BET Experience (BETX) returns to Los Angeles June 25–27, delivering a multi-day cultural takeover spanning music, entertainment, sports, gaming, food, entrepreneurship, and community through immersive programming, while setting the stage for Culture’s Biggest Night—the “BET Awards” 2026. Marquee events include the BETX Celebrity Basketball Game, Thursday, June 25 at USC Galen Center, followed by BET Experience FanFest June 26–27, at The Beehive, SOLA and closing out at A Roots Picnic Experience: A Great Night in Hip-Hop Saturday, June 27 at the Hollywood Bowl, featuring Nas, an appearance from T.I., Bun B, De La Soul, and more.

General admission to BETX FanFest and the BETX Celebrity Basketball Game is free

THURSDAY, JUNE 25 – BETX CELEBRITY BASKETBALL GAME

The BETX Celebrity Basketball Game, hosted by Shad “Bow Wow” Moss and Yung Miami, will tip off at 7:00 pm at the USC Galen Center. The event is sold out. Sponsors include Dove Deodorant and Tremfya. Babyfxce E, Bino Rideaux, Breski, Chris “CP” Powell, Da’Vinchi, Donnell Rawlings, Flo Milli, G Herbo, Hunxho, JaeWon, Jacquees, Jozzy, Key Glock, Lucky Daye, Luke James, Maiya the Don Masego, Maliibu Miitch, Rome Flynn, Shannon Wallace, Shareef O’Neal, Symba, Toosii, YFN Lucci, and Zeddy Will round up the star-studded player roster. The game will feature NBA Legends vs Hip Hop Legends on the sidelines, with Team A coached by Hip Hop Legends, Let’s Rap About It podcast hosts Dave East, Fabolous, Jim Jones, and Maino, while Team B will be coached by NBA Legends Danny Green, Gilbert Arenas, Nick “Swaggy P” Young, and Paul Pierce. Azzy Milan will serve as the Media “Arrivals” correspondent.

Previously announced performances include a powerful rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Inayah, followed by an opening performance from Chef Boy. Halftime will feature sets from KenTheMan and YK Niece, followed by a post-game performance from T.I., joined by Domani and King, closing out an unforgettable night.

DAY 1: FRIDAY, JUNE 26 – BETX FANFEST AT THE BEEHIVE
BETX FanFest at The Beehive kicks off Friday, June 26, with doors opening at 4:00 PM and activations beginning at 5:00 PM, featuring multiple stages, interactive activations, and curated hubs designed for everyone to enjoy. Programming includes:

FanFest MainStage presented by Hyundai

• Beenblackin joins the FanFest Main Stage as Resident DJ. The lineup will feature performances by Inayah and Miles Minnick, alongside previously announced artists Belly Gang Kushington, Dess Dior, DESTIN CONRAD, Fabolous, FLO, G Herbo, Jaewon, KenTheMan, Key Glock, ZEDDY WILL, and headliner Fetty Wap who shared, “I’m excited and thankful to be headlining the BET Experience. Shout out to all the fans who’ve been showing me love over the years and rockin’ with me. Thank you BET family for having me.”

The CenterStage
The CenterStage will bring together influential artists, creators, and cultural leaders for inspiring conversations, masterclasses, and experiences that explore the ideas and voices shaping culture today. Programming include

• The E-Suite Entrepreneurship Experience & Business Pitch Competition, presented by MC Lyte, Lynn Richardson and Hip Hop Sisters Foundation®: this economic empowerment event brings together entrepreneurs, creatives, industry leaders, and aspiring business owners for conversations, workshops, and networking opportunities focused on financial empowerment and wealth building. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from celebrity judges and industry experts while emerging entrepreneurs compete in a live business pitch competition. Lifechanging workshops will be presented by the First Ladies of Financial Freedom®: Attorney Deadra Woods Stokes, Attorney Michelle J Miller, IngridLavon Woolfolk, ErikaBlair McGrew and Takisha Artis.
• The Founder’s Roundtable, presented by Walmart, will feature a live conversation hosted by MC Lyte and moderated by Gia Peppers with Black entrepreneurs behind some of Walmart’s most beloved Black-owned and Black-led brands. Spanning categories including beauty, food, wellness, and lifestyle, founders will share their personal journeys, discuss the challenges of building and scaling a business, and offer advice to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to turn their ideas into reality.

