The iconic Miss America competition is set to enter a new chapter as it approaches its 105th anniversary. This year, West Palm Beach has been selected as the host city for the prestigious pageant, with the crowning of the next Miss America scheduled for 6th September 2026. The event will take place at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, where delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands will compete for the coveted title.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Cassie-Donegan-Miss-New-York-crowned-Miss-America-2026-090825-6087a1b9726b4d33992efa9a7f10d351.jpg)
Current Miss America, Cassie Donegan, expressed her enthusiasm regarding the upcoming event. “I could not be more excited,” she stated in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. Donegan, who was crowned the 2026 titleholder on 7th September 2025 in Orlando, Florida, highlighted the significance of the event, not only for herself but for the Miss America Organisation as a whole. As she prepares to crown her successor, Donegan looks forward to passing on the responsibilities and visibility of the title to the next Miss America, who will become the 99th woman to hold the honour.
The announcement was made during Discover The Palm Beaches’ Travel Rally Day, coinciding with National Travel & Tourism Week. This occasion marks a significant moment for the Miss America Organisation, which aims to celebrate women’s achievements and the spirit of competition. The festival-like atmosphere surrounding the pageant is anticipated, with excitement permeating the air as contestants prepare for the challenge ahead.
Donegan reflected on her experiences over the past year, noting the philanthropic spirit and lively energy she has encountered in the West Palm Beach community. Her journey as Miss America has allowed her to engage in numerous opportunities, including performing at key events. She reminisced about a memorable performance of the national anthem at the America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona on 12th February 2026, demonstrating her capacity to combine her passion for performing with her duties as Miss America.
The Miss America Organisation sees this new venue as a pivotal moment in its history, with CEO Robin Fleming stating that hosting the event in the Palm Beaches symbolizes a progressive step forward. “It feels especially meaningful to announce this powerful next step for Miss America,” she said. Fleming’s comments underline the organisation’s commitment to promoting women’s empowerment through the opportunity that the Miss America title presents.
West Palm Beach is not only a picturesque location but also a vibrant community known for its rich cultural scene. The choice of this city reflects the organisation’s intention to infuse the competition with new energy and outreach, thus promoting its mission of service to women and society. The event is expected to resonate deeply with the local community, enhancing its appreciation for the values Miss America embodies.
With the pageant drawing closer, there is already speculation about the contestants who will take the stage. The competition will showcase a plethora of talent, intelligence, and commitment to service among the delegates, who have spent months preparing for this life-changing opportunity. The stakes are high, and the excitement builds as each state prepares to put forward its representative.
As the countdown to September 2026 begins, anticipation grows for this prominent event that promises to celebrate the achievements of women across the nation. It presents not only a chance for competitors to shine but also a platform for highlighting the positive impact women can have in their communities and beyond. The Miss America Organisation is poised for a landmark year as it embraces its legacy while looking towards the future.