Cleveland will once again celebrate one of its biggest hometown success stories as MGK Day 2026 returns August 7-8 with two days of live music, skateboarding, community events, food, art and fan experiences throughout the city. Created to honor Cleveland native and global multi-platinum artist mgk (Machine Gun Kelly), the annual city-sanctioned celebration has grown into one of Northeast Ohio’s signature summer festivals, drawing thousands of fans from across the country.
This year’s festivities culminate on Saturday, August 8, with the MGK Day Art + Community Festival at North Coast Yard, where mgk and longtime friend Wiz Khalifa will headline an evening of live performances following a full day of activities celebrating Cleveland’s creative spirit.
A Celebration of Cleveland Culture
Since its inception, MGK Day has become much more than a concert. The weekend highlights the city’s vibrant arts scene while supporting local businesses, artists and nonprofit organizations through community-focused programming.
What started as a celebration of mgk’s impact on his hometown has evolved into an event centered on music, skateboarding, philanthropy and giving back. Through partnerships with the Lost Poets Society and other nonprofit organizations, MGK Day continues to support underserved youth and families through arts, wellness and educational initiatives.
The celebration follows another busy year for mgk, who recently completed the Lost Americana Tour alongside Wiz Khalifa. The longtime collaborators also released their new collaborative mixtape, blog era boyz, featuring nine tracks that blend melodic hip-hop, alternative influences and nostalgic mixtape-era vibes.
Headlining Performance by mgk and Wiz Khalifa
Saturday night’s main attraction will feature performances by mgk and Wiz Khalifa, who will reunite on stage after spending the summer touring together.
Before the headlining concert, festival-goers can explore local art installations, browse merchandise vendors, enjoy food trucks, meet local artists and experience a variety of community activations throughout North Coast Yard.
The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over downtown Cleveland.
Skateboarding Kicks Off the Weekend
The festivities begin Friday evening with the Red Bull Best Trick Contest at Crooked River Skatepark.
Known for attracting some of the region’s top skateboarders, the competition showcases technical tricks and creativity while offering spectators live music, food trucks, vendors, exclusive merchandise and interactive activities throughout the evening.
Skateboarding has long been part of mgk’s culture and lifestyle, making the event a fitting kickoff to the weekend celebration.
Harley-Davidson Ride Rolls Through Cleveland
One of the weekend’s signature traditions returns Saturday afternoon with the annual Harley-Davidson City Ride.
Riders will gather at South East Harley-Davidson before making the scenic ride into downtown Cleveland, eventually arriving at the festival grounds where thousands of fans will already be celebrating.
Meanwhile, fans attending the festival early can participate in the MGK Day Tailgate, decorating their vehicles and competing in celebrity-inspired games and contests for prizes before the festival officially begins.
MGK Day 2026 Schedule
Friday, August 7
- Red Bull Best Trick Contest
- Crooked River Skatepark
- 1785 Merwin Avenue, Cleveland
- Begins at 5:00 p.m.
- Live skateboarding competition
- Food trucks
- Local vendors
- Live music
- Merchandise
Saturday, August 8
MGK Day Tailgate
- North Coast Yard
- Opens at 12:00 p.m.
Harley-Davidson City Ride
- South East Harley-Davidson
- Meet at 2:00 p.m.
- Ride begins at 3:00 p.m.
MGK Day Art + Community Festival
- North Coast Yard
- Gates open at 3:00 p.m.
- Main Stage begins at 6:00 p.m.
- Headlining performance by mgk and Wiz Khalifa
- Local artists
- Food trucks
- Community activations
- Fireworks finale
A Cleveland Tradition Continues
MGK Day has become a major summer tradition for Cleveland, celebrating not only the city’s musical talent but also its resilience, creativity and community pride. The event carries special significance after mgk made history in 2022 by becoming the first Ohio-born artist to sell out Huntington Bank Field, performing for more than 50,000 fans. That milestone inspired Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb to officially proclaim Machine Gun Kelly Day, laying the foundation for the annual celebration.
This year’s official MGK Day artwork was created by legendary artist Mike Giant, whose work is recognized worldwide within skateboarding, tattoo culture and street art, adding another authentic creative element to the festival.
With music, skateboarding, motorcycles, local businesses, community organizations and one of hip-hop’s biggest hometown stars all coming together, MGK Day 2026 promises another unforgettable weekend in downtown Cleveland.
Tickets, festival updates and additional event information are available at MGKDAY.com.