Andrew McMahon to Headline Opening Ceremony 2026

COLUMBUS, Ohio (April 27, 2026) – Pelotonia announced today that Andrew McMahon, the celebrated singer-songwriter known for his work as the frontman of Something Corporate, Jack’s Mannequin and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, will headline Opening Ceremony 2026 on Friday, July 31, in downtown Columbus.  

Each year, Opening Ceremony kicks off Pelotonia Ride Weekend on Friday evening to gather about 15,000 guests for a community party of celebration, impactful programming and entertainment ahead of the two-day signature cycling event. Opening Ceremony takes place on the grounds of McFerson Commons and North Bank Park in the Arena District of downtown Columbus. Previous Pelotonia musical acts include O.A.R., Andy Grammer, Sheryl Crow, Counting Crows and more.   

“There is incredible energy and anticipation every year around our Opening Ceremony headliner, and it’s an experience that truly brings the Pelotonia community together,” said Joe Apgar, Pelotonia CEO and cancer survivor. “Andrew McMahon’s journey as a cancer survivor makes his performance on the Pelotonia stage even more meaningful. His music will energize the crowd to kick off Ride Weekend, and his personal story will resonate with so many who are part of our mission of ending cancer.” 

Born in Massachusetts, McMahon moved to Bexley, a suburb of Columbus, Ohio, where his family lived for some of his elementary and middle school years before moving to southern California. His love for music started at an early age and grew into a career spanning more than two decades.  

McMahon has built a legacy defined by resilience, reinvention and deeply personal songwriting. From early success with Something Corporate to his critically acclaimed solo project Jack’s Mannequin and his current work as Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, he has sold nearly 2.5 million albums and surpassed 1.3 billion global streams.  

McMahon is recognized for hits that span his career including “Cecilia and the Satellite,” “Fire Escape,” “Dark Blue,” “Konstantine” and “The Mixed Tape” as well as for dynamic live performances at major music festivals including Coachella, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits. He has toured alongside Weezer, Panic! At The Disco, Gavin DeGraw, Dashboard Confessional, and even his idol, Billy Joel. McMahon also received an Emmy nomination for his work on the NBC show “Smash.”  

Beyond his musical accomplishments, McMahon’s story is deeply connected to Pelotonia’s mission. At age 22, he was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia in 2005—a life-altering experience that has shaped both his music and his advocacy. In 2006, McMahon founded the Dear Jack Foundation to support adolescents and young adults facing cancer, using his platform to raise awareness and provide resources from diagnosis through survivorship.

Opening Ceremony on July 31 

Opening Ceremony is open to Pelotonia 2026 Ride Weekend Riders, Gravel Day Riders and Runners/Hikers, plus Volunteers or Challengers who have raised a minimum of $1,250 by July 30.  

Entry gates will open at 4:00 p.m., the stage program will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the headliner music performance by Andrew McMahon will start at 7:00 p.m.    

Those interested in attending Opening Ceremony 2026 are encouraged to register early as Pelotonia participants. Registration is open for Ride Weekend road cycling routes on August 1 and 2 and for Gravel Day gravel cycling routes, mountain biking routes, and trail run/hike on October 3.