• Dame Dash and BET President Louis Carr will take CenterStage for an unfiltered fireside chat on building empires, navigating reinvention, and leading without apology. The acclaimed OG Stories Series goes live with real stories, hard-earned wisdom, and insight from two culture-shifting leaders.

• ComicView Live is back. After a long hiatus, BET’s iconic stand-up series returns to the stage at BET Experience 2026, hosted by Chris “CP” Powell and featuring a handpicked lineup of comics competing for a coveted spot in Season 2. The audience will decide who has what it takes, and only one comic will walk away with the career-changing call.

• Detroit’s Biggest Mystery: Diarra From Detroit Experience hosted by “Diarra from Detroit’s” very own Diarra Kilpatrick, turns the audience into honorary detectives competing in Season 1 trivia, uncovering clues, and hearing exclusive behind-the-scenes stories from the cast, along with teasers for Season 2.

The Culture Stage presented by Care for the Culture
The Culture Stage is where the block party never stops. Kicking things off is Everyday People, known as the world’s coolest day party, bringing its signature mix of Black joy, sounds from across the diaspora, and community-driven energy to the BETX Culture Stage. More than a party, it’s a global gathering rooted in music, movement, and connection.

The Gaming House
As previously announced, the BETX Gaming House returns in partnership with Trap Sushi, an anime and cosplay experience that blends Atlanta culture with Japanese pop culture. The two-day interactive arena gives fans the opportunity to learn new skills, level up their gameplay, and compete for gaming systems, equipment, and prizes. Throughout the weekend, Trap Sushi will also host live tournaments, cosplay competitions, and conversations exploring the intersection of gaming, hip-hop, and anime. Additional programming includes a head-to-head NBA 2K26 Tournament and a Gaming Is Black Culture Panel.

BETX Open Casting Call, presented by Robi Reed
The BETX Open Casting Call, presented by Robi Reed, is where fresh talent steps into the spotlight. Attendees are invited to bring their energy, craft, and confidence to leave an impression that lasts long after the weekend ends. Joining Robi Reed is a panel of experts made up of a “who’s who” of casting directors, studio and network executives, directors, producers and talent including: Carroll Day Kimble, Christian Kaplan, Leah Daniels Butler Casting, Dr. Holly Carter, Aisha Summers Burke, Sheila Ducksworth, Nadja Webb, Sabrina Eisenstadt, Anthony Hemingway, Dave Brown, Don B. Welch, Steve Jones, London Brown, Brandee Evans, Gabrielle Dennis, and Yvette Nicole Brown.

BETX VIP Lounge
The BETX VIP Lounge will feature celebrated chefs JerkMuva (Ashley Morgan), Chef Mando (Yaw Marcus Johnson), Chef Darrell “DAS” Smith, and Chef Jonathan Harris across both event days, each showcasing curated menus inspired by their unique culinary styles and brands. Designed as an all-day “grab and relax” experience, guests can enjoy elevated small bites while engaging directly with the chefs, who will share the stories behind their dishes and create an intimate, hospitality-driven atmosphere throughout BETX.

The Kitchen
The Kitchen brings culture to the table across both days at BETX, with interactive food experiences and live demos where bold flavors come together for the crowd, including a VIP lounge that spotlights standout culinary talent and elevated taste-making, alongside Resident DJs DJ Ju and DJ Rocko. Food partners include Happy Ice, Harold and Belle’s, Wings N Waffles, and Two Hommès.

The Exchange
The Exchange, BETX’s two-day curated retail destination will spotlight Black and Brown-owned brands across fashion, beauty, art, and lifestyle. Guests can engage with the designers and visionaries shaping style and culture by shopping with brands such as Barriers, Black Fashion Fair, Brandon Blackwood, Cedric Mitchell, Curves by Sean Brown, Diallo, House of Aama, Mass Appeal, Meji Meji, Organic Garmentz, Pear Nova, and Supervsn.

DAY 2: SATURDAY, JUNE 27 – BETX FANFEST AT THE BEEHIVE

FanFest MainStage Presented by Hyundai
Papa Jay, Travis Malloy, and Yung Miami will join B2K, Big Marco aka Shamar, Coi Leray, kwn, Larry June, Swae Lee, Trap Dickey, and headliner Mariah the Scientist on day two of BETX. Resident DJs Beenblackin, Brian Henry, and Venus X will keep the energy going throughout the day.

