NBA All-Star Weekend: The Complete Experience Guide
Jonathan Barlow
The Weekend
NBA All-Star Weekend is a four-day cultural event wrapped around a basketball game. The host city transforms into a hub for athletes, entertainers, and brands — and the parties consistently rival any festival in the country.
The Schedule
Thursday — Rising Stars
The rookies and sophomores game. The official welcome events begin. Brand activations open. The first wave of dinners and cocktail parties set the tone.
Friday — Celebrity Game + Skills
The Celebrity Game is more entertaining than it should be. The Skills Challenge, Three-Point Contest, and Slam Dunk Contest are Saturday's main events but the parties Friday night are the most exclusive of the weekend.
Saturday — All-Star Saturday Night
The Dunk Contest is the marquee event. After the arena empties, the city peaks. Every club, every restaurant, every rooftop is programmed.
Sunday — The Game
The All-Star Game itself. VIP courtside seats start at $5,000+. The real value is being in the building for the atmosphere — the halftime performer alone justifies the trip.
How to Do It Right
All-Star Weekend is the NBA's Super Bowl — except the parties are better and the city takeover is more complete.
