With over 30 years’ worth of experience attending the biggest sporting events in the world, it’s safe to say our team here at Roadtrips knows a thing or two about the subject. Every year, we host guests at all the must-see sporting events and as a bonus, have the pleasure of experiencing them for ourselves. From the Super Bowl to the World Cup to the Kentucky Derby, the atmosphere at these events is like nothing else in the world. Below we’ve compiled a list of our favorite must-see sporting events to add to your bucket list.
Super Bowl
While it may be the championship game for American football, the Super Bowl is well-known the world over as one of sport’s biggest parties. Each year, thousands of football fans flock to the Super Bowl’s host city to experience the excitement live, while millions of viewers watch from home (over 125 million viewers tuned in to Super Bowl LX, making it one of the most-watched annual sporting events). The Super Bowl is so much more than just a game; the anticipation, the pre-game festivities, the half-time show, the host city itself … it’s a weekend-long party of all things football. In 2027, the big game will take place in Los Angeles and is sure to be one for the ages.
Want to know more about the Super Bowl? Check our Ultimate Guide to Super Bowl LXI.
2026 Super Bowl Attendance: 70,823
Next Super Bowl: February 14, 2027 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles
Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is another of the biggest sporting events in the United States. Each spring, horse enthusiasts converge in Louisville, Kentucky for the first jewel in the triple crown of horse racing. Visitors can spend race week touring horse farms and bourbon distilleries, or mingle with celebrities and other VIPs at some of the biggest social events in the city, including the Barnstable Brown Gala. As for the main event, it’s a spectacle like nothing else. Churchill Downs is filled with a lively crowd donning seersucker suits and extravagant hats, while mint juleps are the beverage of the day. It’s a fun atmosphere and it’s difficult not to be swept away in the excitement.
2025 Kentucky Derby Attendance: 147,406
Next Kentucky Derby: May 2, 2026 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY
Monaco Grand Prix
If you’re a Formula 1 fan, this iconic race is likely already on your sports bucket list. Arguably the most prestigious event in car racing, the Monaco Grand Prix is a sporting event like no other. In addition to the thrilling race action that winds through the streets of Monte Carlo, Monaco offers exclusive viewing experiences (like watching the race from aboard a luxury yacht or an upscale hospitality venue), legendary parties, world-class dining, and some of the best hotels on the planet. Even if you’re not a huge race fan, Monaco is an event that we wish everyone could have the pleasure of experiencing.
2025 Monaco Grand Prix Attendance: 250,000 (estimated)
Next Monaco Grand Prix: June 7, 2026 in Monte Carlo, Monaco
The Summer and Winter Games
The Summer and Winter Games are consistently two of the most viewed sporting events on the planet. They’re also unique in that they both feature a variety of sports, and thus appeal to millions of people. But the Games are about more than the best athletes in the world competing; they’re about the world coming together and the incredible atmosphere this creates in the host cities, from the opening ceremony through the closing ceremony. Whether you’re a fan of summer or winter sports, the Games are something truly extraordinary and there really is nothing that compares.
Next Summer Games: July 14-30, 2028 in Los Angeles, USA
Next Winter Games: February 1-17, 2030 in the French Alps, France
Champions League Final
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world and the Champions League Final is one of its biggest games. The tournament starts with 36 European teams vying for one of the most sought-after trophies in soccer: the European Champion Clubs’ Cup. The thrilling action reaches its pinnacle at the Final, the location of which always seems to be a fascinating destination. In 2026, the Champions League Final takes place in Budapest, an intriguing city with a rich history. Soccer fans are known for their excitement and passion, and this event is another great example of that.
2025 Champions League Final attendance: 64,327
Next Champions League Final: May 30, 2026 at Puskás Arena in Budapest, Hungary
The World Cup
In any list of bucket list sporting events, the World Cup is a given. It’s the biggest event in soccer, not to mention one of the biggest sporting events in the world. Taking place every four years, the excitement for this event has time to build and when the tournament finally starts, it seems the whole world is watching. So, what makes it so great? Well, for starters, you have the best players in the sport playing for national pride and everyone loves rooting for their home team. The competition is fierce and the stakes are high.
The World Cup is also a unique event in that it takes place in multiple host cities, giving fans the opportunity to explore some often-overlooked destinations within a particular region or country. With the next World Cup taking place 16 incredible cities across three countries, there are a multitude of unique settings from which fans can experience this incomparable event.
2022 World Cup total attendance: 3,404,252
Next World Cup: June 11 – July 19, 2026 in USA, Mexico, and Canada
Indianapolis 500
We couldn’t have a list of must-see sporting events without including one of the biggest events in the world. The Indy 500 is one of the highest attended annual events with a capacity for up to 400,000 spectators. The crown jewel of the IndyCar season—and part of motorsport’s triple crown—this famous race has a history dating back over a century.
