Music fans searching for the exact start time of this year’s iHeartRadio Music Festival can stop guessing. The star-studded event kicked off on Friday, September 18, 2026, and continues tonight, Saturday, September 19, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. local time each night, with the show itself starting at 7:30 p.m.
This year marks the sixteenth edition of the festival, and iHeartMedia has once again assembled one of the biggest two-night lineups in the event’s history. Below is everything readers need to know about start times, performers, streaming options and how to follow along from home.
Festival Dates and Start Times
The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Festival runs across two nights:
- Friday, September 18, 2026 — Doors at 6:30 p.m., show begins at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, September 19, 2026 — Doors at 6:30 p.m., show begins at 7:30 p.m.
Both nights take place at T-Mobile Arena, the same Las Vegas venue that has hosted the festival for years. Tickets for both nights went on sale earlier this year and have been selling briskly given the size of this year’s lineup.
Where the Festival Is Happening
T-Mobile Arena sits on the Las Vegas Strip and remains the permanent home of the iHeartRadio Music Festival. The venue’s central location makes it a convenient stop for touring artists and an easy destination for fans flying in from across the country specifically for the weekend.
Who Is Performing This Year
iHeartMedia unveiled its lineup back in June, and it has only grown since. Confirmed performers for the 2026 festival include BTS, Benson Boone, Cardi B, Ciara, Goo Goo Dolls, Kenny Chesney, Lainey Wilson, LE SSERAFIM, Major Lazer, Muse, Snoop Dogg, The Smashing Pumpkins, Weezer and Zara Larsson. A special performance from Stella Lefty rounds out the bill.
The mix reflects the festival’s long-standing approach of blending genres rather than sticking to one format. Pop, country, rock, hip-hop and K-pop acts all share the same stage across the weekend, which is part of why the event draws such a wide audience every year.
Executives at iHeartMedia have said the goal each year is to bring together the biggest artists across every genre for two unforgettable nights, and this year’s lineup reflects that diversity clearly. Additional surprise guests and collaborations are common at this event, so fans should expect a few names that were not part of the original announcement.
Who Is Hosting
Ryan Seacrest returns once again as host of the main stage festival, continuing his long association with the event. His presence has become as much a tradition as the festival itself.
How to Watch or Stream the Festival
Fans who are not attending in person still have plenty of ways to experience the festival live. Disney+ and Hulu will livestream every performance from both nights, giving viewers front-row access without leaving the couch. iHeartMedia radio stations across more than 150 markets nationwide will also broadcast the festival live on the air, so listeners can tune in through their local iHeart affiliate even without a streaming subscription.
This dual approach, streaming plus radio, means almost anyone in the country has a way to follow the festival as it happens, regardless of whether they have a Disney+ or Hulu account.
What to Expect Each Night
Historically, the festival splits its lineup so no single night feels lopsided. Based on past years and early promotional material, fans should expect a rotating mix of headliners across both evenings rather than all the biggest names appearing on the same night. Surprise duets, guest appearances and unannounced walk-ons have become something of a signature at this event, so viewers watching from home may see moments that were never part of the official setlist.
Tickets and Availability
Tickets for both nights are being sold through T-Mobile Arena’s official ticketing partners, with pricing varying widely based on seating location. Given the size of this year’s lineup, availability has tightened as the weekend approaches, and resale prices have climbed accordingly. Fans hoping to attend in person are encouraged to check official ticketing platforms directly for the most current pricing and remaining inventory.
A Festival With a Long History
The iHeartRadio Music Festival has run annually since 2011, becoming one of the most anticipated multi-genre live music events in the country. Over the years it has hosted everyone from global pop superstars to legacy rock acts, and its partnership with major streaming platforms has helped it reach audiences far beyond the arena in Las Vegas. This year’s milestone sixteenth edition continues that tradition while pulling in an even broader range of artists than in past years.
Why This Year’s Lineup Stands Out
What separates the 2026 festival from previous editions is the sheer range of genres represented on one bill. Having a global K-pop act like BTS alongside legacy rock bands such as The Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer, plus country headliners like Kenny Chesney and Lainey Wilson, signals how far the festival’s audience has expanded. It is no longer just a pop and hip-hop showcase; it has become a true cross-genre event that appeals to nearly every kind of music fan in a single weekend.
Final Notes for Fans Following Along
Anyone planning to watch remotely should have their Disney+ or Hulu login ready ahead of the 7:30 p.m. start time each night, since streams typically begin promptly. Those relying on radio broadcasts should confirm their local iHeartMedia station in advance to avoid missing the opening performances. With a lineup this packed, latecomers may miss some of the night’s biggest moments.
Stay tuned, drop your predictions for tonight’s surprise guest, and let us know in the comments which performance you’re most excited to catch this weekend!