Your Insider's Guide to Enshrinement Week in Canton

Apr 21, 2026

Get ready for football and celebrations in Canton, Ohio during Enshrinement Week!

No matter what team you cheer for on the field, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement, Hall of Fame Game, and Festival events bring all fans together for the ultimate gathering of football legends.

Enshrinement Festivities

Don't miss official events celebrating the Class of 2026 during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival in Canton, Ohio!

What's New in Canton?

Enshrinement Week is full of time-honored traditions and exciting, new events and entertainment!

If you haven't been to the museum in a while, you'll be surprised by the sprawling new campus. Hall of Fame Village offers unique restaurants, attractions, and entertainment. Check out what's new in Hall of Fame Village.

BACK FOR ITS THIRD YEAR! Experience the sky like never before with the Drone Light Show during the Balloon Festival! Witness a mesmerizing display as a fleet of drones lights up the night, creating dazzling aerial choreography. Don't miss this cutting-edge addition. Each night features a unique, custom show!

Things for the Kids to Enjoy

If you are traveling with children, there are events specially made for the kids that you do NOT want to miss! Kids can help kick off football season at Play Football First Play. At 10:00 AM thousands of children will come together to form a human chain, passing a football along the three-mile route from the location in downtown Canton where the National Football League was founded to the front steps of the Pro Football Hall of Fame! Afterward, enjoy admission to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and activities on the campus of Hall of Fame Village.

Pigskin’s Pals: Families with children ages 2 to 12 can enjoy exclusive discounts and special activities through the Pigskin’s Pals Adventure Pass. Named for Pigskin, the Visit Canton mascot, the program offers special rates for children to experience attractions and other unique local experiences.

Canton's First Friday on August 7th is one of the biggest celebrations of the year. The monthly celebration in the heart of downtown Canton is electrified with visitors from all over the country coming together to celebrate football! Enjoy food trucks, live music, vendors, and outdoor entertainment.

Best Place to Catch a Glimpse of a Hall of Famer

Canton is a second home to Hall of Famers, and many of the returning legends have a few local favorites they'll stop by and visit while in town. You just never know in what restaurants and businesses you might see a Pro Football Hall of Famer enjoying their time here in Canton. As for the best places you're guaranteed to run into your favorite players, these are a few of our favorites.

  • Cheer on the Class of 2026 as they receive their Gold Jackets on Friday, August 7th at the Canton Memorial Civic Center during the Gold Jacket Dinner. Not only will you see the Class of 2026, but over 100 Hall of Famers return every year for the “gauntlet” welcoming the new members into their fraternity. It’s a world-class experience that you can only experience in person here in Canton!
  • The Grand Parade presented by Certified Angus Beef may be at 8:00 AM, but getting up early is so worth the experience! The 2026 Class of Enshrinees ride down the parade route, just inches away from you! Enjoy seeing many returning Hall of Famers and other football greats, entertaining floats, marching bands, balloons, and special guest appearances!
  • Hall of Famer Walk: Fans will have the special opportunity to witness a gathering of the greatest in the game of football at this photo op the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Get there early to capture the moment all returning Hall of Famers are photographed along with the newest inductees, the Class of 2026.
  • Enshrinement is the can't miss event! The ceremony is sure to range from emotional to hilarious as the Class of 2026 accepts their place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, unveiling their official bronze busts in front of family, friends, teammates, mentors, and ultimate FANS!
  • Don't leave early! There's a full weekend of events. On Sunday, August 9th, another favorite, up close and personal experience is the Unscripted & Tailgate. The forum provides for a laidback exchange between colleagues who just happen to be NFL legends. It's a once-in-a-lifetime peek behind the curtain of an elite brotherhood of Hall of Famers.
  • If an autograph is your ultimate goal, the official autograph sessions are your best bet. Enshrinement Week is full of prime opportunities to snag an autograph from one of your all-time favorite Pro Football Hall of Famers.

Visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame

You have been waiting all year to come to Canton, now is your time to visit the museum! Skip the Box Office lines by purchasing your museum tickets in advance! Fans are encouraged to purchase admission in advance to receive Fast Lane entrance access. Purchasing admission in advance will also qualify you to receive standard admission rates instead of special events rates in effect during Enshrinement Week.

What's the best day to visit the museum over Enshrinement Week? Enshrinement Saturday is one of the busiest days to visit the museum. Arrive early or stay late and plan a visit during the week. On Sunday, the Class of 2026 bronze busts will officially be placed inside the Pro Football Hall of Fame Gallery. Spend Sunday afternoon exploring the museum after a full weekend of fun events!

What to Pack

  • Prepare to navigate on the ground. No matter where you park there will be more ground to cover before making it into the stadium, museum, and other event venues. Plan ahead and allow plenty of time to get to and from events. If anyone in your travel party has mobility challenges consider bringing orthopedic aids and/or a wheelchair as needed.
  • Dress for the weather. Keep in mind the weather is a factor for outdoor events. Check the forecast and dress accordingly, rain or shine. No matter what event you're attending, a football jersey and team gear is always in the dress code, but some events, like the Fashion Show and the Gold Jacket Dinner, call for a little flare — you will see everything from sundresses and khaki pants to formal gowns and suits!
  • Going to the Game, Enshrinement Ceremony, or Concert for Legends? Remember you must follow the NFL Stadium Bag Policy, so only bring what you need to Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in an officially licensed Hall of Fame or NFL logo bag, a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag, or a small women’s clutch that is no larger than the size of a woman’s hand.

More Events in Stark County

See what else is happening while you're in town! Check out events across Stark County during Enshrinement Week in Canton, Ohio.

Check out events across StarK County

Hall of Fame City Visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame museum and tour Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium… Learn More
Explore Find great ideas for things to do on your next trip to Canton, Ohio and throughout… Learn More
Your guidebook to Canton and Stark County! Learn More
Willis Brienza

Author

Willis Brienza

Creative Coordinator

Willis Brienza is the Creative Coordinator for Visit Canton. He enjoys movies, music, sports, and spending time with friends and family! Willis resides in Alliance with his wife, Rosie, and their two dogs! Have an update or comment about the blog? Reach out at willisb@visitcanton.com.
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