Fans of Dancing With The Stars finally got the good news they’ve been waiting for: the 2026 live tour is set to hit the road this winter, promising glitter, high‑octane routines, and a handful of VIP experiences that feel almost too good to be true. The Dancing With The Stars: Live! 2026 TourUnited States will kick off on Thursday, January 22, 2026, in Ohio and will run through Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Utah.
Tour Overview and Schedule
The itinerary stretches from the Midwest to the West Coast, covering five confirmed stops so far. It opens at the Akron Civic Theatre in Akron, Ohio, before swinging east to the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Mid‑January sees the troupe performing at the Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine – a restored 1,900‑seat gem nestled in the city's Arts District. After a brief hiatus, the show returns in late April to the Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix, then wraps up at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City on May 2.
All dates are listed on the official site DWTSTour.com, and each venue promises a mix of arena‑style staging and intimate theater seating, giving fans a chance to feel the energy up close. The tour marks the franchise’s first full‑scale live production since the 2025 roadshow earlier this year.
Star‑Studded Professional Lineup
Leading the troupe are six of the show’s most recognizable pros. Daniella Karagach, a veteran known for her fiery Latin flair, will be joined by professional dancer Emma Slater, who brings a Broadway‑ready polish to every routine. Also on board are Pasha Pashkov, Ezra Sosa, Britt Stewart and the up‑and‑coming Hailey Bills. Together they’ve crafted a setlist that spans classic ballroom, contemporary, and even a surprise K‑pop medley.
Choreography is being overseen by dance veteran Mandy Moore, who has worked behind the scenes on the TV show since season 30. Moore says, "We wanted this tour to feel like a 'best‑of' celebration, so we pulled favorite dances from the past decade and gave them fresh, theatrical twists." The combination of seasoned performers and fresh choreography is designed to appeal to longtime viewers and newcomers alike.
Ticketing Timeline and VIP Experiences
The ticket sales schedule is as meticulously choreographed as the dance numbers themselves. A free Mirrorball Membership opens at 10:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, granting members early access to the presale. The venue‑specific presale kicks in at noon the same day with the code SOCIAL. General public sales start two days later, on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., and are available through DWTSTour.com, Ticketmaster, and third‑party sites like Vivid Seats.
Two VIP packages have been marketed to superfans. The VIP3 – Judges’ Choice package includes a reserved seat (rows 8‑15), an interactive meet‑and‑greet, a professional photo op, a custom laminate, exclusive merchandise, and an on‑site host to handle ticket pick‑up. The VIP4 – Glitz & Glam package offers a slightly less intimate experience – a reserved seat (rows 10‑20) and exclusive gifts, but no interactive component. Service fees range from $11 to $38 depending on ticket price, and resale above face value is strictly prohibited.
Venue Highlights
Each stop brings its own flavor. The Akron Civic Theatre, a 2,400‑seat historic landmark, will feature a “welcome curtain” that reveals a full‑scale ballroom floor. Turning Stone’s casino venue is known for its state‑of‑the‑art lighting rig, which will be repurposed to sync with each performance’s mood. The Merrill Auditorium’s elegant acoustics are expected to give the ballroom numbers a richer, more resonant sound.
In Phoenix, the Arizona Financial Theatre’s modern architecture provides a sleek backdrop for the show’s high‑energy finale. Finally, the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City boasts a 3,000‑seat main hall with a retractable stage, perfect for the tour’s dramatic closing tableau.
Fan Reaction and Industry Insight
Social media erupted the moment the dates were announced. On Twitter, user @DanceFan88 wrote, “Finally! I’ve been waiting on this since the 2024 season. Can’t wait to see Emma and Daniella live!” A Reddit thread on r/DWTS reported that ticket demand is already outpacing supply for the Ohio and New York stops.
Industry analysts note that live‑event tours for reality‑TV franchises have surged after the pandemic, citing data from the Association of Performing Arts Professionals that shows a 27% rise in ticket sales for TV‑based productions in 2024‑2025. “The DWTS brand has a built‑in fan base that translates well to live shows,” said entertainment analyst Karen Liu of Insight Metrics. “The combination of recognizable personalities and high production values makes it a safe bet for venues looking to fill seats during the off‑season.”
What’s Next for the DWTS Live Franchise
Looking ahead, the producers hinted at a possible international leg for 2027, potentially hitting venues in the UK and Canada. For now, the focus remains on delivering a flawless 2026 run. Fans can stay updated by joining the Mirrorball Membership or following the show’s official Instagram, where behind‑the‑scenes rehearsal clips are posted weekly.
- Date range: Jan 22 – May 2, 2026
- Key venues: Akron Civic Theatre, Turning Stone Resort Casino, Merrill Auditorium, Arizona Financial Theatre, Eccles Theater
- Headlining pros: Daniella Karagach, Emma Slater, Pasha Pashkov, Ezra Sosa, Britt Stewart, Hailey Bills
- Choreographer: Mandy Moore
- VIP options: Judges’ Choice (interactive) and Glitz & Glam (exclusive gifts)
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where does the tour start?
The tour opens on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Akron Civic Theatre in Akron, Ohio. Tickets go on sale to the public on October 10, 2025.
What benefits do the VIP packages include?
The VIP3 – Judges’ Choice package offers a reserved seat in rows 8‑15, a meet‑and‑greet with the touring cast, a professional photo opportunity, exclusive merchandise, and an on‑site host. The VIP4 – Glitz & Glam package provides a reserved seat in rows 10‑20, exclusive gifts, and on‑site ticket pick‑up, but no interactive experiences.
How can I get early access to tickets?
Sign up for the free Mirrorball Membership on the official DWTS website. Members receive a presale code and a 10:00 a.m. October 8, 2025 start time for the first round of ticket sales.
Are there any resale restrictions?
Yes. Official policy prohibits reselling tickets above face value. Buyers are encouraged to purchase only through authorized channels such as DWTSTour.com, Ticketmaster, or vetted third‑party vendors.
What makes this tour different from the 2025 edition?
The 2026 tour features a revamped professional lineup, new choreography by Mandy Moore, and two distinct VIP experiences. It also adds new venues in the Pacific Northwest and the Southwest, expanding the geographic reach beyond the East Coast‑heavy 2025 schedule.
