Here’s how to enjoy the 2016 BET Experience for about $200

Now in its fourth year, the BET Experience hasn’t slowed its ambitions to be the preeminent celebration of black music. There are four days of action across multiple venues at downtown’s L.A. Live.

Among a heaping of free and ticketed events, we curated the perfect schedule for you and a friend for about $200 per person.

Thursday:

Watch “106 & Park Live.” BET’s countdown show went off the air in 2014, but it’s resurrected for the weekend. It’s worth catching -- if not for nostalgia’s sake, there’s sure to be plenty of performances and celebrity appearances. Microsoft Square, 3 p.m.

Cost: Free

Pro tip: Download the festival’s app to register for a seat.

Friday:

Usher at Staples Center. The R&B-pop hit maker is the one headliner to splurge on. He’s got an exhaustive list of recognizable smashes – “Love in This Club,” “OMG” and “Yeah!” among them. Plus the show is the first major gig for his comeback record so expect a preview. Staples Center, 7:30 p.m.

Cost: $212 for a pair of tickets in the 200 level

Pro tip: Get there early. The supporting lineup is stellar with rising alt-R&B/hip-hop singers Bryson Tiller and Kehlani (whose Grammy nominated mixtape “You Should Be Here” was one of 2015’s standouts) and rapper Madeintyo sharing the bill.

Saturday:

Get your rap fix at the free expo. Historically the rap spectacle at Staples is the weekend’s biggest draw -- Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, Fetty Wap and Ty Dolla Sign anchor this year -- but the Saturday offerings at the BET Fan Fest is the budget-conscious way to go.

First hit the “Genius Talk” discussion with rap personality, producer and Snapchat superstar DJ Khaled (4 p.m.). A live staging of Nick Cannon’s rap-centric improv show, “Wild ’N Out,” is next (6 p.m.).

Then take in the first half of a panel featuring rap moguls Birdman, Snoop Dogg and Jermaine Dupri, moderated by hip-hop radio legend Angie Martinez (7 p.m.) and the last half of the rap showcase with Fat Joe and Remy Ma, Kanye West protégé Desiigner and emerging “femcee” Dreezy. Los Angeles Convention Center, 12-9 p.m.

Then groove with the Roots until Sunday morning. The Roots’ late-night, star-studded jam sessions have proved to be can’t-miss shows. There’s usually a theme -- time traveling through the glory days of rap one year, or paying tribute to late influential producer and rapper J Dilla another. Come ready to endure a marathon of grooves. The Novo, 11 p.m.

Cost: Fan expo is free, $176 for a pair of balcony tickets to the Roots at the Novo

Pro tip: Wear comfy shoes -- it’s a hike from the convention center to the Novo, formerly known as Club Nokia, and last year the Roots jammed past 2 a.m.

Sunday:

Watch the BET Awards from your couch. There’s no need to make the trek back to L.A. Live. Stay home and watch Sunday’s telecast with friends.

Sheila E., Janelle Monae, the Roots and D’Angelo will lead the highly anticipated Prince tribute. Maxwel will make his comeback, and Alicia Keys, Future, Usher and Bryson Tiller are also booked.

Have the DVR handy in case Beyoncé drops in. She’s long overdue to perform, having not done so in person since 2009 -- and with the year she’s having, a return for her to the BET stage feels imminent.