The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games Are Here, and There’s So Much for Families to See

The Twin Cities is hosting the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games June 20th-26th, and with more than 3,000 athletes competing across 16 sports, the energy around the University of Minnesota campus and beyond is going to be electric. The best news for families? Almost everything is free and open to the public.

Here’s a guide to the family-friendly highlights to help you make the most of the week.

Opening and Closing Ceremonies

If you want to cap the experience with something memorable, both ceremonies are at Huntington Bank Stadium. The Opening Ceremony on Saturday, June 20th, features performances by Demi Lovato and Jon Batiste, along with the Parade of Athletes. Tickets are $36 and doors open at 4:30 PM.

The Closing Ceremony on June 26th is free. Doors also open at 4:30 PM, with the ceremony beginning at 6:30 PM.

Thrivent Fan Fest at the University of Minnesota

Think of Thrivent Fan Fest as the beating heart of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games for spectators. Set up in the Maroon Lot outside Huntington Bank Stadium, this sprawling 50,000-square-foot outdoor space is where athletes, families, and community members can soak in the spirit of the Games all week long. Live music, art, and interactive experiences fill the space daily, and it’s right in the middle of the action, an easy walking distance from multiple competition venues.

Maroon Lot, University of Minnesota
2010 6th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN
Sunday, June 21 through Friday, June 26
Sunday through Thursday 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
FREE! No tickets required. Bags will be inspected upon entry.

ID Makers Market

While you’re at Thrivent Fan Fest, make sure to stop by the ID Makers Market, a pop-up marketplace organized in partnership with Mich’s Markets, featuring handcrafted goods and businesses owned and operated by individuals with intellectual disabilities. It’s a great place to find something one-of-a-kind while putting your dollars directly toward inclusive entrepreneurship, and one of the most meaningful stops you can make during the Games.

Appearance Booth

Keep your eyes on the schedule for one of the most fun perks of attending the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in person. The Appearance Booth at Thrivent Fan Fest hosts meet-and-greets with performers, Games ambassadors, and special guests throughout the week, including athletes, local celebrities, and some familiar faces from the Minnesota sports world. If you’re bringing kids who love a star-struck moment, this is worth building your day around. Don’t forget your camera. Download the Champions App for an hour-by-hour schedule of who will be at the appearance booth.

Sunday, June 21st: 12 PM-6 PM

Monday, June 22nd: 11 AM – 8 PM

Tuesday, June 23rd: 1:30 PM – 4 PM

Wednesday, June 24th: 11:00 – 8 PM

Thursday, June 25th: 12 PM – 3 PM

Friday, June 26th: 12 PM – 1 PM

Fredrikson Fan Zone at the National Sports Center

Heading out to Blaine for the day? The Fredrikson Fan Zone at the National Sports Center gives you a full destination experience beyond just watching competition. Located on Field 58, the zone has local food trucks, a 2026 Special Olympics USA Games merchandise trailer, a DJ-led dance area, and large-scale photo installations that make for great family photos. There’s also a live mural being created throughout the week and interactive activations to keep kids busy between events.

Field 58, National Sports Center
1984 105th Ave NE, Blaine, MN
Monday, June 22 through Thursday, June 25, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Closed Friday, June 26.
FREE! Bags subject to inspection.

MDI Fan Zone at Mall of America

One of Minnesota’s most iconic destinations gets a special transformation this week. The MDI Fan Zone is set up in the Huntington® Bank Rotunda at the Mall of America®, and it’s a great option if you want a more educational, come-and-go experience that works for all ages.

The space features hands-on exhibits exploring the history and mission of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, a Law Enforcement Torch Run display, competition highlights on a large video screen, arts and crafts, and an official USA Games merchandise store. It’s a welcoming spot to drop in, learn something, and connect with what this movement is really about.

Huntington Bank Rotunda, Mall of America
7104 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN
Sunday, June 21 through Friday, June 26
Sunday through Thursday 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Friday 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
FREE! Bags subject to inspection by Mall of America security.

Young Athletes Festival, Presented by Gillette Children’s

If you have little ones between the ages of 2 and 7, this three-day festival is worth planning your week around. The Young Athletes Festival, presented by Gillette Children’s, brings an inclusive, play-based sports experience to the national stage during the 2026 USA Games. Children of all abilities rotate through activity stations covering things like running, jumping, balance, throwing, and even strider bikes, working their way through each one with the goal of earning a ribbon at the end.

The program is rooted in real research. Children with intellectual disabilities who participate in Young Athletes develop motor skills at more than double the rate of peers who don’t, and families consistently report that it raises their hopes for their child’s future. For children without disabilities, playing alongside peers in an inclusive setting builds empathy and acceptance in ways that stick.

The festival runs across three days at two locations:

Monday, June 22 at the Fredrikson Fan Zone at the National Sports Center, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Tuesday, June 23 at the MDI Fan Zone at Mall of America® in Huntingon® Bank Rotunda, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This day runs alongside the mall’s Toddler Tuesday event, which includes exclusive discounts for children 6 and under and their caretakers throughout the mall.

Wednesday, June 24 at the Fredrikson Fan Zone at the National Sports Center, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

All three days are FREE.

Healthy Athletes: More Than Just Competition

One thing that sets the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games apart from any other sporting event is the Healthy Athletes program. Throughout the Games, athletes have access to free health screenings at the University of Minnesota, covering everything from vision and dental care to physical therapy and emotional health. It’s a quiet but meaningful reminder that this event is about so much more than what happens on the field.

Where to Watch: Sports and Locations

All competition events are FREE and open to the public. Download the Champions App for the complete schedule and to add to your itinerary. We’re putting in a big plug for the app – it’s so user-friendly and has all the info you need. Here’s where each sport is being held: