Plan your visit
Whether you’re coming to enjoy the concert competitions, performing with your own ensemble, reporting as a journalist, or organizing a group trip – here you’ll find all the practical information you need.
Participant registration deadline: 1 November 2025
Gift cards: available from late November 2025
Ticket sales: start in January 2026
Festival dates: 9 July – 2 August 2026
For participants
Are you planning to participate in WMC 2026 with your wind band, fanfare, brass band or percussion ensemble? Here you’ll find the key dates and information for your ensemble.
Important dates
Registration deadline: 1 November 2025
Announcement of participants: 3 November 2025
Competition draw: 22 November 2025
Festival period: 9 July – 2 August 2026
Why take part in WMC?
- Experience the international wind music community
- Meet musicians from over 30 countries
- Perform on world-class stages
- Combine your participation with a performance during WMC Fringe
Register via My WMC and experience the magic of WMC 2026.
For visitors
The WMC is a unique experience: four weeks full of music, competition, and connection.
Discover world-class orchestras from around the globe during the concert competitions, enjoy open-air performances in the city park, and feel the energy of the marching and show contests at the Parkstad Limburg Stadium.
Venues: Rodahal, Theater Kerkrade, City Park, Market Square, and Parkstad Limburg Stadium
Accessibility: Easily reachable by train, bus, and car
Accommodation: Hotels, B&Bs, and campsites in the Parkstad Limburg region
Wheelchair Access: All festival venues are wheelchair accessible
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For press & media
Are you a journalist, photographer, or videographer and want to cover WMC 2026?
You will need a press accreditation.
Press Information
- Accreditation is required for access to press zones
- Applying does not guarantee approval
- Press materials are available in the WMC Media Toolkit
- For questions: marketing@wmc.nl
Applications for press accreditation will be available from Spring 2026.
For travel agencies
Do you organize group trips or musical city tours? The World Music Contest offers countless opportunities for travel agencies looking to bring music lovers or orchestras to Kerkrade.
Why collaborate with WMC
- Over 300,000 visitors during a single festival summer
- International top orchestras and shows
- Group discounts and tailor-made packages available
- Collaboration with local cultural partners
Contact the WMC Travel team for more information.
Stay connected!
Don’t miss a moment of WMC 2026!
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