Kings of Leon Replace Zara Larsson at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026

Kings of Leon have joined the 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix entertainment line-up, replacing Zara Larsson for the opening night of the Yasalam After-Race Concerts.

The American rock band will perform on Thursday, 3 December 2026, alongside Lewis Capaldi at Etihad Live on Yas Island, opening a four-night run of major concerts around the Formula 1 season finale.

The change adds another internationally recognised act to what is already one of Abu Dhabi’s biggest race-week entertainment programmes.

Quick Facts

What Changed in the Abu Dhabi GP 2026 Concert Line-Up?

Zara Larsson had originally been announced as part of the Thursday opening-night line-up alongside Lewis Capaldi.

On 28 October 2026, organisers confirmed that Kings of Leon will replace Larsson, who will no longer perform at the event.

The reason for the change has not been publicly detailed in the announcement.

Kings of Leon will now join Lewis Capaldi for the first After-Race Concert of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix week, giving Thursday night a mix of stadium rock and singer-songwriter performances.

For visitors already planning their race weekend, the important point is that the concert date remains Thursday, 3 December.

When Are Kings of Leon Performing at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

Kings of Leon are scheduled to perform on Thursday, 3 December 2026 at Etihad Live on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

They will perform on the same evening as Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi.

Thursday is the opening entertainment night of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix week before Formula 1 practice begins on Friday.

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 Concert Line-Up

The wider Yasalam programme also extends beyond the main After-Race Concerts. Andrea Bocelli is scheduled for Yasalam Classics on 2 December, while Anyma presents ÆDEN at the official after-party on 4 December, according to the current event programme.

Do You Need an Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Ticket to See Kings of Leon?

Access to the main Yasalam After-Race Concerts is intended for eligible Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders. The official Abu Dhabi Grand Prix website also promotes Golden Circle upgrades for closer, guaranteed concert access where available.

Because access terms can vary by ticket type and may change, visitors should confirm the exact inclusions attached to their specific ticket before making travel or concert plans.

Why the Abu Dhabi GP Concerts Matter

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has developed into much more than a three-day motorsport event. Race week combines Formula 1 with major international music acts, after-parties, restaurants, hospitality, Yas Island attractions, corporate entertainment, luxury hotels, yacht experiences and private client events.

For international visitors, that means the decision to attend Abu Dhabi is increasingly about the complete race-week experience rather than the race alone. The 2026 entertainment programme reinforces that positioning by combining Formula 1 with artists spanning rock, pop, electronic music and classical performance.

Who Are Kings of Leon?

Kings of Leon are an American rock band formed in Tennessee and have become one of the most commercially successful alternative-rock acts of the past two decades. Their catalogue includes globally recognised tracks such as “Sex on Fire” and “Use Somebody.”

Their Abu Dhabi appearance gives the opening concert night a broader rock and singer-songwriter mix, complementing Lewis Capaldi’s performance on the same evening.

What Happens on Thursday During Abu Dhabi GP Week?

Thursday is an increasingly important part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix experience. Visitors arriving before Friday practice can use the day to settle into Yas Island, explore the destination and attend the opening entertainment programme in the evening.

With Kings of Leon and Lewis Capaldi now confirmed, visitors who want the full entertainment programme have a strong reason to arrive before the Formula 1 track sessions begin.

Should You Arrive in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday or Thursday?

If you want to experience more than the Formula 1 track action, arriving earlier can make sense. A possible race-week itinerary could look like this:

• Wednesday: arrive in Abu Dhabi and attend Yasalam Classics with Andrea Bocelli.
• Thursday: explore Yas Island and attend Kings of Leon and Lewis Capaldi.
• Friday: Formula 1 practice followed by Jennifer Lopez and Alex Warren.
• Saturday: qualifying followed by Imagine Dragons.
• Sunday: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race day followed by The Chainsmokers and The Script.

Visitors staying for the full programme should consider hotel location and race-week transportation early, particularly if they plan to combine the circuit, concerts, restaurants and other Yas Island activities.

Planning Corporate Hospitality Around Abu Dhabi GP Week

For companies hosting clients or executives, the expanded entertainment programme can also be incorporated into a wider Formula 1 guest experience. The race itself may be the centrepiece, but a corporate programme can potentially combine premium race hospitality, private or shared suites, Yas Marina experiences, hotels, private transfers, client dinners, concert access, after-parties and guest concierge.

The right structure depends on the group, hospitality inventory and business objective. Companies looking beyond standard race tickets can explore AIOKA’s bespoke Abu Dhabi Grand Prix hospitality programmes, built around guest count, objectives and live availability.

What Else Is Happening at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026?

The Formula 1 race sessions take place at Yas Marina Circuit from 4–6 December 2026, with practice on Friday, qualifying on Saturday and the season finale on Sunday. The entertainment programme begins earlier in the week, extending the visitor experience beyond the circuit itself.

Visitors should therefore plan accommodation, transport and evening activities alongside their race tickets rather than treating each element separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Kings of Leon performing at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026?

Yes. Kings of Leon have been announced for the Yasalam After-Race Concerts on Thursday, 3 December 2026.

Who are Kings of Leon replacing?

Kings of Leon are replacing Zara Larsson, who had previously been announced for the Thursday concert.

Who else performs on Thursday?

Lewis Capaldi is also scheduled to perform on Thursday, 3 December.

Where is the Kings of Leon Abu Dhabi F1 concert?

The performance is scheduled for Etihad Live on Yas Island.

Do I need an F1 ticket for the concert?

The main After-Race Concerts are intended for eligible Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders. Confirm the inclusions attached to your specific ticket.

Who is performing at Abu Dhabi GP on Friday?

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

Who performs on Saturday?

Imagine Dragons are scheduled to perform on Saturday, 5 December.

Who performs after the race on Sunday?

The Chainsmokers and The Script are scheduled for Sunday, 6 December.

Planning Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026?

For companies hosting clients, partners or executive groups, AIOKA can discuss bespoke Abu Dhabi Grand Prix hospitality programmes built around guest count, objectives and current availability.

Explore Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Hospitality