I’ll never forget the day I called in “sick” to work just to witness soap opera legend Eric Braeden receive his star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. Standing there among hundreds of fans, watching him get emotional as he touched that gleaming star for the first time – it was absolutely EPIC! The energy was electric, paparazzi were everywhere, and I knew I was witnessing entertainment history. That moment is one of my favorite memories of living in Los Angeles, and is the reason why attending a Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony ranks on my list of the 101 best things to do in LA.
Now, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has just announced the star-studded Class of 2026, and I’m already feeling a cough come on (wink wink)! With powerhouse names like Demi Moore and Noah Wyle leading the pack, this year’s honorees represent the absolute best of entertainment – and the best free things to do in LA for any celebrity enthusiast.
The Star-Studded Class of 2026
Motion Pictures Category: A-List Glamour
The motion pictures category is absolutely stacked with talent that’ll have Hollywood Boulevard buzzing. Demi Moore, the iconic actress who dominated the ’90s with unforgettable performances in Ghost, A Few Good Men, and Indecent Proposal, finally gets the recognition she deserves. Her ceremony will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated events of the year.
Joining Moore are some of today’s hottest stars: Timothée Chalamet (I’m sure Kylie Jenner will be there too), Emily Blunt, and Oscar winner Rami Malek. The international flair comes courtesy of Marion Cotillard and Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone, while ’80s icon Molly Ringwald and beloved character actor Stanley Tucci round out this incredible lineup.
Television Category: Small Screen Royalty
The television category brings serious star power with Noah Wyle, the beloved ER heartthrob who now leads the cast of The Pitt. Wyle’s ceremony will be a celebration of the massive success of The Pitt, and a reminder that a career resurgence is always possible in Hollywood.
Other TV favorites include Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy herself!), celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, and the dynamic duo of Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos receiving a rare double ceremony. Bradley Whitford, Greg Daniels, and telenovela legend Lucero complete this stellar television class.
Recording Artists: Musical Diversity
Music lovers will flip for this eclectic mix featuring Miley Cyrus, who’s evolved from Disney star to Grammy-winning artist. The legendary Air Supply will have fans singing along to “All Out of Love,” while Bone Thugs ‘N Harmony represents hip-hop excellence. Josh Groban’s ceremony will be pure vocal magic, and The Clark Sisters bring gospel greatness to Hollywood Boulevard.
Live Performance & Sports Entertainment
Broadway legend Lea Salonga and comedy superstar Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias represent live performance, while basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal brings his larger-than-life personality to the Sports Entertainment category.
Planning Your Star-Studded Adventure
As someone who’s attended dozens of these ceremonies, here’s the insider scoop: these events are among the best things to do in LA, and they’re completely FREE! The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and its Walk of Fame Selection Panel congratulate all the honorees, but dates have not been scheduled for these star ceremonies yet. Recipients have two years to schedule star ceremonies from the date of selection before they expire, so there’s plenty of time to plan your celebrity spotting adventures.
Here’s what makes Walk of Fame ceremonies essential LA experiences:
- Free admission – seriously, one of the best free things to do in LA
- Celebrity sightings – famous friends always show up to support honorees
- Instagram gold – get that perfect shot with your favorite star’s ceremony
- Hollywood history – witness entertainment legends join the ranks of Walk of Fame immortality
Pro Tips for Walk of Fame Ceremonies
You’re gonna want to make the most of these events, so here are a few tips that will enhance this unique experience:
- Arrive Early: Get there at least 2 hours before the ceremony starts. The best spots fill up fast, especially for mega-stars like Demi Moore and Noah Wyle.
- Bring Essentials: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water, and a portable phone charger. As you’ll be arriving early, you don’t want your phone to die before you get the perfect shots of your favorite celebs.
- Follow @WalkofFameStar: Upcoming star ceremonies are usually announced ten days prior to dedication on the official website www.walkoffame.com, so stay tuned!
- Strategic Positioning: Position yourself near the podium for the best photos and celebrity spotting opportunities.
Why the Walk of Fame Never Gets Old
The Class of 2026 promises to deliver some of the most memorable ceremonies in recent years. From Demi Moore’s long-overdue recognition to Noah Wyle’s career resurgence, 2026 is shaping up to be an absolutely epic year for star ceremonies.
Attending a Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony perfectly captures everything I love about LA – the glamour, the unpredictability, and the dreams-come-true moments that happen right on our sidewalks. Whether you’re a longtime Angeleno or visiting from out of town, trust me, attending a Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony is a must-do event.
Keep following my adventures as I count down the 101 best things to do in LA. The Walk of Fame ceremonies are just the beginning of the amazing experiences this city has to offer!
