Here’s Your Full Guide to All of ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 35 Themed Nights
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· CosmopolitanWe’re officially headed toward Week 4 of Dancing With the Stars season 35, which means more fun themed nights are on the way. Fans didn’t know which themes the contestants would be dancing to this time around for a minute, but thankfully, ABC just filled the final gap with their latest announcement. We no longer have to wonder! Spoiler alert: They’re honoring one of the most iconic musicians of all time, as well as the highs and lows of American football.
Now that we (mostly) know what to expect in the coming weeks, it’s time to study up on all the DWTS season 35 themes ahead.
Week 1
Premiere Night / Billboard No. 1 Hits
Air date: September 15, 2026
Eric McCandless//ABC
During the two-night season premiere, contestants performed to Billboard No. 1 hits from their birth year. Sarah Jane Nader, born in 2002, danced to Avril Lavinge’s “Sk8r Boi” while other celebs danced to tracks like 1999’s “Smooth” by Santana feat. Rob Thomas (Amber Glenn) and 1980’s “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton (Julia Stiles).
Week 2
Viral Hits Night
Air date: September 22, 2026
Christopher Willard//ABC
Not to be confused with Week 1’s theme, Viral Hits Night focuses on songs that popped off thanks to TV shows, movies, and social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Amber Glenn performed a Heated Rivalry-inspired Tango to “All the Things She Said” by t.A.T.u. and Harrison, while Maura Higgins opted for “September” by Earth, Wind, & Fire.
Week 3
Yacht Rock Night
Air date: September 29, 2026
Eric McCandless//ABC
The stars hit the ballroom with their take on Yacht Rock (and adjacent) tracks like “Never Too Much” by Luther Vandross (Ciara Miller) and “Maneater” by Hall & Oates (Tatyana Ali).
Week 4
Mariah Carey Night
Air date: October 6, 2026
WANG ZHAO//Getty Images
The 19-time Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper is being honored with an entire themed night on DWTS, where contestants will dance along to her songs, from “Fantasy” to “We Belong Together.” This isn’t the first time the show has shown love to a specific musician, either—just last season, they had an entire themed night highlighting Taylor Swift’s discography.
Week 5
Super Bowl Night
Air date: October 13, 2026
Harry How//Getty Images
Remember that final gap I mentioned earlier? Well, it was…this! According to the official announcement on Good Morning America, contestants will choreograph and perform routines featuring songs from legendary Super Bowl Halftime Shows over the years. Can’t wait to see who gets Beyoncé’s “Formation,” lol.
Week 6
Dedication Night
Air date: October 20, 2026
Eric McCandless//ABC
This one’s a real tear-jerker. Through their Dedication Night routines, contestants honor someone influential, inspiring, or deeply personal in their lives. (Yes, I’m still thinking of Derek Hough’s emotional number with his wife, Hayley Erbert, from Dedication Night in 2024.)
Week 7
Horror Movie Night
Air date: October 27, 2026
Christopher Willard//Getty Images
The show has done both Halloween Night and Horror Night before, so this isn’t the first time they’ve explored this theme. In the past, contestants have performed routines inspired by movies like Hellraiser, Us, Saw, and A Quiet Place.
Week 8
Disney Night
Air date: November 2, 2026
Eric McCandless//Getty Images
Disney Night is another recurring theme on DWTS, since ABC is owned by and operates under the Walt Disney Company. That being said, we’ve seen stars perform songs from beloved franchises like The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Moana over the years. Can’t wait to see which ones they feature this season!
Week 9
Grammy Night
Air date: November 10, 2026
Frazer Harrison//Getty Images
Though CBS and its streaming properties have aired the Grammys over the years, the celebrated awards show will officially kick off a 10-year deal with ABC (the same network that airs DWTS) in February 2027.
Grammy nominations are typically revealed in November, so this theme could potentially coincide with the announcement. It’s unclear whether contestants will perform songs by past Grammy winners or next year’s nominees, but I already know I’m seated.
Week 10
Semifinals
Air date: November 17, 2026
Christopher Willard//ABC
The stakes are higher than ever during the semifinals, when the final six pairs compete for a spot in the finale. As for which songs they perform, it’s kind of a wild card since they’re primarily chosen by producers weeks in advance.
Week 11
Finale
Air date: November 24, 2026
Eric McCandless//Getty Images
As opposed to the semi-finals, the final five pairs have more input for their season finale songs—especially for the freestyle dances, which the celeb and their pro partner choose through a collaborative process with the show’s producers. This theme has given us some of the best moments in DWTS history, from Corbin Bleu and Karina Smirnoff’s take on “Smooth Criminal” to JoJo Siwa and Jenna Johnson’s heartfelt celebration with Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way.”