The question when does the Olympics start is drawing renewed attention as the world prepares for the next Olympic Games. With the Winter Olympics returning to Europe and millions of American viewers planning how to watch, the official start date, schedule structure, and key details matter more than ever.
The upcoming Olympic cycle brings global competition, iconic ceremonies, and weeks of nonstop action. From opening night traditions to early events that begin before the ceremony, understanding the full timeline helps fans follow every major moment without missing a thing.
Stay with us as we break down the exact start date, what happens on opening day, how the schedule works, and what comes next on the Olympic calendar.
The next Olympic Games are the 2026 Winter Olympics, hosted by Italy. These Games officially begin on February 6, 2026, with the Opening Ceremony launching more than two weeks of winter sports competition. Events will continue through February 22, 2026, concluding with the Closing Ceremony.
For many fans in the United States, the Opening Ceremony is the true start of the Olympics. It marks the moment when athletes from around the globe march together, the Olympic flame is lit, and the competition officially begins.
Don’t miss a moment—mark your calendar now and plan how you’ll follow the Games from day one.
Where the 2026 Winter Olympics Will Take Place
The 2026 Winter Olympics are hosted across northern Italy, using a multi-city format that blends modern venues with historic alpine locations.
Milan will serve as a central hub for ceremonies and selected indoor events, while Cortina d’Ampezzo and surrounding mountain regions will host snow and sliding sports. This approach allows the Games to showcase both urban innovation and traditional winter sport environments.
By spreading venues across multiple regions, organizers aim to deliver world-class competition while reducing the need for new construction and preserving natural landscapes.
Opening Ceremony: What Happens on Day One
The Opening Ceremony on February 6, 2026, is scheduled to take place in Milan and will officially open the Games. This ceremony includes:
- The Parade of Nations, where athletes enter by country
- Artistic performances reflecting Italian culture
- The Olympic oath
- The lighting of the Olympic cauldron
Once the cauldron is lit, the Olympics are officially underway. While some competitions may have already started earlier in the week, the Opening Ceremony is recognized worldwide as the official beginning.
Do Olympic Events Start Before the Opening Ceremony?
Yes. As with previous Olympic Games, several competitions begin before the Opening Ceremony. Sports with long tournament formats, such as ice hockey and curling, often start preliminary rounds a few days earlier to fit all matches into the Olympic schedule.
These early events are fully official and count toward medal standings, even though they take place before the ceremonial opening. Fans tracking specific teams or athletes should check schedules closely to avoid missing early action.
Sports Featured at the 2026 Winter Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics will include a full slate of winter sports that fans know and love, along with new additions that expand the program.
Sports scheduled for the Games include:
- Alpine skiing
- Biathlon
- Bobsleigh
- Cross-country skiing
- Curling
- Figure skating
- Freestyle skiing
- Ice hockey
- Luge
- Nordic combined
- Short track speed skating
- Skeleton
- Ski jumping
- Snowboarding
- Speed skating
In addition, ski mountaineering will make its Olympic debut, bringing a new endurance-focused mountain sport to the world stage.
Several events will also feature updated formats and additional medal opportunities, including mixed-gender competitions designed to increase balance and excitement.
Key Dates to Remember
For fans wondering when does the Olympics start and how long the Games last, here is the simplified timeline:
- Early competitions begin in early February 2026
- February 6, 2026 – Opening Ceremony and official start
- February 6–22, 2026 – Olympic competition days
- February 22, 2026 – Closing Ceremony
This 17-day window includes hundreds of medal events and daily coverage across multiple time zones.
What Happens After the Winter Olympics End
Following the conclusion of the Winter Olympics, the Winter Paralympic Games will take place in the same host regions. These Games feature elite athletes competing in adapted winter sports and draw global audiences of their own.
The Paralympics begin in early March 2026 and continue the celebration of athletic excellence and international competition.
How U.S. Viewers Can Follow the Olympics
American audiences will have extensive access to Olympic coverage through television and digital platforms. Coverage typically includes:
- Live event broadcasts
- Prime-time highlights
- Full-event replays
- On-demand streaming
Because many events will take place in European time zones, some competitions will air live early in the day in the U.S., while others will be featured in prime-time broadcasts.
Fans who want full coverage should plan ahead to follow both live and delayed programming.
Looking Ahead to the Next Summer Olympics
After the 2026 Winter Games, the Olympic spotlight shifts to the 2028 Summer Olympics, which will be held in Los Angeles. Those Games are scheduled to open in July 2028, bringing the Olympics back to the United States.
The Los Angeles Games will feature iconic American venues, a wide range of sports, and global attention as the Olympic movement returns to U.S. soil.
Why Olympic Start Dates Matter
Knowing the official start date of the Olympics helps fans plan viewing schedules, travel, and celebrations. It also clarifies the difference between early competitions and ceremonial milestones.
For athletes, the start date represents the culmination of years of preparation. For fans, it marks the beginning of weeks filled with unforgettable performances and national pride.
Final Answer: When Do the Olympics Start?
For the upcoming Winter Games, the answer to when does the Olympics start is February 6, 2026. That is the day the Opening Ceremony takes place and the Olympic Games officially begin.
With world-class athletes, historic venues, and global attention, the 2026 Winter Olympics promise to deliver moments that fans will remember for years to come.
What sport are you most excited to watch in 2026? Join the conversation and stay tuned for more Olympic updates.