LLWS 2026 Special Events, Guests and Ceremonies: Complete Guide
The 2026 Little League Baseball World Series runs August 19 to 30 in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Beyond the games, Little League International has packed the tournament with special events, award ceremonies, first pitches, and national anthem performers every single day.
| Opening Ceremonies | August 19 at 11:00 AM, Volunteer Stadium |
| MLB Classic Day | August 23, Braves and Brewers visit complex |
| Dugout Birthday | August 25 |
| Challenger Division Game | August 29 at 10:30 AM, Volunteer Stadium |
| Championship Day Performer | Derek Klena, Broadway Star, August 30 |
| Disney Guest | Disney Cruise Line special guest appearance |
All dates, times, and performers are subject to change. Check LittleLeague.org/WSPromos for the latest updates as the tournament approaches.
LLWS 2026 Special Events Schedule
Wednesday, August 19 at 11:00 AM ET
Opening Ceremonies
The 2026 LLWS officially opens at Volunteer Stadium on August 19. All 20 teams take part. Opening Ceremonies begin at 11:00 AM ET, two hours before the first game tips off at 1:00 PM ET. Arrive early to secure a good spot.
Sunday, August 23
Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers Visit the Complex
The Braves and Brewers visit the Little League International Complex as part of the MLB Little League Classic, Presented by New York Life. Players from both teams spend time with LLWS participants before the game at Bowman Field that evening.
Tuesday, August 25
Dugout’s Birthday
Little League’s official mascot Dugout celebrates his birthday on August 25. A fan-favorite event at the LLWS complex every year.
Saturday, August 29 at 10:30 AM ET
Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game
Volunteer Stadium. The Challenger Division Exhibition Game is one of the most emotional moments of the entire tournament. Athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities take the field in front of a full Williamsport crowd.
Disney Cruise Line special guest: Little League Official Partners’ on-site activations will feature a very special guest from Disney Cruise Line during the 2026 LLWS. Full details to be announced closer to the tournament.
First Pitches and Award Recognitions
Award recognitions and first pitches take place on the field before the listed game time throughout the tournament. Here is the complete schedule.
| Date and Time | Honoree or Award |
|---|---|
| August 19 at 7:00 PM | Brock Brungard, Citizen Hose Company No. 5 volunteer firefighter |
| August 20 at 4:00 PM | Karel Williams, longtime volunteer in Aruba and LLBWS Translator for the Caribbean Region |
| August 20 at 6:00 PM | Carl E. Stotz Little League Scholarship Recipients |
| August 21 at 7:00 PM | 2026 Southern Columbia Baseball Team |
| August 21 at 7:00 PM | Little League Pennsylvania District 12 Parade of Champions |
| August 22 at 7:00 PM | Little League Community Heroes of the Year, Presented by New York Life |
| August 24 at 3:00 PM | DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation Sports Matter Monday |
| August 25 at 7:00 PM | Justine Siegal, Women’s Pro Baseball League Commissioner |
| August 29 at 12:30 PM | 2026 Jack Losch Little League Baseball World Series Sportsmanship Award |
Justine Siegal on August 25: Siegal serves as Commissioner of the Women’s Pro Baseball League. Her appearance at the LLWS reflects Little League’s growing commitment to girls and women in baseball at every level of the sport.
2026 LLWS National Anthem Performers
Every game at the 2026 LLWS features a national anthem performance. Little League selects a mix of local talent, youth performers, and special guests throughout the tournament.
| Date and Time | Performer |
|---|---|
| August 19 at 3:00 PM | Mia Rodriguez, Spotlight Kidz Soloist |
| August 19 at 7:00 PM | Navaeh Williams, Williamsport Area High School Graduate |
| August 20 at 2:00 PM | Taryn Trevier, Illinois District 20 Assistant District Administrator |
| August 20 at 6:00 PM | Izzy Marks |
| August 21 at 3:00 PM | Donnie Hawkins |
| August 21 at 7:00 PM | Kane Silva, Electric Guitarist |
| August 22 at 3:00 PM | Hamilton-Gibson Treble Choir |
| August 22 at 7:00 PM | Joe Colavito |
| August 23 at 9:00 AM | Jessica Johnson |
| August 23 at 1:00 PM | Mia Bixler |
| August 24 at 3:00 PM | Josh Stowers |
| August 24 at 7:00 PM | Abigail Jamison, Uptown Music Collective Vocalist |
| August 25 at 3:00 PM | Carly Greene |
| August 25 at 7:00 PM | Rian Gephart |
| August 26 at 3:00 PM | Williamsport Strolling Strings |
| August 26 at 7:00 PM | Jaslin Shand, 16th Annual Journey Bank Teen Star |
| August 27 at 7:00 PM | Izzy Butters |
| August 29 at 3:30 PM | Michael Fischer |
| August 30 at 3:00 PM | Derek Klena, Broadway Star and Savannah Banana performer |
Championship Day performer: Derek Klena performs the national anthem before the 2026 LLWS Championship Game on August 30 at 3:00 PM ET. Klena is a Broadway star and member of the Savannah Bananas baseball entertainment group. His performance closes out the 2026 tournament on the biggest stage.
Conclusion
The 2026 LLWS runs August 19 to 30 with special events every day of the tournament. Opening Ceremonies start at 11:00 AM on August 19 at Volunteer Stadium. The Challenger Division Exhibition Game runs August 29 at 10:30 AM. Derek Klena performs at the Championship Game on August 30. All dates, times, and performers are subject to change. Check LittleLeague.org/WSPromos for updates.
