(July 30, 2026) FLUSHING, N.Y., USTA– The USTA today unveiled a powerhouse lineup for this year’s Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day powered by Net Generation, the world’s largest annual grassroots tennis event and premier celebration of 1968 US Open Champion Arthur Ashe’s enduring legacy. Headlined by members of worldwide sports and entertainment sensations The Savannah Bananas and rising music artists Iris Copperman, JayDon, JYT, Maddox Batson and SIMIEN, along with Txunamy and DJ Sophia Rocks, Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day (AAKD) kicks off US Open Fan Week on Sunday, August 23, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Admission to the US Open grounds and all on-site activities are FREE. Adults must register for a US Open Fan Access Pass, which is required for entry for guests 18 and over this year.
Members of The Savannah Bananas—including Ty Jackson, Danny Hosley, Bill LeRoy, DR Meadows, Kyle Luigs and Derek Klena, with host Biko Skalla—will take over Arthur Ashe Stadium from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for an action-packed show alongside some of tennis’ biggest stars. Expect a fusion of “Banana Ball” excitement, featuring on-court games, challenges and musical numbers. Following the show, the Bananas will host a meet-and-greet for fans. To learn more about event access and other important information, fans are encouraged to RSVP for the stadium show by visiting USOpen.org/FanAccessPass and logging into their account.
Throughout the day, the Fountain Plaza Stage will feature can’t-miss performances, special player appearances and more, complete with a star-studded lineup of young talent from 1-3:30 p.m. Fans of all ages can enjoy performances by R&B singer/dancer and Usher protégé JayDon, R&B-infused, urban electro-pop sister group SIMIEN, 16-year-old pop-country singer Maddox Batson, breakout boyband JYT and 14-year-old singer-songwriter Iris Copperman. Actress and creator Txunamy will co-host the event, with young phenom DJ Sophia Rocks keeping the energy high all afternoon.
Each year on AAKD, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center kids can join the action on field courts with tennis lessons, drills and competitions from 1:30-5:00 p.m. Beyond the courts, the grounds will host a variety of fun activities, including face-painting, temporary tattoos, storytelling, hair-braiding, balloon artists and roving entertainers. Families can also enjoy a specially priced $10 kids’ meal.
AAKD has long been a crossroads for tennis legends, global music sensations and cultural icons. Its star-studded legacy includes performances by Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Jonas Brothers and Rihanna, alongside tennis legends Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic, and celebrities such as Michelle Obama, Will Ferrell, John Cena and more.
AAKD honors Arthur Ashe’s legacy of humanitarianism, leadership and academic excellence by inspiring the next generation of tennis players. Ashe co-founded the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network with Charlie Pasarell and Sheridan Snyder. Now a cornerstone of the USTA Foundation, the NJTL network supports over 270 community organizations, empowering young people from under-resourced communities through tennis, education and mentorship. To explore Ashe’s impactful life and legacy, fans are invited to visit the Arthur Ashe Learning Center on the US Open grounds.
AAKD kicks off US Open Fan Week, which runs through Saturday, Aug. 29, and features the free-to-attend US Open Qualifying Tournament, along with a wide range of events and activities. Highlights include the US Open Mixed Doubles Championship presented by Vital Proteins®, marquee exhibitions such as Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York, and the perennial fan favorite, Stars of the Open presented by Chase. The Singles Main Draw of the US Open will start on Sunday, Aug. 30, and conclude with the women’s singles final on Saturday, Sept. 12, and the men’s singles final on Sunday, Sept. 13. For more information and to register for a free US Open Fan Access Pass, visit USOpen.org/FanWeek.
