We’re calling it: 2026 is the year of sports tourism. Whether you’re a new F1 watcher hoping to attend your first race or a dedicated soccer fan gearing up for the World Cup, there’s never been a better time to plan a sports-centric vacation. “2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for sports tourism, driven by major global events and evolving travel trends,” Expedia travel expert Melanie Fish shared with Travel + Leisure.
While the Olympics and World Cup are certainly top tickets in 2026, the sports tourism trend has been gaining traction for a while, with Expedia finding that “57 percent of travelers say they’re likely to attend a local sporting event while traveling,” with even higher interest among Gen Z and Millennials, according to Fish. “Americans are willing to travel long distances if it means they can experience bucket-list sporting moments. Lodging searches for Milan, Belluno Province, and Sondrio Province skyrocketed by over 400 percent for this year’s winter games,” Fish continued.
Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure
Need a little help narrowing down the top sporting events worth traveling for in 2026? We’ve selected over 15 of the hottest tickets for this year. F1 is set to have an especially exciting season as car changes come into effect, a new race track is added, and the Cadillac team debuts with two beloved drivers. Collegiate sports give alums something to cheer for, particularly as more fans tune into the women’s Final Four basketball tournament. And of course, annual events like Wimbledon, The Masters, and more have earned their spot on many travelers’ calendars, and this list is just the beginning. More major sporting events—from the Stanley Cup Playoffs to the NFL’s international games—have not yet announced their 2026 dates.
January
The Australian Open
Jan. 12—Feb. 1, 2026
Named one of T+L’s best places to travel in 2026, thanks in part to its packed lineup of sporting events, Melbourne will host the Australian Open early this year. It’s the first Grand Slam tennis event of 2026 and the perfect excuse to leave the chilly U.S. for the warm Aussie summer.
College Football Playoff National Championship
Jan. 19, 2026
Taking place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, the College Football Playoff National Championship puts all eyes on the nation’s top two college football teams—a must for dedicated alums and fans of the sport.
February
Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026
Feb. 6–22, 2026
The Winter Olympic Games will take over Northern Italy this February, with event venues in Milan, Verona, Livigno, Bormio, Tesero, Predazzo, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Anterselva/Antholz. On Location is the official hospitality provider for the games, with packages still available to book.
Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure
Super Bowl
Feb. 8, 2026
While we still don’t know which teams will make it to the big game, it’s bound to be an exciting time at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, thanks in part to Bad Bunny’s highly anticipated halftime performance.
March
Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games
March 6–15, 2026
After the end of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games kick off in Verona, with additional venues in Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Tesero.
April
NCAA Final Four
Men’s: April 3-6, 2026
Women’s: April 2-5, 2026
Get ready for the most exciting college basketball event of the year. The men’s championship will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, and the women’s championship will take place at Phoenix’s Mortgage Matchup Center this April.
The Masters Tournament
April 9—April 12, 2026
Set at the famous azalea-lined Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, The Masters is arguably golf’s most iconic annual event. When you’re not watching the sport’s best at play, getting the event’s equally famous pimento cheese sandwiches and azalea cocktail is a must.
May
The Kentucky Derby
May 2, 2026
Dubbed the “greatest two minutes in sports,” the Kentucky Derby will mark its 152nd race this May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Of course, it’s just as much about the off-track action, fabulous fashion and mint juleps included.
June
Mohammad Karamali/Getty Images
FIFA World Cup 2026
June 11–July 19, 2026
Soccer’s biggest event is coming to North America this summer, with games in Mexico, Canada, and 11 cities across the United States, including Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, and more. Official hospitality packages are currently available to book through On Location, and the ticket lottery is open through Jan. 13. “Now that matches are confirmed, travelers are gearing up to book. For fans seeking savings, affordable host cities include Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Houston, and Miami,” Fish shared with T+L.
Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Grand Prix de Monaco 2026
June 4-7, 2026
Attending the esteemed Monaco Grand Prix is at the top of many F1 fans’ wish lists, with the historic track twisting through the picturesque town on the French Riviera. Louis Vuitton debuts as the event’s new title partner this year, too.
U.S. Open
June 18-21, 2026
The 2026 U.S. Open golf championship will take place in Southampton, New York, at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, about two hours outside Manhattan. Summer golf in the Hamptons? Don’t mind if we do.
Wimbledon
June 29—July 13, 2026
Grab your finest tennis whites and get ready for the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world, held in Wimbledon in southwest London. The tournament is known for drawing royalty and celebrities alike; don’t miss the iconic strawberries and cream.
July
The British Grand Prix
July 4-6, 2026
Speaking of English summer sports getaways, the British Grand Prix will be held at Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire this July. This is the home race for seven teams and five drivers, making it an especially exciting event in this year’s lineup.
August
U.S. Open
Aug 30—Sep 13, 2026
The U.S. Open ushers in the final days of summer in New York City as the best tennis players head to Queens to play at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. And if you don’t snap a pic of your Honey Deuce cocktail, perfectly garnished by green balls of honeydew, did you even go to the Open?
September
Alberto Ortega/Getty Images
Formula 1 Tag Heuer Spanish Grand Prix 2026
Sept. 11-13, 2026
Be a part of history when a new track debuts during the 2026 Formula 1 season. F1 is coming back to Madrid after nearly 40 years, with a new hybrid street circuit called the Madring. It will already be an exciting F1 season thanks to car changes and the new Cadillac team, and a new track is the perfect place to take it all in.
October
World Series
Late October
Baseball season doesn’t officially start until March, but we’re already excited for the 2026 World Series, happening in late October, with more details to come later this year.
November
Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix
Nov. 19-21, 2026
If you’re looking for an over-the-top F1 party this fall, the Las Vegas Grand Prix is ready to welcome you. Sin City goes all-out for race weekend, with team and driver-themed activations at the casino hotels all along the Strip and luxe ticket packages. With so much going on and some hotels within walking distance of the viewing areas, this is a great first F1 race for fans just getting into the sport.
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