the trophy begins in earnest.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the competition will be the subsequent rehearsal schedule and the lead-up to the first semi-final. Stay tuned for further updates on performance times and venue details as the week progresses.
Do you have a favorite among the 35 delegations this year? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below.