Bulgaria's Black Sea city Burgas selected to host Eurovision Song Contest 2027

Host city selected

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Bulgarian National Television (BNT) announced on 13 August that the Black Sea city of Burgas will host the 71st Eurovision Song Contest in May 2027. Burgas, Bulgaria's fourth-largest city with roughly 190,000 inhabitants situated 380 kilometres east of Sofia, was chosen over the capital and two other candidate cities, Plovdiv and Varna, after a competitive selection process. An international working group composed of BNT and EBU representatives alongside Eurovision experts evaluated accommodation capacity, transport links, international connectivity, and each city's vision for transforming itself into a Eurovision experience. Varna and Plovdiv were eliminated first, leaving Sofia and Burgas in the final round.

Why Burgas prevailed

Despite Sofia being considerably larger, with about one million more inhabitants than Burgas, the EBU and BNT opted for what they called Burgas's "strong overall proposal." The city's Arena Burgas, opened in 2023, has a total capacity of 15,000 (with 5,500 seated), matching that of Sofia's Arena Sofia. Burgas also offered sufficient hotel capacity that is typically not fully booked in May, an international airport, and a municipal government with a clear plan to convert the entire city into a Eurovision experience. The city is known for its beaches, parks, and cultural festivals, and serves as one of the main gateways to Bulgarian seaside resorts. The nearby historic old town of Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on a picturesque peninsula, offers fans an additional attraction. The tourism sector, which accounts for about 8% of Bulgaria's GDP, is counting on the contest to boost visibility.

Organisers respond

ESC director Martin Green praised the choice in a statement.

Burgas brings something really special to the Eurovision Song Contest. It is a vibrant, welcoming city on the Black Sea with a strong musical and cultural identity, and it has the ambition, infrastructure and passion needed to welcome the Eurovision family.

BNT director general Milena Milotinova said work would begin immediately, before signing the official organising contract with Burgas mayor Dimitar Nikolov.

The contest will take place in May, but starting tomorrow (Friday) we will begin working together intensively.

Nikolov thanked the EBU and BNT for their confidence in the city.

We will do everything possible to deliver an impeccable image and make Burgas a successful host.

Contest format and dates

The 71st Eurovision Song Contest will run from 10 to 15 May 2027 at Arena Burgas. Two semi-finals are scheduled for 11 and 13 May, with the grand final on 15 May. Six preview concerts will also take place between 10 and 15 May, for which fans can purchase tickets. An official Eurovision Village will be set up in the city, and Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna will participate in the accompanying programme, building on the enthusiasm and ideas from their own bids.

Bulgaria's road to Eurovision

Bulgaria earned the right to host the contest after singer DARA won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna in May 2026 with her song "Bangaranga," giving the country its first victory in the competition. The 2026 final was overshadowed by five countries boycotting the event over Israel's military offensive in Gaza, with Israel again securing second place. The dispute over Gaza had plunged the usually good-natured competition into crisis heading into its 71st year. The 2027 edition will be the first Eurovision held in Bulgaria.