It is Day 16, and just like that, the final day of the Paris Olympics 2024 is upon us. It has been weeks of intense events and competitions among the finest athletes in the world, showcasing their physical prowess and pushing the boundaries of human potential. Now, as the thrilling days draw to a close, the stage is set for a grand and fitting closing ceremony for the Games. This ceremony will celebrate the accomplishments and hard work of the athletes, as well as the success of the host city. It will also mark the official transfer of responsibility to the next hosts, LA 2028.

With major international acts rumored to perform, excitement is building for the Closing Ceremony—and rightly so! While Lady Gaga and Celine Dion delivered spectacular performances at the Opening Ceremony, it’s still unclear which stars will light up the stage at the Closing Ceremony. The event is expected to kick off a couple of hours after the final competition of the Olympics—the Women’s Marathon. As the Paris Games come to a close, read on to learn more about the closing ceremony and the anticipated performances.

Star performances and what to expect at the closing ceremony

All good things must come to an end, and the Paris Olympics are no exception. Officially started on July 26th, the Games will conclude on August 11th, when the Olympic Flame will be extinguished—only to be reignited four years later. Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the Opening Ceremony, is heading the Closing Ceremony. “I’ve designed a show in which the Olympic Games disappear once again, and someone comes along and founds them. It’s a very visual, very choreographic, very acrobatic show with an operatic dimension to give a great visual fresco and say goodbye to athletes from all over the world.” Jolly shared with Olympics.com. “Together, let’s make this evening a memorable and conscious celebration, honoring the past and embracing the future.” 

He describes the show as “very visual”, “acrobatic” and “operatic”, with a “great visual fresco”. And of course, there will be loads of fireworks! Apart from this, there will be the official parade of athletes and the lowering of the Olympic flag. All the participating nation’s flags will also be displayed, with swimmer Katie Ledecky and rower Nick Mead as flag bearers for Team USA. As for the Olympic ceremony hosts, we can expect Jimmy Fallon, Mike Tirico, Tara Lipinski, among others (according to NBC News).

The ceremony is expected to be a spectacular show, with world renowned singers, acrobats, dancers and various artists and performers coming together. While the details regarding the performances are hush-hush, there are speculations that artists like Beyonce, H.E.R., Billie Eilish, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ariana Grande, Snoop Dogg, French band Phoenix and Air, etc. could be putting on a show (as speculated by CBS News and ABC News). Tom Cruise could also be a part of the ceremony somehow. But again, this is all guesswork, and to really know the truth, we’ll have to tune in right on time! Let us know when and where to tune in order to witness the grand spectacle.

Paris Olympics closing ceremony: When and where?

The closing ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, with the actual ceremony starting at 3 pm E.T. The duration of the ceremony is expected to be around two hours. For US viewers, an encore telecast will play during primetime. The ceremony will be available to stream on NBC, Peacock and NBC Olympics.

While the opening ceremony took place on the Seine between the Pont d’Austerlitz and the Pont d’Iéna, the closing ceremony will move away from the open-air venue. Instead, it will be held in the 80,000-seat Stade de France. This grand stadium, which hosted various events like track races and rugby during the Paris Games, was filled with a competitive spirit throughout the Games. However, as the closing ceremony approaches, the stadium will be transformed into an expansive concert hall, shifting the atmosphere to one of celebration, enjoyment, and laughter.

Guess it’s time to bid adieu to the 2024 Paris Games, and we’d rather do it with a smile. Until next time, au revoir Paris!