Eurovision 2026: Where to watch – or boycott – the final in Prague

If you grew up in Europe, Eurovision needs no introduction. If you didn't, think of it as the Super Bowl of pop music. In Czechia, it's also a night that brings together the international community.

But this year, the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, taking place this Saturday, May 16, in Vienna, is unfolding in a climate unlike any before it.

Five countries – Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Iceland, and Slovenia – are boycotting the contest over Israel's ongoing participation, citing the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

Ireland and Slovenia's public broadcasters won't screen the contest; Irish viewers will instead get a Eurovision-themed episode of Father Ted, while Slovenians will watch a documentary series called Voices of Palestine.

For many, the question of whether – and how – to watch the final is more fraught than usual.

In a poll of nearly 400 readers, 59 percent of you said we would not be watching this year, while 24 percent are boycotting. A slim 9 percent indicated they are huge fans, with 8 percent on the fence. Comments on social media reflected a similar divide.

"I'm a massive Eurovision fan, but politics and absent countries have me feeling discouraged," wrote one commenter, noting they'd still be watching – just at home rather than at a pub.

Others say the stakes are personal: "This year I'm excited and very invested," said one responder whose cousin Eva Marija is representing Luxembourg in tonight's semi-final.

One reader called it simply "the second Christmas." Another has been tracking the contest all year and says they "can't imagine who they'd be" without it.

Not everyone is feeling the love. "The contest means less and less each year," wrote one commenter. "Voting results don't seem to be based on talent and merit, but more on geo-political issues."

Others are opting out entirely – one commenter said they're boycotting "until they bring back some integrity and begin punishing countries that consistently break contest rules."

Perhaps the most pointed boycott party in town, and fittingly so: this is an Irish pub, and Ireland itself isn't broadcasting Eurovision this year. Sally O'Brien's is screening the 1980 Eurovision – the year Ireland won, and the year Israel was absent from the competition.

Last year, Sally O'Brien's hosted a packed Eurovision night complete with custom cocktails named after past winners and a customer voting sheet with an in-house winner announced at the end. This year, that's not happening – and the decision, the pub says, wasn't a difficult one.

Since announcing the 1980 screening, they say the response has been nothing but positive. All are welcome – "except for arseholes."

Address: Sally O'Brien's Irish Pub, Kamenická 17, Holešovice, Prague 7. More info here.

This one is for the viewers who want to engage with Eurovision critically rather than just enjoy the spectacle. The event at ARCHA+ is hosted by the creators of the Slejvák podcast, people who have attended Eurovision in person and bring both genuine knowledge and a healthy skepticism.

Describing Eurovision as "Controvision," the organizers say the contest's former popularity is "increasingly overshadowed by controversy and doubts about why this institution even continues to exist and what values it actually represents."

Address: ARCHA+ Café, Na Poříčí 1047/26, Florenc, Prague 1. More info here.

If you're going to watch Eurovision, you might as well do it with Graham Norton's commentary and a Detroit-style square slice in hand. Third Coast Pizza in Žižkov is streaming the full BBC broadcast live on big screens.

The pizza is widely regarded as the best in Prague, and there's a selection of craft beers to get you through the four-hour spectacle. Seating is limited, so book ahead.

Address: Third Coast Pizza, Chvalova 1, Žižkov, Prague 3. More info here.

For a watch party with a bit of diplomatic flair, the Austrian Cultural Forum in Prague and the International Office of the City of Vienna are jointly hosting an evening to mark Eurovision's return to Vienna for the first time in a decade. The setting is the relaxed Sibeeria Tap Room with a free live stream of the final.

If you want to warm up first, arrive at 7 p.m. for a Eurovision pub quiz: questions covering the Song Contest's history, music, and competing countries, held in English. Teams of 2–6 can enter free of charge – just email prag-kf@bmeia.gv.at in advance with your team size.

Address: Sibeeria Tap Room, Soukenická 4/110 00, Petrská čtvrť, Prague 1. More info here.

The Quays have been going all in with a full week of Eurovision programming involving karaoke and screenings. The main event on Saturday promises an electric atmosphere with voting for your favorites.

Address: The Quays, Spálená 98/31, Nové Město, Prague 1. More info here.

Being one of the best places to watch big sports and entertainment events alongside a hearty meat pie, Prague's beloved Australian bar will be streaming the final. The full schedule and screening times are being posted to their stories, so keep an eye on their socials for the latest details.

Address: The Down Under, Vinohradská 48, Vinohrady, Prague 2. More info here.

Prague's queer community has long had a particular love for Eurovision, and this annual party is one of the most full-on watch experiencse in the city.

The evening kicks off with a drag show at 7 p.m., featuring performers Miss Chief, Eleanor de Noir, Rox, and Trdi Sir Dick, before the grand final broadcast takes over the jumbo screen at 9 p.m. Expect drinking games, contests, prizes, live commentary, and a specially curated bar menu.

Address: Salsita Club, Štefánikova 25, Smíchov, Prague 5. More info here.