Picture this: For 70 years, the Eurovision Song Contest has existed as a fleeting, magnificent fever dream. For one weekend a year, the world becomes a place where it’s perfectly reasonable for a man in a hamster wheel to be outscored by a violinist emerging from a volcano, only to disappear from our stages, leaving behind nothing but glitter in our carpets and a nagging question: what if this didn’t have to end? What if the party… could come to us?
Well, hold on to your sequined capes, Europe. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has just answered that call with a plot twist more dramatic than a key change in a power ballad. For the first time in its history, the Eurovision Song Contest is going on a live tour.
The “Wait, We Can Do That?” Moment
Announced on January 15, 2026, the “Eurovision Song Contest Live Tour” is the EBU’s way of celebrating the Contest’s 70th birthday. Martin Green, the Director of the Contest, called it something “truly unique and special” designed to take the “magic of the Eurovision live experience directly to fans and their friends and families all over Europe”.
Think of it as Eurovision’s “greatest hits” album, but instead of a CD, it’s a full-blown, continent-hopping arena spectacle. The tour kicks off just one month after the Grand Final in Vienna, hitting 10 major cities across 9 countries from June 15 to July 2.
A Show Built by Fans, For Fans (and Their Vocal Cords)
So, what can you expect when the big, glittery bus rolls into town? This is not a recap show. This is the full-throttle Eurovision spirit, repackaged for a night of pure, communal joy.
The line-up is a delicious, two-tiered confection:
- The Future: Ten artists straight from the 2026 Grand Final in Vienna. Who are they? Not even the EBU knows yet! The roster will be confirmed after the May final. It’s a clever move: it guarantees you’ll see the season’s hottest new acts, fresh off the Eurovision stage.
- The Legends: “Eurovision Icons”—beloved past winners and unforgettable participants from the Contest’s seven-decade history. Imagine the possibilities. Could we see a return of the dramatic violinists? The epic folk-dancing troupes? The man who sang about a fairy tale? The buzz is building, with specific names to be announced in the coming weeks.
- The Local Surprise: As if that wasn’t enough, each city gets a special local guest performer. Will Paris unveil a surprise appearance from a past French icon? Might London have a special guest from the UK’s rich (and sometimes tragic) Eurovision history? The city-specific surprises add a whole new layer of can’t-miss excitement.
Here’s where the tour will be bringing the party:
| Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Mon, 15 June | London, UK | O2 Arena |
| Wed, 17 June | Hamburg, Germany | Barclays Arena |
| Fri, 19 June | Milan, Italy | Arena Milano |
| Sat, 20 June | Zürich, Switzerland | Hallenstadion |
| Mon, 22 June | Antwerp, Belgium | AFAS Dome |
| Tue, 23 June | Cologne, Germany | Lanxess Arena |
| Thu, 25 June | Copenhagen, Denmark | Royal Arena |
| Sat, 27 June | Amsterdam, Netherlands | Ziggo Dome |
| Mon, 29 June | Paris, France | Accor Arena |
| Thu, 02 July | Stockholm, Sweden | Avicii Arena |
The music itself promises a delightful mix. Artists will perform their own Eurovision entries, but will also cover their favourite classic songs from the Contest’s vast history. Imagine a 2026 rock band covering “Waterloo.” The potential for glorious, chaotic tribute is endless.
How to Get a Golden Ticket (Without Selling Your Soul)
With tickets for the actual 2026 Contest in Vienna selling out in “record time,” the EBU designed this tour to bring the party to those who missed out. But demand will be sky-high. Here’s the survival guide for any aspiring attendee:
Step 1: Become a “Eurofan” – Immediately.
Your ticket to the tickets is a free Eurofan account on eurovision.com. This isn’t just a newsletter sign-up; it’s your backstage pass to the pre-sale. You must create this account by 13:00 CET on Sunday, 1 February 2026. Mark it in your calendar, set an alarm, tell your mum to remind you. This is non-negotiable.
Step 2: Survive the Pre-Sale.
Account holders will get exclusive early access to tickets before the general public. The exact pre-sale dates will be announced soon on the official tour website. Be ready, be logged in, and may your internet connection be strong.
Step 3: Plan Your Euro-Pilgrimage.
With shows across Europe, this is a chance to make a holiday of it. The tour starts in London and concludes in Stockholm. Could you make it a summer road trip chasing the Eurovision spirit across the continent? The bragging rights would be eternal.
The Party Rolls On, Despite the Drama
The announcement comes at a poignant moment for Eurovision. The 70th edition in Vienna is set against a backdrop of controversy, with several countries boycotting over the inclusion of Israel. The tour, in many ways, feels like a statement of resilience. It’s a decision to focus on what has always been Eurovision’s superpower: its ability to unite a disparate continent through the joyful, ridiculous, and profoundly moving power of song.
It’s a reminder that for every political disagreement, there are a hundred thousand fans who just want to dress up, wave their flags, and sing along at the top of their lungs to a man in a sparkly suit playing a keytar. This tour is for them.
So, clear your diaries for summer 2026. Dig out that flag from your country (or your favourite country). Start practicing your vocal runs. The Eurovision Song Contest is no longer just a broadcast. It’s a moving, singing, glitter-spewing juggernaut, and it’s coming to an arena near you. The only question left is: are you ready to join the party?
BY J.P. Economou