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Bret Michaels and Wiz Khalifa just announced their biggest Pittsburgh moment of the year. The 2026 NFL Draft Entertainment Series arrives April 23-25 with free performances that unite two music legends from the Steel City. Friday night April 24 marks the ultimate homecoming show you won’t want to miss.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Main Event: Bret Michaels and Wiz Khalifa perform April 24 at 5:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Draft Theater adjacent to Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh
- Exclusive Collaboration: The duo will debut their reworked version of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s classic
- Free Admission: All performances are free, first-come first-served standing room
Pittsburgh’s Rock Icon Calls Draft Performance His Bucket List Dream
Bret Michaels, the Poison frontman and Butler native, expressed overwhelming excitement about this homecoming performance. According to the USA Today interview, Michaels stated he has intentionally waited for the draft to come to Pittsburgh before accepting such an offer.
“I cannot be more honored, excited and fired up,” the 63-year-old rocker said. “This is my bucket list, my dream come true of rock, jock, family and friends.” Michaels will perform a four-song set of “all killer, no filler” hits ahead of rounds 2 and 3 of the three-day draft event.
Bret Michaels headlines 2026 NFL Draft Pittsburgh with Wiz Khalifa on April 24
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Wiz Khalifa Brings Pittsburgh Energy and Star Power
Wiz Khalifa, the Grammy-nominated rapper raised in Pittsburgh, brings LA-based success back to his roots. The “Black and Yellow” hitmaker will showcase his legendary track along with regional pride in the performance series.
“Coming home to Pittsburgh for the Draft is pretty special,” Khalifa shared in a statement. “This city raised me, and the energy here is different. Being back with the fans and representing the city in a moment like this just feels right.” Khalifa’s quartet of songs follows Michaels’ set, solidifying the Friday night showcase as unmissable entertainment.
Must-See Entertainment Lineup and Schedule Details
| Date | Time | Performer | Rounds |
| Thursday, April 23 | Evening | KELS, National Hymn Choir | Round 1 |
| Friday, April 24 | 5:15 p.m. ET | Bret Michaels, Wiz Khalifa | Rounds 2-3 |
| Saturday, April 25 | Evening | Kane Brown | Rounds 4-7 |
The NFL Draft Entertainment Series takes place at the Draft Theater adjacent to Acrisure Stadium throughout the three-day event. General admission is completely free, with standing room on a first-come, first-served basis. Multi-platinum country star Kane Brown closes out the weekend on Saturday night, creating a massive entertainment spectacle.
“I cannot be more honored, excited and fired up to be asked to perform at the Pittsburgh 2026 Draft on Friday night. As a Pittsburgh native and a diehard fan of the Steelers, the NFL and all things Pittsburgh, this is a dream come true.”
— Bret Michaels, Poison Frontman
The Legendary Sweet Home Pennsylvania Collaboration
Michaels and Khalifa are working together on a special reworked version of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s classic “Sweet Home Alabama,” rebranded as “Sweet Home Pennsylvania.” The pair started collaborating on this tune last year at a party with Fox Sports reporter Jay Glazer.
“Me and Wiz are gonna whoop it up together,” Michaels said about their joint performance. This on-stage collaboration between the rock legend and hip-hop icon represents an unprecedented Pittsburgh moment that will air live across NFL Network, ABC, ESPN, and ESPN Deportes. Fans can also stream performances on NFL Plus during the 2026 NFL Draft broadcast.
What Does This Mean for Pittsburgh Sports Fans and Visitors?
The 2026 NFL Draft transforms Pittsburgh into an entertainment destination beyond professional football. Michaels emphasized his lifelong Steelers fandom and excitement about the draft coming home to his beloved city. The free entertainment lineup extends across the North Shore with the sprawling Draft Experience fan festival.
Fans planning to attend should arrive early since standing room operates first-come, first-served. The NFL OnePass App allows fans to register for free access to concerts and all three days of draft festivities. Interactive games, autograph opportunities, and Lombardi Trophy photo ops await across the festival area. This once-in-a-lifetime Pittsburgh experience combines NFL history with musical greatness in a way only the Steel City can deliver.
Sources
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Official announcement of NFL Draft Entertainment Series lineup and performance details
- USA Today – Bret Michaels exclusive interview covering bucket list aspirations and Sweet Home Pennsylvania collaboration
- WTAE News – Complete schedule of performances and ticket information for draft weekend
