US Open Fan Week is turning the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows into a major fan destination ahead of the 2026 US Open.

The weeklong celebration runs from August 23 through August 29 and gives tennis fans a chance to experience the tournament atmosphere before the main draw officially gets underway. The schedule features qualifying matches, player practices, family activities, live entertainment, fan experiences and special events.

For many fans, Fan Week offers a chance to get closer to the sport without waiting for the first round of the US Open.

What Is US Open Fan Week?

US Open Fan Week is the annual buildup to the US Open, giving fans access to the tennis center before the main tournament begins.

The 2026 edition includes the US Open Qualifying Tournament, featured player practices, Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, live stage programming and several special attractions across the grounds.

A free Fan Access Pass is required for entry during Fan Week. Fans can also use the pass to access various activations and giveaways around the grounds. Some premium events require separate tickets.

US Open Qualifying Takes Center Stage

One of the biggest attractions during Fan Week is the US Open Qualifying Tournament.

The qualifying competition gives 128 men and 128 women a shot at earning one of the final 16 spots in the US Open Singles Main Draw. For tennis fans, it can be an opportunity to see future stars before they become household names.

The qualifying action has been running throughout Fan Week, adding competitive tennis to an event lineup that also includes entertainment and family activities.

Fans Can Watch Top Players Practice

Fan Week also gives spectators a behind the scenes look at players preparing for the US Open.

Featured practices have been scheduled at Louis Armstrong Stadium, Grandstand and Stadium 17, while open practice opportunities are available around the grounds.

That gives fans a chance to watch some of the sport’s biggest names prepare for the pressure of the US Open without the intensity of a championship match.

Friday Brings Media Day and a Block Party

Friday, August 28, is one of the busiest days on the Fan Week calendar.

US Open Media Day is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET at the Fountain Plaza Stage. Fans have the opportunity to hear directly from top players during interviews hosted by Andy Roddick for a live taping of the Served podcast.

Later Friday evening, the US Open Block Party takes over the Fountain Plaza Stage. D Nice is headlining the event with Natasha Diggs, bringing a festival style atmosphere to the grounds.

The Block Party is free, although fans are asked to reserve their spot through the Fan Access Pass.

Family Activities Remain a Big Part of Fan Week

US Open Fan Week is designed to be more than just a tennis event.

Families can find activities throughout the grounds, including face painting, airbrush tattoos and roaming entertainment. The US Open American Express Fan Experience also gives visitors a chance to take part in interactive tennis activities inside the Indoor Tennis Center.

The event is built to give casual fans and families plenty to do between matches and player practices.

Marvel Adds a Collectible Twist

The 2026 Fan Week lineup also includes a special collaboration between the US Open and Marvel.

Fans can receive an exclusive US Open Marvel comic featuring New York City native Spider Man. The collection includes six covers, including five limited editions tied to New York City’s five boroughs.

The giveaway is limited to the first 1,000 fans each day from August 24 through August 28, with one comic available per person per day. A Fan Access Pass is required.

Stars of the Open Returns

Another major Fan Week attraction was Stars of the Open presented by Chase on Thursday, August 27.

The exhibition event returned for its fourth consecutive year at Arthur Ashe Stadium. This year’s lineup featured Alexandra Eala, João Fonseca, Iva Jovic and Learner Tien.

A portion of ticket proceeds supports the USTA Foundation, which provides tennis and educational programs for communities with limited resources.

Fan Week Heads Into Its Final Day

Saturday, August 29, marks the final day of US Open Fan Week.

Fans can still catch player practices at Louis Armstrong Stadium and Grandstand, along with open practice sessions at Stadium 17 and around the grounds. The Arthur Ashe Stadium Experience is also scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

The US Open main draw begins Sunday, August 30, with the first round of men’s and women’s singles scheduled to get underway.

Why Fan Week Matters

Fan Week has become an important part of the US Open experience because it gives spectators a chance to enjoy the atmosphere before the tournament reaches its biggest stages.

For diehard tennis fans, the qualifying matches and practices provide an early look at the competition. For families and casual visitors, the concerts, giveaways, interactive activities and entertainment make the trip feel more like a full day out in New York.

With the main draw just around the corner, Fan Week is once again serving as the unofficial kickoff to one of the biggest sporting events of the summer.