The CenterStage
On day two of BETX, the CenterStage will continue to serve as a hub for influential voices, bringing audiences closer to the conversations, insights, and creative forces shaping culture today.

• Saturday continues with We Got You Sis, featuring the cast of “Tyler Perry’s Sistas,” including KJ Smith-Black, Crystal Renee Hayslett, Mignon, Tunde Oyeneyin, and Jordan Coleman, in a candid conversation moderated by DomiNque Perry. From business and boundaries to sisterhood, relationships, and self, nothing is off limits.
• Jason Lee Live takes the BET Experience stage with a live edition of his hit talk show, featuring compelling conversations, interactive games, and special celebrity guests, including Deon Cole. With his unmistakable voice, quick wit, and talent for creating unforgettable moments, Lee will deliver a high-energy experience that will be one of the weekend’s most talked about events.

• PEN TO PLATINUM Fireside Chat with Grammy-winning artist and songwriter The-Dream, moderated by Crystal Renee Hayslett, will offer fans an inside look at songwriting, production, and the creative process behind music’s biggest records. This interactive session will dive into the lyrics, melodies, structure, and stories behind some of his most notable tracks, with firsthand insight into how each one was created.

• Pour Minds Live hosts, Houston natives, and best friends Drea Nicole and Lex P will take the BET Experience stage with their acclaimed podcast for an unforgettable live taping. Known for their fearless conversations and undeniable chemistry, they’ll explore relationships, entrepreneurship, and the realities of life in your 30s with humor, authenticity, and refreshing candor.

• Read the Room: Understanding the Landscape of Modern Sexual Wellness takes place alongside National HIV Testing Day. This conversation explores how social media, technology, and digital culture are shaping the way people learn about, talk about, and take action on their health. Through a conversation between health experts and influential voices, this panel will explore the current realities of HIV, the role tech plays in shaping perceptions and behaviors, and how creators and healthcare advocates can work together to turn awareness into action and stigma-breaking.

The Culture Stage presented by Care for the Culture:

The Culture Stage party continues with DJ Ju, DJ Fannie Mae, and DJ Holiday joining as Resident DJs.

• In celebration of PROLIFIC, the highly anticipated collaborative album by Nipsey Hussle and Bino Rideaux releasing this summer, fans will be invited inside the All Money In vault for an exclusive listening experience with Beats Studio Pro. The experience will feature unreleased music from one of hip-hop’s most enduring creative partnerships, creating an intimate moment that celebrates the music, legacy, and collaboration behind PROLIFIC.
• Joe Kay’s genre-defining collective Soulection arrives at BETX with the sound the world has been chasing. Known as “The Sound of Tomorrow,” Soulection brings its signature curation, global perspective, and a lineup of DJs set to keep the crowd vibing. Additional talent includes DJ Nameless and Slowlikewhoa.
• K.A.O.S. with an Iota of D.A.Z.S. Step Show™, presented by MC Lyte, Lynn Richardson and Hip Hop Sisters Foundation®: Black Greek fraternities and sororities will take the stage to celebrate unity, legacy, and cultural excellence while supporting BET’s mission to highlight creativity, community, and leadership. Special Guests include Angel Tanksley (host), Arielle Jenkins Jr (comedian), Van Van and Heiress (performers), along with Kym Whitley, William Stanford Davis, Yo Yo , Loni Love, Nicci Gilbert, and Brett Dismuke as judges.

The Gaming House

Gaming House continues on Saturday in partnership with Trap Sushi to be a hub for fans to play, stream and compete alongside top gamers and creators. Programming includes: Street Fighter + Mortal Kombat Tournament, Anime Cosplay Showcase, Hip Hop X Anime Panel, Trap Sushi Drop, and Madden 26 Championship.

A Roots Picnic Experience: A Great Night in Hip-Hop

A Roots Picnic Experience: A Great Night in Hip-Hop will close out BET Experience 2026. The legendary Roots crew returns to the Bowl for the third year in a row. This time, they’ll be joined by one of the greatest rappers of all time: Nas. Plus, appearances from T.I., Bun B, De La Soul, and more. The night is a celebration of the beauty, joy, and power of hip-hop, curated by one of the greatest groups in the genre’s history. Note: This event is separate from BETX FanFest at The Beehive.