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Early Bird tickets released for the Celebration in what marks ten years since Prince’s death in April 2016. This year “Celebration 2026 will highlight the depth and evolution of Prince’s artistry through the eras of Parade, Emancipation, Chaos and Disorder, The Rainbow Children, and 3121“. There is, of course, significant interest in Parade, which notches up its fortieth anniversary this March. Although it is known Parade will receive a remaster release in 2026 it is not yet confirmed whether this will be in form of a Super Deluxe Edition as anticipated, or a standard Deluxe reissue as seen with Around The World In A Day in November 2025. No material from the vault has been released since 2023 despite Prince Estate’s assertion that the vault was freed early last year upon resolution of a deal struck with Netflix by the Estate’s earlier incarnation.
The usual packages are available, with VIP priced at $1,250 and General Admission at $700, discounted from $1,400 and $900 + $2.75 fee until the Early Bird period finishes. The schedule, which runs from 3 to 7 June, again takes place at spots throughout Minneapolis despite one of the criticisms of recent events is that too much time was spent away from Paisley Park.
The offering in 2026 adopts a similar schedule to 2025, in that attendees receive are given an exclusive guided group tour at Paisley Park, and there is the usual DJ Dance kick-off party and screening of unreleased concert footage. The footage screened may give indication what may be included in the Parade set that’s due for release later in the year.
There are also live music concerts (we don’t know yet who is performing) as well as a screening of the movie Under The Cherry Moon. Panel discussions are back and most interestingly continue the thread ‘Vault Conversation Part II’ from which produced the most worthwhile gossip in 2025 and will hopefully outline a schedule, or more realistically, set out an outline for releases planned for 2026. The Block Party is back again as well as various celebrations and installations across downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, and at the Prince Mural. A drone show is also promised. Celebration 2026 concludes with an optional cruise on Lake Minnetonka – another feature from 2025.
There is no substitute for the real thing, but Prince left a legacy of thirty-nine studio albums, released 100 singles, as well as created many albums for other artists. Prince is one of the most prolific and successful songwriters in history.
