Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 Concert Line-Up: Every Artist, Date, Venue & How to Attend

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 is shaping up as one of the biggest entertainment weeks on the Formula 1 calendar. Alongside the season-ending race at Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island will host a multi-night programme of After-Race Concerts, a classical opening night and official after-parties from 2–6 December 2026.

The latest change came on 28 October, when Kings of Leon were announced for Thursday night in place of Zara Larsson, joining Lewis Capaldi for the opening After-Race Concert. Friday brings Jennifer Lopez and Alex Warren, Saturday features Imagine Dragons, and Sunday closes with The Chainsmokers and The Script.

If you are planning the complete race weekend, start with AIOKA’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix hospitality guide for bespoke corporate and VIP hosting options around Yas Marina.

Quick answer: Who is performing at Abu Dhabi GP 2026?

The current 2026 Abu Dhabi GP entertainment programme includes Andrea Bocelli on 2 December, Kings of Leon and Lewis Capaldi on 3 December, Jennifer Lopez and Alex Warren on 4 December, Imagine Dragons on 5 December, and The Chainsmokers and The Script on 6 December. Anyma presents ÆDEN at the official after-party on 4 December, while 16/360 hosts Shimza, CamelPhat and Black Coffee across Friday to Sunday.

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 concert line-up at a glance

Latest update: Kings of Leon replace Zara Larsson on Thursday

On 28 October 2026, Kings of Leon were announced as the new Thursday headliner alongside Lewis Capaldi. The American rock band replaces Zara Larsson, who had previously been listed for the opening night. The concert remains scheduled for Thursday, 3 December at Etihad Live on Yas Island.

For the full breaking-news update, read AIOKA’s Kings of Leon at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 article.

Wednesday, 2 December: Andrea Bocelli – Yasalam Classics

Race week begins before the Formula 1 cars are on track. Andrea Bocelli is scheduled to perform at Etihad Arena on Wednesday, 2 December as part of the inaugural Yasalam Classics programme. He will be accompanied by the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, creating a very different opening to the high-energy concerts that follow later in the week.

Thursday, 3 December: Kings of Leon + Lewis Capaldi

Thursday opens the main After-Race Concert programme at Etihad Live. Kings of Leon bring their stadium-sized rock catalogue to Yas Island alongside Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi. For visitors arriving before Friday practice, Thursday now offers a strong reason to start the Grand Prix weekend a day early.

Friday, 4 December: Jennifer Lopez + Alex Warren

Friday pairs two very different pop acts. Jennifer Lopez returns to Abu Dhabi with The JLo Show, while Alex Warren brings his current singer-songwriter catalogue to the same night. This double bill follows the first Formula 1 practice sessions of the weekend, making Friday one of the most packed race-and-entertainment days.

Friday night: Anyma presents ÆDEN

After the Friday concert, Yas Gateway Park shifts into late-night mode with Anyma presents ÆDEN. The official after-party is designed as an immersive audiovisual experience combining electronic music, digital art and cinematic production.

Saturday, 5 December: Imagine Dragons

Saturday combines Formula 1 qualifying with an arena-scale concert from Imagine Dragons. For many visitors this is the classic “race by day, headline show by night” part of the Abu Dhabi weekend.

Sunday, 6 December: The Chainsmokers + The Script

Race day finishes with two closing acts at Etihad Live. The Chainsmokers bring electronic-pop hits while The Script close the weekend with a live-band catalogue built around arena singalongs. The double bill follows the Formula 1 season finale and podium celebrations.

Do Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tickets include the concerts?

General Admission to the After-Race Concerts is reserved for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders. The official Yasalam information also promotes Golden Circle upgrades for guests who want front-of-stage access, faster entry and a closer viewing position.

Because access rules can vary by ticket and upgrade, check the official Yasalam entertainment page and your specific ticket inclusions before making plans.

