Thursday, October 1, 2026
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When UBS Arena opened in Elmont in 2021, it was envisioned as more than the new home of the New York Islanders. Just a few years later, it has become one of the busiest entertainment venues in the Northeast, drawing some of the world's biggest performers and events to Long Island throughout the year.
The venue's calendar has grown well beyond hockey, featuring everything from Rock and Roll Hall of Famers and Grammy Award winners to stand-up comedians, international pop stars, mixed martial arts, professional bull riding and family productions. Whether visitors are planning a summer night out or looking ahead to fall and winter entertainment, UBS Arena offers an event calendar that rivals those of Manhattan and Brooklyn while keeping audiences close to home.
This year's lineup reflects the venue's growing reputation as a destination capable of hosting nearly every type of live entertainment under one roof.
Music lovers have no shortage of choices throughout the remainder of the year. Lionel Richie joins Earth, Wind & Fire for an evening celebrating decades of chart-topping hits, while Latin music superstar Shakira returns with one of the arena's biggest international tours of the year.
Reggae fans can catch Buju Banton and Stephen Marley on the Roots and Rhymes Tour, while hip-hop audiences will welcome Grammy-winning rapper J. Cole when he arrives in August. R&B artist Bryson Tiller also headlines later in the year, adding another contemporary voice to an already diverse concert calendar.
Country, pop and Latin music remain equally well represented. International superstar Chayanne returns to the New York area, while Mexican music legend Marco Antonio Solís brings his celebrated catalog to Long Island. Fans of Korean pop can look forward to performances by MAMAMOO and aespa, underscoring the continued global growth of K-pop. While Katseye’s performances highlight K-pop’s influence across the region.
Rock enthusiasts also have several major shows to anticipate. Avenged Sevenfold teams with Good Charlotte for a high-energy summer performance, while Soda Stereo fans can celebrate one of Latin America's most influential rock legacies through the tribute experience coming to UBS Arena.
Comedy has become another cornerstone of the arena's programming. Following sold-out tours across North America, Nate Bargatze brings his observational style to Elmont in August before Matt Rife returns in November with one of the year's most anticipated comedy performances. Together, the comedians represent the growing demand for live stand-up at large venues, giving audiences another reason to visit beyond concerts and sporting events.
UBS Arena has expanded its role as a host for premier sporting events.
Hockey fans will have opportunities to see the New York Islanders prepare for another NHL season during preseason games against both the Rangers and Devils. And the arena's national profile will continue to grow when it hosts the 2027 NHL All-Star Game, bringing one of professional hockey's marquee events to Long Island for the first time.
The Professional Bull Riders will once again transform the arena floor into a rodeo in October, offering three days of competition that showcases one of the country's fastest-growing spectator sports.
For families, UBS Arena continues to expand its calendar with productions designed for younger audiences. Disney Worlds Collide brings together characters from Descendants, ZOMBIES and Camp Rock, while Disney On Ice: Spotlight Magic returns for multiple performances in November, offering opportunities for children and parents to experience Disney favorites in a live setting.
Those family-friendly productions complement the arena's year-round entertainment strategy, ensuring there are events appealing to nearly every age group.
What distinguishes UBS Arena from many regional venues is the diversity of its programming. On any given month, audiences can attend a Hall of Fame concert, a comedy show, a championship sporting event or a family production without leaving Long Island. That variety has helped transform the arena into an entertainment destination rather than simply a sports venue.
Its location also makes it especially convenient for Long Islanders, Queens residents and New York City visitors alike. Positioned adjacent to Belmont Park and accessible by the Long Island Rail Road, major parkways and public transportation, the arena allows concertgoers to avoid traveling into Manhattan while still enjoying nationally touring productions.
Visitors planning their first trip should consider arriving early, particularly for high-profile concerts and weekend events. Allowing extra time can help ease parking and security delays while giving guests an opportunity to explore the arena before performances begin.
Guests are also encouraged to review current bag policies, mobile ticket requirements and parking information before attending.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, UBS Arena has firmly established itself as one of the New York metropolitan area's leading venues. Its schedule demonstrates that audiences no longer need to travel far to experience world-class entertainment, whether their interests lie in music, comedy, sports or family attractions.
With major events continuing through the end of the year — and the NHL All-Star Game already on the horizon — UBS Arena is poised to remain one of Long Island's busiest destinations for live entertainment.
