• Two stages, three squares and lots of small events: The Aachen World Cup Special supporting program is spread across the entire city centre.
• The World Cup comes to town: the winners from the Soers present themselves daily on the stage at Katschhof, and there is plenty of music at the market.
• The World Equestrian Games have positive economic effects on trade, gastronomy and the hotel industry - and are priceless advertising for Aachen.

The World Equestrian Games bring the world to Aachen and the Aachen WEG Special brings the atmosphere and enthusiasm of the show from the Soers to the city center. A varied mixture of culture, culinary delights and rousing concerts will ensure World Championship flair. "We are bringing the World Champions to the city center - Aachen will become a stage for the equestrian sport. A strong supporting program will turn our city into an experience for guests, athletes and the entire urban community. From Katschhof to the market square, from culture to music: together with our partners, we have developed a program that will make Aachen shine as a host city far beyond the region," said Dr. Michael Ziemons, Lord Mayor of the City of Aachen, at the presentation of the Aachen WEG Special, already looking forward to the two weeks in August.

Till Schüler, Managing Director of MAC - Märkte & Aktionskreis City e. V., names the main points of contact: "We are delighted that we are able to organize this very rare event together with the City of Aachen and many other stakeholders. There will be a great program throughout the city centre that everyone can look forward to. The market, Katschhof and Münsterplatz will be the hotspots, it will be an extraordinary open-air atmosphere, the likes of which Aachen rarely experiences." Including a Ferris wheel on the Katschhof and a view across to the Soers.

Two stages at the two central squares in the
Old Town. Christian Mourad of creatEvent and Uwe Brandt of BRANDT konzept. coaching. inszenierung. go into even more detail. They’re getting everyone excited about the program on the Sparkassen Stage at the Markt and the STAWAG Stage on the Katschhof: “From August 11 to 23, we’ll be throwing a fantastic 13-day party in Aachen! We’re showcasing ourselves and our city as charming hosts for the World Championships with daily live shows, concerts, and top acts on the big stages in the city center! Let’s look forward to a fantastic celebration for everyone!” At the Katschhof, everything revolves around the World Championships: A daily World Championship show starting at 7 p.m. will feature the best moments of the day from the Soers. In addition to concerts by local artists, panel discussions with the riders, and award ceremonies, you can watch the entire tournament here via public viewing.

The market will be the party epicenter during the World Cup days. International and national bands, artists and performers will create an exuberant atmosphere - whether you're a horse fan or not, there's something for everyone: for example, sunny Latin pop by Álvaro Soler, rousing brass pop by Querbeat, laid-back reggae by Marley's Ghost, pop meets classical music with The Maestro, danceable Balkan beat by Shantel or the greatest hits by Elton John and Billy Joel in just one concert, interpreted by Elton & The Joels.

A Social Gathering Spot on
MünsterplatzMünsterplatz offers a quieter alternative to the bustling market: plenty of space to socialize over Euregional specialties at the temporary food market, while a children’s carousel leisurely turns its wheels nearby.

Heinrich Brötz, Head of the Department of Culture, is also looking forward to the event: "The World Equestrian Games is a great opportunity to offer local cultural players from various disciplines a stage and to provide the many people who come to Aachen with the best entertainment. The Kulturbetrieb has put together a program that reflects the diversity of our cultural landscape and will be visible everywhere in the city." Creative, spontaneous performances and local acts on Münsterplatz, in the Kurgarten, the Elisengarten, dance, acoustic walks, street art or a children's program in cooperation with the Bleiberger Fabrik are on the calling card of local culture.

Soers and Downtown – the whole city
togetherBirgit Rosenberg, board member of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V., praises the sense of community, the interaction, and the closeness between the athletic Soers and the festive downtown: “The close interconnection between sports, the city, and its people is what makes the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 so unique: the atmosphere of this event extends far beyond the boundaries of Soers. We want not only the athletes but also all guests to feel welcome and experience unforgettable days. It’s especially wonderful that the athletes also find their way into the city center—for example, to the Katschhof to mingle with the crowd and sign the city’s golden book. This sense of togetherness is a central part of the World Championships and reflects the spirit of Aachen.”

Economic Boost and Priceless PublicityThomas Hissel,
Head of the Economic Affairs Department, has more in mind than just thrilling sports or lively concerts: “The 2026 World Equestrian Games are not only a top-tier international sporting event, but also a powerful boost for Aachen as a business location. With the Aachen World Championships Special, we’re bringing the unique atmosphere of the World Championships to the city center, thereby generating additional foot traffic for retail, restaurants, and hotels while simultaneously boosting Aachen’s visibility far beyond the region. The fact that we’re putting together a high-quality supporting program for this in collaboration with strong sponsors sends an important signal about the city’s economic appeal and the close ties many partners have with our city.”

And: "The World Equestrian Games not only have a direct positive effect on Aachen's hotels, gastronomy and trade. The worldwide free image advertising for Aachen as a travel destination cannot be overestimated. It will remain sustainable - even far beyond the event," adds Katrin Hissel, aachen tourist service e.v..

For the latest information, visit: www.aachenwmspecial.de