In 2026 the global entertainment scene is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years, with a packed calendar of concerts, festivals, theatre shows and cultural events that promise unforgettable experiences for audiences around the world. From historic award nights and blockbuster tours to dance festivals and multidisciplinary spectacles, this year’s cultural highlights reflect the broad diversity of what audiences can expect in live entertainment.
The year kicks off with one of the most anticipated nights in music: the 68th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on February 1. This year’s ceremony not only showcases the biggest names in music with performances and award contenders but also makes history with trailblazing acts and new category additions. Nominations are led by some of today’s most influential artists, and the show has added categories that reflect both traditional and contemporary genres, ensuring that the night will be a major cultural moment in music.
Concertgoers will find 2026 rich with world tours by some of the biggest names in the industry. Bruno Mars has announced The Romantic Tour spanning Europe and North America in support of his latest album, with an extensive run of dates that reflects overwhelming fan demand and record-breaking ticket sales. Meanwhile, BTS is preparing to launch the Arirang World Tour following the release of their anticipated new album, marking their largest global tour yet with shows across multiple continents — a tour expected to attract massive crowds in cities from Asia to the Americas and beyond.
Fans of pop and soul will also have plenty to look forward to with Olivia Dean’s The Art of Loving Live tour, which will bring her powerful performances to arenas across Europe, North America and Oceania. Across genres and generations, Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour continues its stadium-scale trajectory with dates stretching well into late 2026, offering fans yet another chance to catch one of today’s most consistent chart-toppers live.
Classic music lovers won’t be left out either, with significant festival and concert dates across the globe. The Dream Concert World Tour, one of South Korea’s iconic K-pop festivals, will expand to international venues in 2026, bringing a spectacular showcase of K-pop talent to audiences beyond its home country. Legendary artists Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire have teamed up for a joint summer tour across North America, a collaboration that promises to marry classic funk and R&B with arena-scale spectacle.
Closer to local cultural calendars, cities worldwide are hosting varied entertainment offerings. In Mumbai, the National Centre for the Performing Arts is presenting Spectrum 2026, a multi-day festival celebrating dance traditions from around the world — a vivid reminder that live performance extends beyond music to encompass global cultural expression. Meanwhile, regional weekend calendars in places like Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru and other major hubs include concerts, food festivals, workshops and cultural shows that enrich local lifestyle and entertainment scenes.
Special event highlights also include expansive city-wide entertainment programs. For example, Charlotte’s February 2026 entertainment lineup features Broadway tours, music festivals, comedy events and film programming tied to cultural months, reflecting how cities are increasingly leveraging multidisciplinary entertainment to engage diverse audiences.
Globally, major tours of 2026 span a range of styles and geographies, from rock and pop to electronic and country music, with several artists planning headline concerts that are worth travelling for. Shows by major stars — including concert dates worth planning trips around like stadium performances and festival headline sets — underscore 2026 as a vibrant year for live entertainment.
From world tours and award season spectacles to dance festivals and global concerts, the 2026 entertainment calendar is unmatched in breadth. This year’s schedule not only offers something for every kind of fan but also reflects a broader resurgence in live experiences as audiences continue to embrace the collective thrill of performances and cultural gatherings across the globe.