In addition to the race itself, IndyCar fans can indulge their passion at other events and venues during Indy 500 week including Legends Day, Carb Day, the Indy 500 festival parade, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.
2025 Indy 500 total attendance: 350,000
Next Indy 500: May 24, 2026 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The Ryder Cup
Celebrating its centenary in 2027, the Ryder Cup is one of the most historic and beloved events in golf. This popular match-play tournament pits 12-member teams from Europe and the United States against each other in a 3-day event. The tournament alternates between Europe and the USA, with the 2027 edition taking place at Adare Manor in Limerick, Ireland. There’s plenty of fanfare surrounding the tournament, allowing fans to truly immerse themselves in the sport. The Ryder Cup is about more than golf, it’s a beloved celebration of history and tradition.
2025 Ryder Cup Attendance: 244,858
Next Ryder Cup: September 15-20, 2027 at Adare Manor Golf Club in Limerick, Ireland
The Masters
Considered by some to be a rite of passage for golf fans, attending the Masters gives patrons a new appreciation for this prestigious golf tournament, especially at Augusta National, a true bucket list sports venue. It’s one thing to watch it on a screen, but once you walk the hills of Augusta National and see those rolling greens close up, you fully understand the difficulty of the course. The event also offers so many Masters traditions to experience: the pimento cheese sandwiches, the souvenir photo, and of course, loading up on official Masters merchandise at the pro shop. To see the top players close up playing at the biggest golf event in the world is an experience that you’ll remember forever.
2025 Masters Attendance: 40,000 during tournament rounds (estimated)
Next Masters: April 6-12, 2026 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, GA
Wimbledon
If you had to pick only one tennis tournament to attend, we highly recommend Wimbledon. Steeped in history and tradition, it draws thousands of fans every year (the total attendance at the 2025 tournament set a record with 548,770 spectators). The celebrity sightings, the impossibly green courts, the strawberries and cream, and the Pimms are just a few highlights of the tournament. Of course, there’s the world-class tennis too. There is no championship in tennis more prestigious and the action on the court reflects this. As a bonus, there is also the incredible host city of London with its amazing restaurants, endless shopping, and amazing attractions.
2025 Wimbledon Attendance: 548,770 (attendance record)
Next Wimbledon Championships: June 29 – July 12, 2026 at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, England
Women’s World Cup
Soccer tournaments are some of the biggest events in the world and the Women’s World Cup is no exception. Like the men’s version, the tournament takes place quadrennially and involves national teams from around the globe. As you’d expect, the excitement and atmosphere surrounding the event are indescribable with numerous related events and celebrations taking place across the host cities. The next edition of the Women’s World Cup will play out in Brazil, home to one of the most passionate fan bases anywhere. This soccer-loving country also happens to be a spectacular travel destination and is sure to make an incredible host.
2023 Women’s World Cup Total Attendance: 1,978,274
Next Women’s World Cup: June 24 – July 25, 2027 in eight venues across Brazil
US Open Tennis
The US Open is the premier tennis event in the United States. It also happens to be a lot of fun to attend. With an electric atmosphere and iconic New York City backdrop, it’s no wonder this event continues to be a fan favorite, year after year. As one of four Grand Slam tournaments in the sport, it draws the top players in the world. Plus, it attracts an incredible number of celebrities each year to cheer on the pros.
A big part of what makes the US Open so great is its host city. It’s hard to top The Big Apple in terms of great hotels, entertainment, shopping, and dining. New York City offers the best of the best and only serves to enhance the US Open experience.
2025 US Open Total Attendance: 905,255 (attendance record)
Next US Open: August 30 – September 13, 2026 at the National Tennis Center in New York
NCAA Final Four
We couldn’t have a list of must-see sporting events and not include basketball. Every spring, the nation gets caught up in March Madness, the highlight of the college basketball season. As the top 68 teams in collegiate men’s basketball battle it out to be one of the last four teams remaining, millions of viewers fervently watch on. It all peaks at the semi-final and final games: The Final Four. The crowd is huge and the excitement is unrivalled as fans watch tomorrow’s biggest stars play their hearts out to become national champions.
2026 Men’s Final Four Attendance (Championship Final): 70,720
Next Men’s Final Four: April 2-6, 2027 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan
And there you have it, our list of must-see sporting events. Of course, there are many more great events out there, making it a challenge to narrow down our list. Some other favorites include the Daytona 500, the World Series, the rest of the F1 calendar … we could go on and on. We may be a bit biased, but there really is nothing that compares to attending the biggest sporting events in the world.
What’s your number one must-see bucket list event? We’d love to help you get there. Contact one of our Sports Travel Specialists to see what your ultimate sports travel experience could look like.
