Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Figure Skating Gala: A Spectacular Farewell Celebration
As the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics draw to a close, figure skating enthusiasts are in for one final, dazzling spectacle. The traditional Exhibition Gala is set to take place on Saturday night, February 21, 2026, offering a vibrant and entertaining conclusion to the Games.
A Celebration of Sport and Creativity
This highly anticipated event brings together medalists and top performers from every figure skating discipline, including men’s and women’s singles, pairs, and ice dance. Unlike the intense competitions of the past two weeks, the gala shifts focus away from judges and scores. Instead, it is designed to celebrate the sport and delight the audience with relaxed, creative routines.
Athletes are encouraged to showcase their personalities through the use of props, costumes, and even inviting friends onto the ice. The organizing committee selects participants, with every medalist automatically receiving an invitation, along with some skaters from the team event. The glamorous program is scheduled from 20:00 to 22:30 CET, promising a colorful farewell that fans worldwide are expected to tune in for.
Star-Studded Lineup Features Global Talent
The gala boasts a star-studded lineup headlined by Olympic champion Alysa Liu of the United States, who will perform last as the evening’s closing act. The show opens with Italian stars Carolina Kostner and Daniel Grassl, setting the stage for an international roster of skaters.
Key performers include:
- Alysa Liu (USA) – Women’s singles gold medalist and headline act
- Amber Glenn (USA) – Skating seventh in the order
- Olivia Smart and Tim Dieck (Spain) – Early performers in the program
- Ami Nakai and Shun Sato (Japan) – Representing singles and pairs
- Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin (Germany) – Pairs field representatives
- Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier (Canada) – Ice dance routines
- Jun-hwan Cha (Korea) and Adelia Petrosian – Singles performers
Other notable names featured are Adam Siao Him Fa of France, Charlene Guignard and Marco Fabbri of Italy, Yuma Kagiyama of Japan, and Madison Chock and Evan Bates representing the United States in ice dance. Kaori Sakamoto, Ilia Malinin, and the pair of Riku Miura with Ryuichi Kihara are also scheduled to perform, culminating in Alysa Liu’s final Olympic skate.
Global Broadcast Details for Viewers
Fans around the world can catch the gala through multiple broadcasting channels. In the United States, viewers can watch live on Peacock at 2 p.m. Eastern Time, with NBC broadcasting it starting at 2:55 p.m. ET. Selected routines will be featured later in NBC’s primetime show, and USA Network will re-air the exhibition at 1:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, February 22.
A Tradition of Personality and Fun
The Exhibition Gala is a cherished Olympic tradition that allows skaters to express their creativity without the pressure of scoring. Routines often incorporate humor and storytelling, making this performance a memorable last Olympic moment for many athletes. It’s a chance for fans to see medalists skate freely and join in celebrating the conclusion of the Winter Games.
