Pittsburgh Lands Star-Studded NFL Draft Entertainment Lineup

Wiz Khalifa, Kane Brown, and Bret Michaels to headline 3-day festival during 2026 NFL Draft

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:00pm

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The 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh will feature a free, three-day Entertainment Series from April 23-25 at the Draft Theater next to Acrisure Stadium. The event, presented by Bud Light, will include headline performances from country star Kane Brown, Pittsburgh-born rapper Wiz Khalifa, and rock icon Bret Michaels, along with a special national anthem performance by Pittsburgh-native musician KELS.

Why it matters

The NFL Draft is one of the biggest annual sporting events, drawing massive crowds and media attention to the host city. Pittsburgh's lineup of high-profile musical acts will help generate excitement and draw fans to the city's Draft celebrations, showcasing the city's vibrant entertainment scene and strong connection to the NFL.

The details

The Entertainment Series will kick off on April 23 with a performance of the national anthem by KELS, accompanied by the James Weldon Johnson Foundation's National Hymn Choir and The Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh. Wiz Khalifa and Bret Michaels will take the stage on April 24, just before rounds 2 and 3 of the Draft. Kane Brown will close out the series on April 25 after the Draft selections. Admission to the free performances is on a first-come, first-served basis, with fans advised to arrive early due to limited standing room.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft Entertainment Series will take place from April 23-25.
  • The national anthem performance will happen on April 23.
  • Wiz Khalifa and Bret Michaels will perform on April 24, before rounds 2 and 3 of the Draft.
  • Kane Brown will perform on April 25, after the Draft selections.

The players

Kane Brown

A country music star who will headline the final day of the NFL Draft Entertainment Series on April 25.

Wiz Khalifa

A Pittsburgh-born rapper who will perform on April 24, alongside Bret Michaels.

Bret Michaels

A rock icon who will perform on April 24, alongside Wiz Khalifa.

KELS

A Pittsburgh-native, jazz-trained musician who will perform the national anthem on April 23, accompanied by the James Weldon Johnson Foundation's National Hymn Choir and The Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh.

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What they’re saying

“Coming home to Pittsburgh for the Draft is pretty special. This 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.”

— Wiz Khalifa

“I cannot be more honored, excited and fired up to be asked to perform at the Pittsburgh 2026 Draft on Friday night. As a Pittsburgh native and a diehard fan of the Steelers, the NFL and all things Pittsburgh, this is a dream come true.”

— Bret Michaels

“The Draft is one of those weekends where you can feel how much the game means to people. Fans, players, the whole city, everyone's part of it. Being here for that is going to be unforgettable.”

— Kane Brown

What’s next

Fans hoping to attend the free performances are advised to arrive early, as standing room is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The takeaway

Pittsburgh's star-studded NFL Draft Entertainment Series will showcase the city's vibrant music scene and strong connection to the league, helping to generate excitement and draw fans to the city's Draft celebrations.