From Bruno Mars to Jay-Z: 8 concerts worth traveling for in 2026

Here are eight noteworthy music events worth the trip, whether it's a short(ish) drive or a flight for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

👢 Ella Langley, country music's fastest-rising star thanks to the hit "Choosin' Texas," kicks off her first headlining tour at Toledo's Huntington Center on May 7.

• Only resale tickets are available, starting at over $200.

🎤 Bruno Mars' stadium tour stops for two days at Detroit's Ford Field, May 9-10.

• Even "limited view" tickets cost more than $250.

🤘 Sonic Temple's 2026 lineup features headliners My Chemical Romance, Shinedown, Bring Me the Horizon and Tool over four days at Columbus Historic Crew Stadium, May 14-17.

• Passes start at $199.

🤠 Alan Jackson is retiring from touring but going out with a bang at Nashville's Nissan Stadium on June 27, featuring guests like Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Eric Church and more.

• The "cheapest" resale ticket you'll find is just over $500.

🎙️ Jay-Z's three-day run (July 10-12) at Yankee Stadium in New York could be your last chance to see the greatest rapper of all time.

• Resale tickets are surprisingly not that bad, starting at under $400 depending on the night.

🥳 Lollapalooza is heavy on the ladies this year with headliners Lorde, Charli XCX, Olivia Dean and Tate McRae at Chicago's Grant Park from July 30 through Aug. 2.

• Tickets start at $185.

🎛️ Ariana Grande has said her Eternal Sunshine Tour will be her last for a while, making three nights (Aug. 3, 5 and 6) at Chicago's United Center, perhaps your last/best chance to see her.

• One of the hottest tickets of the year starts at nearly $750, resale.

🇬🇧 The biggest tour of Lily Allen's career has been earning rave reviews and stops at Detroit's Fox Theatre as the summer winds down on Sept. 12.

• Tickets start at just under $90.