If you've been scrolling through social media trying to figure out where the stars are heading this summer, you aren't alone. Everyone wants to know where is the BET Awards 2025 happening, especially since it's the big 25th anniversary. Honestly, BET isn't messing around for the silver jubilee. They are pulling out all the stops for what they call "Culture's Biggest Night," and the logistics are finally set in stone.
The 2025 BET Awards Venue and Location
Basically, the 2025 BET Awards is returning to its home turf in Los Angeles. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Peacock Theater (formerly known as the Microsoft Theater) at L.A. Live.
Mark your calendars for Monday, June 9, 2025.
It's a bit of a shift from the usual Sunday night slot we're used to, but since it's the 25th anniversary, the network is stretching the celebration across a massive four-day weekend. The show will air live starting at 8:00 PM ET. If you are planning to be there in person, the "Red Carpet Live" pre-show usually kicks off a few hours earlier, around 5:00 PM local time.
The Peacock Theater has become the unofficial home for this event. It’s right in the heart of Downtown LA, surrounded by the energy of the Crypto.com Arena and the Los Angeles Convention Center. It makes sense. Why move a winning formula?
👉 See also: Questions From Black Card Revoked: The Culture Test That Might Just Get You Roasted
Who is hosting the 25th anniversary?
Kevin Hart is back. It's been over a decade since he last hosted in 2011, and his return is a huge deal for the brand. He’s been pretty vocal about how much this milestone means to him, calling it a "Black-Tie affair" and promising that his production company, Hartbeat, is working closely with Jesse Collins Entertainment to make it legendary.
The BET Experience (BETX) 2025
You can't talk about the awards without talking about the "Experience." Before the main event on June 9, the BET Experience 2025 will take over Los Angeles from June 5 to June 8.
This isn't just a concert; it’s a full-on takeover. Most of the action happens at the Los Angeles Convention Center, but they’ve got events scattered all over the city.
- Thursday, June 5: Buju Banton kicks things off at the Hollywood Palladium.
- June 7-8: The Fan Fest at the Convention Center. This is where you get the celebrity basketball games, the "106 & Park" reunions, and the "WayMaker Men’s Summit."
- Nightly Comedy: "ComicView" is making a comeback at The Miracle Theatre with Sheryl Underwood and Chris Spencer.
It’s a lot to keep track of. But if you're wondering where is the BET Awards 2025 hub, it's definitely that stretch of Downtown LA between Figueroa and Chick Hearn Court.
✨ Don't miss: The Reality of Sex Movies From Africa: Censorship, Nollywood, and the Digital Underground
Why the 2025 Venue Choice Matters
There was some chatter online about whether the show might move to Atlanta or even New York to celebrate 25 years. Atlanta is arguably the current capital of Black culture in the US, but LA offers the infrastructure that a massive live broadcast requires.
The Peacock Theater seats about 7,100 people. It’s intimate enough for the artists to feel the energy but big enough to house the insane stage designs BET is known for. Plus, having the show in LA allows the "Ultimate Icon" honorees—this year including Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx, and Kirk Franklin—to attend easily alongside the Hollywood elite.
Kendrick Lamar and the 2025 Nominations
Kendrick Lamar is the man of the hour. He’s leading the pack with 10 nominations, which isn't surprising given the year he's had. Doechii, Drake, and Future are also trailing close behind with six nods each.
The location choice also plays into the "West Coast" dominance we've seen in music lately. Having Kendrick potentially sweep the awards in his own backyard of Los Angeles is going to make for some incredible television.
🔗 Read more: Alfonso Cuarón: Why the Harry Potter 3 Director Changed the Wizarding World Forever
Practical Info for Fans
If you're trying to attend, tickets for the BET Experience and the awards show usually drop in phases. The Fan Fest is often free or low-cost with registration, but the main ceremony at the Peacock Theater is a much tougher ticket to snag.
Getting there: If you are driving, park in the South Hall Garage or the West Garage at L.A. Live. But honestly? Take a rideshare. Traffic in DTLA during a major award show is a nightmare you don't want to deal with, especially on a Monday evening.
Watching from home: If you can't make it to Los Angeles, the show airs live on BET, BET Her, and is usually available for streaming on Paramount+.
The 25th anniversary is shaping up to be a nostalgic trip. Between the "106 & Park" hosts reuniting and the tribute to icons like Mariah and Snoop, it’s clear BET wants to honor the past while staying anchored in the present.
Check the official BET website for the latest updates on the performer lineup, as they tend to add big names right up until the week of the show. You can also follow the hashtag #BETAwards to see real-time updates from the red carpet once June 9 rolls around.
Next Steps:
Check the official BET Experience website to register for Fan Fest tickets before they reach capacity. If you're planning to travel, book your hotel in the Downtown Los Angeles area now, as prices usually spike once the full performer lineup is announced.