If you’re refreshing Ticketmaster every five minutes wondering when does drake play, you aren't alone. Honestly, it’s been a weird year for OVO fans. One minute we're hearing rumors about a massive world tour, and the next, everyone is talking about country singer Drake Milligan instead. It's confusing.
Right now, the "Certified Lover Boy" himself hasn't dropped a massive list of North American stadium dates for 2026—yet. But that doesn’t mean he’s sitting on his couch in Toronto doing nothing.
The industry is currently vibrating with talk of the ICEMAN era. If you follow DJ Akademiks or keep an eye on the leaked snippets, you know Drake has been locked in the studio finishing his ninth studio album, ICEMAN. Word on the street is that this isn't just another album drop; it’s a strategic move to reclaim the global touring throne from Kendrick Lamar and SZA.
The ICEMAN Tour: What We Actually Know
People keep asking "when does drake play," but the answer depends on which Drake you mean. If you are looking for the 6ix God, the official 2026 schedule is still largely under wraps while he finishes the record. However, insiders like DJ Akademiks have basically confirmed that the "stove is hot."
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We saw a teaser for a possible U.S. tour back in late 2025. It’s expected that once the ICEMAN album hits the shelves later this year, a global rollout will follow immediately. This is supposedly Drake’s attempt to break the record for the highest-grossing hip-hop tour ever. He’s recently signed with CAA to handle his live bookings, which is a massive signal that he’s planning something much bigger than his previous "It's All a Blur" run.
- Expected Album Launch: Sometime in 2026.
- The Global Goal: Surpassing the Kendrick Lamar/SZA Grand National Tour records.
- Major Rumored Stops: Toronto (Scotiabank Arena), New York (MSG), and potentially a massive Middle East leg in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Don't Get Confused by Drake Milligan
If you see headlines about "Drake playing in Australia" or "Drake headlining Lasso Country Music Festival," take a breath. That is Drake Milligan. He’s a country artist who actually has a very busy 2026 schedule.
Milligan is playing the Autotrader 400 NASCAR pre-race concert in Georgia this February, followed by a massive European stint in March. He’s hitting London, Paris, and Berlin. So, if your "when does drake play" search led you to a ticket for a "Country to Country" festival in the UK, you might want to double-check the genre before you buy.
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When Does Drake Play His Next Big Set?
Looking back at his 2025 "Some Sexy Songs 4 U" collab tour with PARTYNEXTDOOR, Drake has been favoring high-energy, multi-set shows. If the 2026 ICEMAN rumors hold true, the setlist is going to be a wild mix of his new "diss era" tracks and the classics.
Recent setlists from his special appearances have included:
- Marvins Room (Always a staple)
- Passionfruit
- God’s Plan
- What Did I Miss? (The 2025 single targeting the Kendrick beef)
- Rich Baby Daddy
He’s also been spotted doing surprise DJ sets with Future The Prince. These usually happen at smaller, exclusive venues like The Caterpillar Club or private parties in Vegas.
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Las Vegas Residency Rumors
Speaking of Vegas, there is a lot of chatter about a 2026 residency. While the B-52s just grabbed a slot at The Venetian, Drake has a history of doing "mini-residencies" where he plays a handful of nights at a single venue rather than a traditional tour. Some betting markets are already putting odds on him appearing at Madison Square Garden or the Scotiabank Arena for multiple-night stints this year.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you want to be the first to know when the real ICEMAN dates drop, don't just wait for a tweet.
First, sign up for the OVO Sound newsletter. This is usually where the first "verified fan" codes for tickets appear. Second, keep an eye on DrakeRelated.com. He’s been using that site to drop cryptic info and tour merch before the official announcements go live.
Lastly, if you're looking for tickets on secondary markets like Vivid Seats or SeatGeek right now, be incredibly careful. Since the official 2026 ICEMAN tour dates aren't fully public yet, any "confirmed" tickets you see for U.S. stadium dates might be speculative listings. Wait for the official OVO confirmation to ensure you aren't overpaying for a seat that doesn't exist yet.
The wait for the "6ix God" to return to the stage is almost over, but for now, the most accurate answer to when does drake play is: as soon as the ICEMAN album is finished.