US Open Fan Week 2026: Schedule, Free Days, Kids' Day & Fan Access Pass

US Open Fan Week is back, running the week before the main draw with free grounds admission every single day. Here's the full schedule, how the free Fan Access Pass actually works, and what's different this year.

Full Fan Week Schedule

• Lumineers Concert (Kickoff, Ticketed)Fri, Aug 21, 8:00 PM, Louis Armstrong Stadium
• Arthur Ashe Kids' DaySun, Aug 23, 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
• Qualifying Tournament BeginsMon, Aug 24 - Thu, Aug 27
• Mixed Doubles QualifyingNew this year, free to attend
• Fan Week EndsSat, Aug 29
• Main Draw BeginsSun, Aug 30 - Sun, Sep 13

This year's tournament runs 22 days total, which the USTA describes as the largest event schedule and most competition days in the tournament's nearly 150-year history.

The Fan Access Pass, Explained

Unlike in previous years, a free Fan Access Pass is now required for anyone 18 or older to enter the grounds during Fan Week. Registration takes under a minute online, and the pass can be added directly to your phone or mobile wallet for use across the entire week. Kids under 18 don't need their own pass; they can enter alongside a registered adult. Beyond just getting you through the gate, the pass also unlocks activations, giveaways, and an Instant Win booth where adults can scan their pass for a chance at free prizes throughout the week.

Arthur Ashe Kids' Day

Kids' Day opens Fan Week on Sunday, August 23, and is by far the busiest single day of the week, so arriving early is worth it if crowds are a concern. Programming has been extended this year, running from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with family-friendly entertainment, interactive games, and activities honoring the life and legacy of Arthur Ashe spread across the grounds. It's free with a registered Fan Access Pass.

Qualifying Tournament & Mixed Doubles

The Qualifying Tournament runs Monday, August 24 through Thursday, August 27, with 128 men and 128 women competing for the final 16 spots in each main draw. This isn't an exhibition; it's genuinely competitive tennis on the field courts, and it's completely free to watch with your Fan Access Pass. New for 2026, the reimagined US Open Mixed Doubles Championship, presented by Vital Proteins, adds an extra day of free-to-attend qualifying to the week's lineup.

Roger Federer & the Practice Courts

One of the week's bigger draws: Roger Federer is set to share Arthur Ashe Stadium on August 25 alongside Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi, and John McEnroe. Beyond scheduled appearances, Fan Week's real appeal for serious fans is the practice courts, where the tournament's top seeds prepare in the days before play begins. During Fan Week, you can watch from just a few feet away, players who'll be behind a paid ticket once the main draw starts.

The Lumineers Kick Things Off

Ahead of Fan Week proper, multi-platinum alternative rock band The Lumineers headline a ticketed concert with special guest Petey USA at Louis Armstrong Stadium on Friday, August 21 at 8:00 PM ET. Unlike the rest of Fan Week, this show requires a separate ticket purchase rather than just a Fan Access Pass.

Other Free Days to Know About

Fan Week covers seven of the tournament's eight free grounds-admission days. The eighth is Open for All Day, on Thursday, September 10, during the second week of the main draw, which includes men's doubles semifinals, wheelchair tennis, and junior tournament matches. Finals weekend (September 12-13) has its own separate, ticketed Fan Fest program rather than free admission.

More US Open Coverage

For tickets to the main draw, venue rules, and streaming options, see our full US Open 2026 hub.

Frequently Asked Questions