If you're still buzzing from the energy of the last few years, you aren't alone. Everyone wants to know the same thing: where are the Summer Olympics going next? Honestly, it feels like we just finished watching the medals being handed out in Paris, but the Olympic machine never actually stops moving. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has already locked in the calendar for the next decade.
We’re heading back to the States soon. Then, it's a trip Down Under.
Planning your life around these massive sporting events isn't just for the athletes. Fans are already booking flights and scouring maps. If you've ever tried to find a hotel room in a host city three months before the Opening Ceremony, you know why people start asking "where are the Summer Olympics" years in advance. It's basically a survival tactic for your wallet.
The Next Stop: Los Angeles 2028
The 2028 Summer Olympics are coming to Los Angeles, California. This isn't LA’s first rodeo. Not even close. The city previously hosted in 1932 and 1984, which makes it one of the few places on Earth to host three different times.
The dates are already set for July 14 through July 30, 2028.
What's kinda cool about the LA28 plan is that they aren't building a bunch of shiny new stadiums that will sit empty and rot in five years. They’re using what they’ve already got. Think SoFi Stadium, the Rose Bowl, and the iconic LA Memorial Coliseum. Most of the events are clustered into "Sports Parks" around Downtown LA, Long Beach, and the San Fernando Valley.
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Surprising Fact: Even though it’s the "LA" Olympics, some events are happening way outside California. Because Los Angeles doesn't have a world-class canoe slalom venue or a massive softball stadium ready to go, those specific sports are moving to Oklahoma City.
Wait, Oklahoma? Yeah, for real. It’s part of a new "sustainability" push where the IOC is totally fine with cities sharing the load to save money.
New Sports You’ll See in 2028
- Flag Football: Making its big Olympic debut.
- Squash: Finally getting its time in the sun after decades of campaigning.
- Cricket: It’s back for the first time since 1900!
- Lacrosse: Returning to the medal program.
- Baseball/Softball: They’re making a comeback after being left out of the Paris rotation.
Heading to Brisbane in 2032
After the dust settles in California, the world moves to Brisbane, Australia, for the 2032 Summer Olympics. This will be Australia’s third time hosting, following Melbourne in 1956 and the legendary Sydney Games in 2000.
Brisbane won the bid in a way that was actually pretty controversial. They were the "preferred candidate" under a new, less competitive bidding system designed to stop cities from outspending each other into bankruptcy. Some people loved the efficiency; others felt like it lacked the drama of a traditional host city announcement.
The Brisbane Games are scheduled for July 23 to August 8, 2032.
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If you're planning to go, remember that July in Australia is technically winter. But don't pack your parka just yet. Brisbane is in the "Sunshine State" (Queensland), so the weather is basically perfect for outdoor sports—not too hot, not too cold. It’s a massive contrast to the sweltering heat we often see at Summer Games in the Northern Hemisphere.
The Great 2036 Mystery: Who is Left?
So, where are the Summer Olympics after Australia? That’s where things get murky. As of early 2026, there is no official host for 2036. The IOC is currently in "Continuous Dialogue" with several interested parties.
India is making a massive push. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been very vocal about bringing the Games to India for the first time, likely centered around Ahmedabad. But they have competition.
- Doha, Qatar: They have the 2022 World Cup infrastructure ready to go.
- Istanbul, Turkey: They’ve bid five times before and aren't giving up.
- Egypt: Aiming to be the first African nation to host.
- Germany: A multi-city bid is being discussed, potentially involving Berlin and Munich.
The selection for 2036 will likely happen sometime in late 2026 or 2027. The IOC doesn't follow a strict "7-year rule" anymore, so they can announce it whenever they feel the deal is right.
Why Do We Care Where the Summer Olympics Are?
It’s about more than just sports. When you ask where are the Summer Olympics, you’re really asking about the future of travel and urban development. Cities like Los Angeles are using the 2028 Games to fast-track massive transit projects. The "Twenty-eight by '28" initiative in LA is trying to finish 28 major rail and road projects before the torch arrives.
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If you live in these cities, it means years of construction and potentially higher rents. If you’re a tourist, it means a once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere.
How to Actually Get There
If you're serious about attending, the timeline is everything.
- Tickets: For LA28, registration for the ticket lottery officially opened in January 2026. If you haven't signed up on the official LA28 website yet, do it now.
- Flights: Airlines usually open bookings 330 days in advance. For the 2028 Games, August 2027 is when you should start hovering over the "buy" button.
- Volunteering: Applications usually open about 18 months before the Games. It's the best way to see the events for free, though you’ll be working your tail off.
The Olympic map is essentially a roadmap for the next decade of global culture. Whether it’s the traffic-heavy streets of Los Angeles or the riverfront of Brisbane, the location changes the "vibe" of the sport itself.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your passport: If it expires anytime in 2028, renew it at least a year early to avoid the "Olympic rush."
- Sign up for the LA28 newsletter: This is the only way to get official alerts for the next round of ticket draws and volunteer opportunities.
- Follow the 2036 bidding process: If you're a sports fan in India or Turkey, start paying attention to local infrastructure news—it’ll tell you more about the bid’s chances than any press release will.