How the concerts fit around the Formula 1 schedule

Formula 1 track action runs from Friday 4 December through Sunday 6 December at Yas Marina Circuit. The confirmed local schedule currently includes:

• Friday 4 December – Practice 1: 13:30 local time; Practice 2: 17:00 local time.
• Saturday 5 December – Practice 3: 14:30 local time; Qualifying: 18:00 local time.
• Sunday 6 December – Race start: 17:00 local time.

For the latest official session times, use the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 schedule.

A simple 5-day Abu Dhabi GP entertainment itinerary

Wednesday 2 Dec

Arrive on Yas Island and attend Andrea Bocelli at Etihad Arena.

Thursday 3 Dec

Explore Yas Island during the day, then see Kings of Leon and Lewis Capaldi at Etihad Live.

Friday 4 Dec

Attend Formula 1 practice, Jennifer Lopez and Alex Warren, then continue to Anyma’s official after-party if that suits your plans.

Saturday 5 Dec

Watch final practice and qualifying, followed by Imagine Dragons.

Sunday 6 Dec

Experience the season finale, podium celebrations and the closing concert with The Chainsmokers and The Script.

Planning a corporate or VIP Abu Dhabi GP weekend

For companies hosting clients, partners or executives, the entertainment programme can become part of a wider guest journey rather than a separate add-on. The strongest programmes usually coordinate race hospitality, accommodation, transport, dining, concert access and evening plans around one itinerary.

AIOKA can help companies compare Abu Dhabi Grand Prix hospitality options and build a programme around guest count, preferred hospitality style and business objective. If you are comparing package structures and cost drivers, see the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix hospitality packages and prices guide.

For broader international programmes, AIOKA’s Formula 1 corporate hospitality page explains how private suites, client entertainment and bespoke race-weekend planning can work across multiple Grand Prix destinations.

Practical planning tips for concert nights

• Confirm which concert nights are included with your exact Grand Prix ticket or hospitality credential.
• If you want front-of-stage access, review Golden Circle availability and conditions early.
• Leave enough time between the circuit, hospitality areas and concert venue; race-week crowds can make transfers slower than normal.
• For corporate groups, give guests one simple itinerary showing race sessions, meeting points, transport and evening plans.
• Do not promise specific access, upgrades or artist timings to guests until they are confirmed in writing.
• Check the official Yasalam page again shortly before race week because entertainment schedules can change.

Frequently asked questions

Who is performing at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026?

The current race-week programme includes Andrea Bocelli, Kings of Leon, Lewis Capaldi, Jennifer Lopez, Alex Warren, Imagine Dragons, The Chainsmokers, The Script and Anyma, plus guest DJs across the 16/360 programme.

Are Kings of Leon performing at Abu Dhabi GP 2026?

Yes. Kings of Leon were announced on 28 October as the replacement for Zara Larsson on Thursday, 3 December, alongside Lewis Capaldi.

Where are the Abu Dhabi GP After-Race Concerts held?

The main After-Race Concerts are scheduled at Etihad Live on Yas Island.

Do I need an Abu Dhabi GP ticket for the concerts?

General Admission to the main After-Race Concerts is exclusive to Abu Dhabi GP ticket holders. Check your exact ticket inclusions and any upgrade requirements.

What is Golden Circle access?

Golden Circle is an upgrade designed to provide closer-to-stage access and faster entry. Availability and pricing vary, so confirm the latest official terms.

Who performs on Friday?

Jennifer Lopez and Alex Warren are scheduled for Friday, 4 December.

Who performs on Saturday?

Imagine Dragons are scheduled for Saturday, 5 December.

Who performs after the race on Sunday?

The Chainsmokers and The Script are scheduled to close the main concert programme on Sunday, 6 December.

Can AIOKA organise corporate hospitality around the concerts?

AIOKA can discuss bespoke Abu Dhabi Grand Prix hospitality programmes that may combine race hospitality with accommodation, transport, dining, concierge and evening planning, subject to confirmed access and availability.