McDonald's Gospelfest 2026 Roars Back to Broadway

The 43rd annual gospel music celebration returns to the Palladium Theater in Times Square.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:34pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering gold sequins, capturing the glamour and high-energy atmosphere of a gospel music celebration.The vibrant energy and celebratory spirit of the 43rd Annual McDonald's Gospelfest shines through in a close-up of luxurious gold sequins.Newark Today

The 43rd Annual McDonald's Gospelfest, a beloved gospel music celebration, is returning to the Palladium Theater in Times Square for two big shows on Mother's Day Weekend, Saturday, May 9th, 2026 at 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM, and Sunday, May 10th, 2026 at 6:00 PM. The event will feature performances by gospel superstars like The Clark Sisters, Broadway legend Jennifer Holliday, and Grammy winner LeAndria Johnson, along with a lineup of local, national, and international gospel talent.

Why it matters

McDonald's Gospelfest has become the preeminent gospel music event in the world, celebrating 43 years of bringing the joy and inspiration of gospel music to audiences. The festival has helped to bring gospel music to the mainstream and has played a significant role in the cultural and musical landscape of the Black community.

The details

Produced and directed by Emmy-winning producer A. Curtis Farrow, this year's McDonald's Gospelfest promises to be the biggest yet, with a lineup of the most popular and acclaimed gospel artists. The Clark Sisters, considered pioneers of contemporary gospel, will be performing, along with Broadway legend Jennifer Holliday, who rose to fame for her iconic role in the musical 'Dreamgirls', and Grammy winner LeAndria Johnson, the first 'Sunday Best' contestant to receive a Grammy Award.

  • The 43rd Annual McDonald's Gospelfest will take place on Saturday, May 9th, 2026 at 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM, and Sunday, May 10th, 2026 at 6:00 PM.
  • Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster.

The players

The Clark Sisters

The Clark Sisters are a gospel group from Detroit, Michigan, who have been active in the gospel music industry since 1966. They are considered pioneers of contemporary gospel and are the highest-selling female gospel group in history.

Jennifer Holliday

Jennifer Holliday is a Broadway legend who catapulted to stardom 35 years ago with her show-stopping performance as Effie "Melody" White in the smash musical "Dreamgirls", for which she won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.

LeAndria Johnson

LeAndria Johnson is a Grammy Award-winning gospel artist who came to public attention as the season three winner of the BET gospel singing competition show "Sunday Best".

A. Curtis Farrow

A. Curtis Farrow is the Emmy-winning producer and director who has been responsible for organizing and executing the McDonald's Gospelfest for the past 27 years, helping to make it the preeminent gospel event in the world.

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What they’re saying

“God as the great Creator has made each of us in his own image. Therefore, we are little Creators. We shall spend all of our days creating!”

— A. Curtis Farrow, Producer and Director

What’s next

Tickets for the 43rd Annual McDonald's Gospelfest are on sale now through Ticketmaster, and the event is expected to sell out quickly.

The takeaway

McDonald's Gospelfest has become a beloved and influential cultural event that celebrates the power and joy of gospel music, bringing together some of the biggest names in the genre to inspire and uplift audiences. The festival's longevity and impact on the Black community demonstrate the enduring appeal and importance of this musical tradition.