The only we thing we love more than music is tennis.  Our favorite summer tradition is the US Open, which takes place in NYC for a glorious 2 weeks at the end of August.  After spending months cheering for our favorite players on TV, we can’t wait to finally get up close to the action.  

Lucky for us, the US Open kicks off with an amazing event that combines both tennis and music:  Arthur Ashe Kids Day!  It’s one of our favorite events of the year, as they always do an outstanding job booking exciting young artists.  The event also raises money for charity, in the spirit of event namesake Arthur Ashe, as professional players and amateur youngsters from around the country compete in fun challenges to benefit various foundations. There are 2 stages at the event:  The main show in Arthur Ashe Stadium, which requires a ticket, and the Hess Express Stage on the grounds of the USTA, which is free and open to the public.

Musicians (Arthur Ashe Stadium): Ticket Required
Hunter Hayes
The Vamps
MKTO
Madison Beer
McClain
Shawn Mendes ***

Players (Arthur Ashe Stadium Stadium): Ticket Required
Novak Djokovic
Rafael Nadal

Musicians (Hess Express Stage): Free Entry!
Kalin & Myles
The Bomb Digz

***Shawn Mendes was moved from the Hess Express Stage to the Main Stadium — you’ll need a ticket to see him perform, tickets start at $10.

Arthur Ashe Kids Day 2014
Saturday, August 23rd
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, NY
Gates at 9:30am; stadium show begins at 1:00pm
Buy Tickets
Info on Grounds Admission

The grounds at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center are free and open to the public!  Activities around the grounds include exhibition matches, beat the pro challenges, face painting, tennis lessons and more!  If you’re lucky you just might catch your favorite player hitting the practice courts!  Rising artists are also featured on the Hess Express Stage.  Gates open at 9:30am.  Visit AAKD.com for more info!

Not in NYC?  You can watch AAKD on CBS Sunday, August 24th!

You never know what can happen at Arthur Ashe Kids Day .. check out Carly Rae Jepsen’s performance of “Call Me Maybe” from 2012, featuring Novak Djokovic!

Be sure to follow Arthur Ashe Kids Day & Secret Fangirls on Twitter for more updates!