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This year the ESC will take place for the 70th time. Tickets for the event(s) were of course sold out in a very short time. But this year, for the first time, there is the opportunity to experience the ESC feeling in other ways. As a big celebration of the current participants and as a nostalgic celebration of old heroes of the competition.
The Eurovision Song Contest goes on a European tour from June. There are a total of ten concerts, including two in Germany. ROLLING STONE answers the most important questions about the event.
What is the ESC Live Tour 2026?
For the first time in history, the Eurovision Song Contest is going on tour. The ESC Live Tour 2026 is a Europe-wide concert series that celebrates the 70th anniversary of the competition – with live performances by former Eurovision icons as well as current participants from the class of 2026.
Why is the ESC Live Tour taking place?
The occasion is the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest. The tour is intended to remove the competition from the pure TV format for the first time and, according to the announcement, make it possible to experience it as a direct live experience. The aim is to connect the history, present and future of the ESC and thus reach the Europe-wide fan community directly.
When do the concerts take place?
The ESC Live Tour runs from June 15th to July 2nd, 2026. There are only a few weeks between the finale in Vienna on May 16th and the concerts.
In which cities does the ESC Live Tour take place?
The tour stops in ten European cities:
- Monday June 15th – London (UK) – O2 Arena
- Wednesday June 17th – Hamburg (Germany) – Barclays Arena
- Friday June 19th – Milan (Italy) – Arena Milano
- Saturday, June 20th – Zurich (Switzerland) – Hallenstadion
- Monday June 22nd – Antwerp (Belgium) – AFAS Dome
- Tuesday, June 23rd – Cologne (Germany) – Lanxess Arena
- Thursday June 25th – Copenhagen (Denmark) – Royal Arena
- Saturday June 27th – Amsterdam (Netherlands) – Ziggo Dome
- Monday June 29th – Paris (France) – Accor Arena
- Thursday July 2nd – Stockholm (Sweden) – Avicii Arena
Where are there concerts in Germany?
Two dates are planned in Germany:
- June 17, 2026 in Hamburg (Barclays Arena)
- June 23, 2026 in Cologne (Lanxess Arena)
How do I get tickets for the ESC Live Tour?
Tickets are over eurovision.com sold. A free Eurofan account is required. Additionally there is an exclusive one Presale for registered Euro fans. Anyone who registers by February 1, 12:00 CET will receive early access to ticket sales.
Which acts are performing on the tour?
At each concert, two groups of acts will be on stage: Eurovision icons from past decades and participants from the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 who performed at the final in Vienna a few weeks earlier. Exactly which musicians and bands will take part will be announced after the grand finale on May 16, 2026. In addition, there are at every concert Special guests announced, which vary depending on the tour date.
Will Lena Meyer-Landrut be there?
Lena Meyer-Landrut could make her comeback on the big stage after a self-imposed live break. But so far nothing is known as to whether the 2010 ESC winner will be there in Oslo.
Is there a special concept for the ESC Live Tour?
The concerts are entirely dedicated to the songs of the Eurovision Song Contest. Musicians present their own Eurovision entries and interpret classic ESC songs from 70 years of competition history.
What does the tour mean for the future of the ESC?
The Live Tour marks a strategic step: the Eurovision Song Contest is intended to develop from a television institution into a Europe-wide live brand. The tour could thus become a model for future anniversaries or regular ESC live formats.