2026 Tribeca Festival to open with Earth, Wind & Fire doc

Questlove's documentary on the legendary band will kick off the annual film festival.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:06pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering gold and silver sequins, reflecting dramatic studio lighting to create a high-fashion, glamorous aesthetic that evokes the celebratory spirit of the Tribeca Festival's opening night event.The Tribeca Festival's opening night celebration will capture the energy and artistry of Earth, Wind & Fire's legendary sound.NYC Today

The 2026 Tribeca Festival will open on June 3 with the world premiere of a new documentary on the iconic R&B group Earth, Wind & Fire, directed by acclaimed musician and filmmaker Questlove. The HBO Original Documentary will be followed by a live performance featuring Earth, Wind & Fire and Questlove's own band, The Roots, at the Beacon Theatre in New York City.

Why it matters

The Tribeca Festival is known for highlighting groundbreaking creative works that capture the energy and diversity of New York City. Opening the festival with a documentary on the legendary band Earth, Wind & Fire, combined with a live music event, exemplifies Tribeca's mission to celebrate pioneering artists and the power of community through the arts.

The details

Questlove's documentary on Earth, Wind & Fire will explore the band's rich history, musical innovations, and enduring impact on popular culture. The film is expected to provide an intimate look at the group's creative process and the personal stories behind their success. Following the documentary premiere, Earth, Wind & Fire and The Roots will take the stage at the Beacon Theatre for a special collaborative performance.

  • The 2026 Tribeca Festival will open on June 3.
  • The world premiere of Questlove's Earth, Wind & Fire documentary will take place on opening night.

The players

Questlove

An acclaimed musician, DJ, and filmmaker who is directing the documentary on Earth, Wind & Fire.

Earth, Wind & Fire

The legendary R&B group known for hits like 'September' and 'Shining Star', who will perform at the Tribeca Festival.

The Roots

The house band for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, led by Questlove, who will join Earth, Wind & Fire for a collaborative performance.

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The takeaway

The opening night celebration at the 2026 Tribeca Festival promises to be a dynamic and memorable event, blending a powerful documentary on one of music's most influential groups with a live performance that will bring the community together through the shared experience of Earth, Wind & Fire's timeless sound.