Karlsruhe and Kerkrade prepare for major international sporting and musical events

Karlsruhe is preparing to host The World Games 2029. Organizers plan to utilize existing venues, such as the Kongresszentrum, Messe Karlsruhe, and the Stadthalle, rather than constructing new facilities. Instead, temporary sporting venues will be established in the city center. The event will feature diverse disciplines including flying disc, gymnastics, tug-of-war, archery, Muay Thai, and sport climbing.

In Kerkrade, the 75th anniversary edition of the World Music Contest (WMC) is scheduled from July 9 to August 2, 2026. The competition has seen a 40 percent increase in registrations compared to the previous edition, with 146 participants from 28 nations across five continents. High-profile participants include the Brass Band Willebroek and the Flowers Band, alongside Japan’s Immortal Brass. The contest will feature categories for brass bands, percussion ensembles, and fanfare bands.