Pittsburgh Readies for 2026 NFL Draft Entertainment Lineup

Wiz Khalifa, Kane Brown, and Bret Michaels to headline free, three-day concert series

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:00pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering, glittering sequins and metallic textures, capturing the glamour and energy of a live music performance.The 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh will feature a star-studded lineup of musical acts, promising an electrifying atmosphere for fans and a celebration of the city's passion for football.Today in Pittsburgh

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 by country star Kane Brown, Pittsburgh-born rapper Wiz Khalifa, and rock icon Bret Michaels, as well as a national anthem performance by Pittsburgh-native musician KELS.

Why it matters

The NFL Draft is one of the biggest annual events in professional sports, drawing massive crowds and media attention. Pittsburgh's lineup of high-profile musical acts aims to create an exciting atmosphere and entertainment experience for fans attending the draft festivities.

The details

The three-day concert 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, while 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, 2026.
  • The national anthem performance will happen on April 23.
  • Wiz Khalifa and Bret Michaels will perform on April 24.
  • Kane Brown will perform on April 25.

The players

Wiz Khalifa

A Pittsburgh-born rapper who will perform at the 2026 NFL Draft Entertainment Series.

Kane Brown

A country music star who will headline the final night of the 2026 NFL Draft Entertainment Series.

Bret Michaels

A rock icon and Pittsburgh native who will perform at the 2026 NFL Draft Entertainment Series.

KELS

A Pittsburgh-native, jazz-trained musician who will perform the national anthem at the 2026 NFL Draft Entertainment Series, accompanied by local choirs.

James Weldon Johnson Foundation's National Hymn Choir

A choir that will accompany KELS in the national anthem performance at the 2026 NFL Draft Entertainment Series.

The Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh

A choir that will accompany KELS in the national anthem performance at the 2026 NFL Draft Entertainment Series.

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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

The star-studded entertainment lineup for the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh underscores the city's passion for football and its ability to attract major musical acts, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for one of the biggest events in professional sports.