69th International Rastede Music Days & 2nd EMC European Music Contest 2026
Over 3,000 musicians, street parade, and Bundeswehr Big Band — July 2nd to 5th, 2026
About Rastede Music Days 2026
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Top-Class Brass Music
The International Rastede Music Days have been a fixture on the European brass band calendar since 1958. The 69th edition in 2026 will once again bring bands, orchestras, big bands, and marching bands from Germany, Europe, and overseas to Rastede. The event is organized by the association of the same name, which traditionally hosts the festival in the Rastede Palace Park.
2026 Edition — Four Days of Programming
The 69th edition runs from Thursday, July 2nd, to Sunday, July 5th, 2026. For the first time in 2025, the European Music Contest (EMC) returns for its 2nd edition — a competition for brass bands from all over Europe. A total of over 3,000 musicians from around the world are expected.
Program Highlights
- Thursday, July 2nd, 7 PM: Opening with the Bundeswehr Big Band
- Friday/Saturday: Concerts, show blocks, and EMC competitions in various categories
- Saturday evening: Grand fireworks display over the Palace Park
- Sunday, July 5th, 10 AM: Grand street parade through Oldenburger Straße
- Sunday, 11:30 AM: EMC competition finals
Throughout all four days, there will be accompanying discos, smaller concerts, sessions, and meet-and-greet events. Several stages will be in use simultaneously.
Rastede — Palace Park as the Perfect Setting
The Rastede Palace Park is one of the few festival grounds in Europe with enough space for 3,000 musicians, multiple stages, competition venues, and a parade. The historic grounds with large clearings and avenues make the Music Days a visually and acoustically special experience.
Rastede Music Days 2026 — edition 2026
Key Dates
- Date: July 2nd–5th, 2026
- 69th Edition of the Rastede Music Days / 2nd EMC
- Location: Rastede Palace Park
- Participants: 3,000+ musicians from around the world
Programme Rastede Music Days 2026 2026
2026 Program
- Thursday, July 2nd, 7 PM: Opening evening with the Bundeswehr Big Band
- Friday, July 3rd: Concert evening with international brass and show bands, discos
- Saturday, July 4th: EMC competition blocks in several categories, stage concerts; in the evening, grand fireworks display
- Sunday, July 5th, 10 AM: Grand street parade through Oldenburger Straße with all participating bands
- Sunday, 11:30 AM: EMC competition finals and award ceremony
- Parallel: Discos, smaller stages, meet-and-greet and workshop formats
The complete lineup and competition categories will be updated on rastedermusiktage.de and emc-rastede.de.
Highlights Rastede Music Days 2026 2026
Prices Rastede Music Days 2026 2026
Practical information — Rastede Music Days 2026
Getting There
Rastede Palace Park, centrally located in town. Via the A 29 (Rastede exit). Train connection at Rastede station. Special parking available during the festival.
Admission
Day tickets and 4-day passes — details on rastedermusiktage.de. The Sunday street parade is traditionally open to the public.
Tip
Those who want to see the parade should secure a spot on Oldenburger Straße early. Saturday evening with the fireworks is a festival highlight.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Rastede Music Days 2026 al mejor precio.
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