While global attention continues to swirl around the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, Prince Jackson has quietly redirected the spotlight to something far closer to home—and far closer to his heart. In late January 2026, Prince announced the return of the “King of Popcorn” fundraiser, revealing that it is the only event for which he opens the gates of the legendary Hayvenhurst estate.
For longtime fans, Hayvenhurst isn’t just a property. It’s sacred ground.
Located in Encino, the 2-acre estate is where the Jackson family story crystallized and where Michael Jackson created some of the most influential music in history. Portions of Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad were shaped within its walls. The estate is typically closed to the public, protected not just by gates, but by legacy. That’s what makes Prince’s decision so meaningful.
This year’s “King of Popcorn” fundraiser—set for August 28 and August 30, 2026—will once again transform Hayvenhurst into an intimate, purpose-driven space. Guests will be invited onto the grounds for an outdoor “movie night under the stars,” complete with catered food, candy, and popcorn. The evening traditionally includes a screening of one of Michael Jackson’s iconic short films, followed by a live Q&A with members of his former creative circle.
In a first for 2026, Prince has also opened an additional room inside the Hayvenhurst home that has never before been accessible to the public, offering attendees an even deeper glimpse behind the velvet ropes.
But nostalgia isn’t the point.
All proceeds from the $500-per-ticket event benefit the Heal Los Angeles Foundation, which Prince co-founded to address food insecurity, housing instability, and educational inequality among at-risk youth in Los Angeles. For him, the fundraiser isn’t about preserving history—it’s about extending it.
Prince has repeatedly emphasized that his father instilled a strong sense of responsibility and empathy from an early age. “He taught us to lead with love,” Prince shared in recent fan updates, explaining that Heal LA is a direct continuation of those values. By using the family home as a platform for giving back, Prince is reinforcing that the Jackson name stands for more than entertainment—it stands for action.
The timing is deliberate. As the biopic MICHAEL prepares to introduce his father’s story to a new generation, Prince is focused on safeguarding what he calls Michael’s “living legacy.” While films and documentaries look backward, Heal LA looks forward—into classrooms, neighborhoods, and futures that still need help.
With high-profile support from Kings Auctions Inc. and accommodations arranged through Hotel Angeleno for international fans, the 2026 “King of Popcorn” fundraiser is expected to sell out quickly.
For Prince Jackson, opening Hayvenhurst isn’t a publicity move. It’s a promise—that the most personal place in his family’s history remains a place of purpose, generosity, and real-world impact.