The MLB All-Star Game transforms its host city into a week-long baseball celebration, with the Home Run Derby on Monday night, the All-Star Game on Tuesday, and surrounding events including the Futures Game, celebrity softball, and a fan festival that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors. The host city rotates annually among MLB ballparks, and planning your trip around the host city’s attractions is as important as attending the game itself.
According to MLB, the All-Star Game generates over $70 million in economic impact for the host city, reflecting the volume of fans who travel specifically for the mid-July event. The Home Run Derby has become the fan-favorite session — the crowd energy during 500-foot home runs is the most explosive atmosphere in baseball outside the postseason. This guide covers what to expect during All-Star Week, how to plan your trip, and why the host city matters as much as the game.
What Happens During MLB All-Star Week?
All-Star Week is a five-day event, not a single game. The Futures Game (showcasing top minor league prospects) kicks off the week. The celebrity softball game adds entertainment. The Home Run Derby on Monday night is the week’s headliner for fan energy. The All-Star Game on Tuesday is the main event. Fan Fest runs throughout the week at a convention center or adjacent venue with interactive baseball experiences.
The All-Star Week Schedule
- Saturday-Sunday — Futures Game and events: Top prospects showcase their skills. Fan Fest opens with interactive exhibits, autograph sessions, and memorabilia. The host city’s restaurants and attractions fill with visiting baseball fans
- Monday — Home Run Derby: The fan-favorite event. Eight of the league’s best power hitters compete in a bracket-style home run competition. The crowd energy during the finals — when every swing could end the round — is the most explosive atmosphere in baseball. Tickets are separate from the All-Star Game and often sell out faster
- Tuesday — All-Star Game: The American League vs. National League showcase game. The rosters feature the league’s best players, and the atmosphere — while more exhibition than competitive — carries the prestige of a mid-season celebration. The pregame introductions and the national anthem performance are highlights
How Do You Plan an All-Star Game Trip?
The host city is announced one to two years in advance, giving you maximum planning time. According to hotel data, All-Star Week hotel rates in the host city increase 80 to 150 percent above normal, with the steepest increases for properties near the ballpark. Booking three to four months ahead gives you the best pricing and availability.
Planning Tips
- Book hotel early: Three to four months ahead for the best pricing. Properties near the ballpark fill first and spike highest. One neighborhood over saves 30-40 percent while keeping you accessible
- Buy Home Run Derby tickets first: Derby tickets sell out faster than All-Star Game tickets and are often harder to find on the secondary market. If you can only attend one event, the Derby delivers the best atmosphere
- Explore the host city: All-Star host cities are selected for tourism appeal. Build in time for the city’s restaurants, attractions, and neighborhoods — the non-baseball portions of the trip are what make it a vacation rather than just a game
- Use a travel package: MLB packages from Major League Vacations bundle All-Star Week tickets (Derby + Game) with hotel and transportation — one booking for the entire event
Ready to plan your All-Star trip? Browse MLB travel packages or build a custom All-Star Week itinerary with Major League Vacations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do All-Star Game tickets cost?
All-Star Game tickets: $200-$600 on the secondary market. Home Run Derby tickets: $150-$500. Both events are ticketed separately. Packages that bundle both sessions offer better per-event pricing.
Which is better to attend — the Home Run Derby or the All-Star Game?
The Home Run Derby delivers the better atmosphere. The crowd energy during power-hitting exhibitions is more explosive and more sustained than the All-Star Game’s exhibition pace. If you can only choose one, choose the Derby.
When is the MLB All-Star Game?
Mid-July, typically the second or third Tuesday of the month. The Home Run Derby is the Monday before. The full All-Star Week runs Saturday through Tuesday.
Is All-Star Week worth traveling for?
Yes — the combination of the Home Run Derby, the All-Star Game, the fan festival, and the host city’s attractions creates a multi-day baseball celebration worth the trip. The Derby alone justifies attendance for most fans.
How far in advance is the host city announced?
One to two years ahead, giving you maximum planning time. This is significantly more lead time than any other major sporting event except the championship game and the Olympics.