Paris 2024 felt like a fever dream. The Eiffel Tower beach volleyball, the purple track, Snoop Dogg popping up at every event—honestly, it was a lot to live up to. But now the world is looking at what comes next. If you're trying to figure out where and when are the next Olympics, you aren't just looking for one date. We have a massive decade of sports coming up, stretching from the Italian Alps to the beaches of Australia.
The rhythm of the Games has changed. We're no longer just jumping between major capitals; the IOC is getting creative with regions and "clusters."
The Winter Return: Milano Cortina 2026
First up, we're heading to Italy. The 2026 Winter Olympics are scheduled for February 6 to February 22, 2026.
This isn't just a Milan thing. It’s a massive logistical puzzle spreading across 22,000 square kilometers. You’ve got the urban vibe of Milan hosting the ice skating and hockey, but the "soul" of the games will be up in the Dolomites. Cortina d’Ampezzo, which hosted the Games back in 1956, is coming back for a second round.
Basically, if you want to watch the events, you’ll need to choose your "vibe." Do you want the fashion and espresso of Milan, or the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the mountains? Just a heads up: the travel between these spots isn't exactly a five-minute Uber ride. It’s going to be a spread-out, scenic, and likely very cold affair.
LA28: When the Summer Games Hit Hollywood
After the snow melts in Italy, all eyes turn to the United States. The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles are happening from July 14 to July 30, 2028.
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LA is doing something weird—in a good way. They aren't building any new permanent venues. Instead, they’re using what they already have, which happens to be some of the most famous stadiums on the planet. We're talking about the Rose Bowl, the LA Coliseum (hosting its third Olympics!), and the brand-new SoFi Stadium.
What’s New in LA?
The sports lineup for 2028 is honestly kind of wild. We are seeing some classic "American" flavors being added to the mix:
- Flag Football: Making its big debut.
- Squash: Finally getting its time in the sun after years of campaigning.
- Cricket: Returning for the first time since 1900. Yes, really.
- Lacrosse and Baseball/Softball: Making a comeback.
One thing people keep getting wrong: they think everything is in LA. It’s not. Softball and Canoe Slalom are actually happening in Oklahoma City. Why? Because LA didn't want to build new facilities when world-class ones already existed a few states over. It’s a bit of a trek for fans, but it’s a win for the "sustainability" goal the IOC is obsessed with lately.
The 2030s: France, Brisbane, and Utah
If you’re a real planner, you’re looking way past 2028. The schedule is actually filled out through 2034 now, which is pretty rare.
The French Alps 2030 (Winter)
France is keeping the momentum from Paris going. From February 1 to February 17, 2030, the Winter Games will be held in the French Alps. This bid was a bit of a last-minute scramble, but it’s going to be gorgeous. Expect events in places like Nice (for the ice sports) and Savoie. It’s basically a giant ski vacation with gold medals.
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Brisbane 2032 (Summer)
The Summer Games return to Australia from July 23 to August 8, 2032. This is a big deal for the "Sunshine State" of Queensland. Unlike the dense urban feel of London or Tokyo, Brisbane is planning a more "relaxed" atmosphere, though don't let that fool you—the heat in July there is actually their winter, so it’ll be perfect for outdoor sports without the 100-degree humidity.
Utah 2034 (Winter)
Salt Lake City is officially back. The 2034 Winter Olympics are set for February 10 to February 26, 2034. Utah has been itching for this since they hosted in 2002. They’ve kept their venues in incredible shape, so this is expected to be one of the most efficient Games ever.
Why the Locations Matter More Now
You've probably noticed a trend: the Olympics are returning to places that have done it before.
- Paris (2024) - Third time.
- Milan/Cortina (2026) - Italy’s fourth time.
- LA (2028) - Third time.
- Salt Lake (2034) - Second time.
The era of building "white elephant" stadiums that rot after the closing ceremony is over. The IOC is terrified of cities going bankrupt, so they’re picking "safe" hosts with existing infrastructure. For you, the fan, this means better transport, established hotels, and a bit more predictability.
Quick Reference: Where and When Are the Next Olympics?
To keep it simple, here is the rundown of the next decade:
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2026 Winter Games: Milano Cortina, Italy (Feb 6–22)
2028 Summer Games: Los Angeles, USA (July 14–30)
2030 Winter Games: French Alps, France (Feb 1–17)
2032 Summer Games: Brisbane, Australia (July 23–Aug 8)
2034 Winter Games: Utah, USA (Feb 10–26)
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you’re actually planning to attend any of these, don't wait until the year before.
For Milano Cortina 2026, ticket draws and volunteer applications usually open about 18-24 months out. You’re already in the window. Logistics in the mountains will be the biggest nightmare, so look for lodging in "hub" cities like Bolzano or Belluno rather than just the expensive resort towns.
For LA 2028, keep an eye on the "official hospitality" packages. Since LA is so spread out, where you stay depends entirely on what sports you want to see. If you love swimming, you’ll be in Inglewood (SoFi). If you’re there for track and field, you’ll want to be closer to Exposition Park.
Start a dedicated "Olympic Savings" fund now. Between flights, tickets that can range from $50 to $2,000, and the inevitable price-gouging on hotels, these trips are pricey. But honestly? Seeing an Olympic final in person is one of those bucket-list things that actually lives up to the hype.