Burgas, Bulgaria to Host 71st Eurovision Song Contest

Mon Sep 14 2026 12:20:02 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The 71st Eurovision Song Contest will be staged in Burgas from May 12 to 15. Bulgaria’s coastal win follows Dara’s victory in Vienna.

After Bulgaria’s debut win in Vienna, the European Broadcasting Union has selected the seaside city of Burgas for the 71st Eurovision Song Contest. The finals, rehearsals and semi‑finals will unfold from May 12 to 15 at the new Arena Burgas. The bid was chosen from four Bulgarian cities, praised for its infrastructure and cultural spirit. A newly amended rule now bars war‑torn countries from hosting the next contest after a win, a change coming after debates around Israel and Ukraine. The event promises a blend of authentic Bulgarian flair with Eurovision spectacle.

Burgas, Bulgaria will host the 71st Eurovision Song Contest

The coastal city of Burgas will stage the 12‑15 May show after Bulgaria's first triumph in Vienna.

New venue and venue selection

The finals, rehearsals and two semi‑finals will be held at Arena Burgas, Bulgaria’s newest sports and entertainment facility. The city was chosen from a competitive process that included Sofia, Varna and Plovdiv, thanks to its strong infrastructure, hotel capacity and transport links.

Celebrating Bulgarian culture

"Burgas is a vibrant city on the Black Sea with a strong musical and cultural identity," said EBU director Martin Green. "We aim to create something truly Bulgarian while unmistakably Eurovision – a celebration that brings people together through music."

Rule change amid geopolitical tensions

Organisers have updated rules to disallow a winner from hosting next year if the country is involved in an armed conflict or a sensitive geopolitical situation affects its region. The change targets nations such as Israel and Ukraine, who have been embroiled in conflicts in recent years.