PITTSBURGH \u2014 Kane Brown, Wiz Khalifa and Bret Michaels will headline the 2026 NFL Draft Entertainment Series in Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n
The free three-day event will take place from April 23 to April 25 at the Draft Theater adjacent to Acrisure Stadium.<\/p>\n
The NFL Draft Entertainment Series presented by Bud Light is part of a larger celebration as the city hosts the annual player selection meeting. Entry to the performances is free, though standing room is available on a first-come, first-served basis. <\/p>\n
Tim Tubito, NFL senior director of global event presentation and entertainment, said the city\u2019s history played a role in the selection of the musical acts. <\/p>\n
\u201cBringing the Draft to Pittsburgh gives us a chance to tap into a city with a deep connection to football and music,\u201d Tubito said. \u201cThis year\u2019s event brings together artists with strong roots in the region and renowned global reputations to help create even more memorable moments onstage throughout Draft.\u201d<\/p>\n
The first day of the event, on April 23, will feature several musical performances before the start of the draft. Pittsburgh-raised and jazz-trained artist KELS is scheduled to perform the National Anthem. Before the anthem, the James Weldon Johnson Foundation\u2019s National Hymn Choir will perform \u201cLift Every Voice and Sing.\u201d The choir will feature the Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh and will be conducted by Dr. Jeffery Redding.<\/p>\n
Festivities on April 24 will include performances by Pittsburgh Khalifa and Butler native Michaels at 5:15 p.m. ahead of the second and third rounds of the draft.<\/p>\n
\u201cComing home to Pittsburgh for the Draft is pretty special,\u201d Khalifa said. \u201cThis city raised me and the energy here is different. Being back with the fans and representing the city in a moment like this just feels right.\u201d <\/p>\n
Michaels also expressed his excitement about the hometown event. \u201cI cannot be more honored, excited and fired up to be asked to perform at the Pittsburgh 2026 Draft on Friday night,\u201d Michaels said. \u201cAs a Pittsburgh native and a diehard fan of the Steelers, the NFL and all things Pittsburgh, this is a dream come true.\u201d<\/p>\n
The entertainment series will conclude on April 25 with a finale performance by Brown<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Draft is one of those weekends where you can feel how much the game means to people,\u201d Brown said. \u201cFans, players, the whole city, everyone\u2019s part of it. Being here for that is going to be unforgettable.\u201d<\/p>\n
While the concerts take place at the Draft Theater, the league will also host the NFL Draft Experience presented by American Express at Acrisure Stadium. This football festival allows fans to run a 40-yard dash, participate in football drills and meet NFL legends. Attendees can view the Lombardi Trophy and all 58 Super Bowl rings. The festival also provides fans the opportunity to step onto the field at Acrisure Stadium to kick field goals or participate in various clinics.<\/p>\n
The NFL Draft Experience will be open to the public during the following hours:<\/p>\n
April 23: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.April 24: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.April 25: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. <\/p>\n
Fans must download the NFL OnePass app at NFL.com\/DraftAccess<\/a> to attend the free 2026 NFL Draft Experience. The app provides real-time updates and a full schedule of activities. Users will also be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LXI in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n Download the FREE WPXI News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch WPXI NOW<\/a><\/p>\n TOP STORIES FROM CHANNEL 11 NEWS <\/p>\n \u00a92026 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n