Program Dates
2027 Season
Program Dates
Overview
Take the stage at the Chicago Heritage Festival and showcase your ensemble’s talents in the culture capital of the Midwest! Join choirs, orchestras, and bands from across the country to perform and receive helpful instruction and feedback by expert adjudicators. See Chicago’s top sights with optional experiences like a hop-on, hop-off bus tour or a visit to the Museum of Science and Industry. Your event culminates with an exciting Awards Ceremony, dinner, and tournament show at Medieval Times.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Chicago, IL
AIM Experience Master Class (optional)
Start the weekend off on the right note with your own customized master class—the AIM Experience. Spend 60-90 minutes with a professional clinician perfecting your festival performance, fine-tuning your skills, and reaffirming your classroom teachings.
Museum of Science and Industry (optional)
Housed in the only remaining building from the 1893 World's Fair, the largest science museum in the U.S. fills 400,000 square feet with hands-on exhibits.
Hotel check-in after 4PM
Day 2
First day of festival performance
After arriving at the concert venue, your group will warm up in a private rehearsal room. Each ensemble will have 30-35 minutes on stage. A panel of three adjudicators will provide written and recorded feedback for each performance. Following your performance, a select adjudicator will conduct a mini-clinic on stage with your group, providing valuable feedback and reinforcement for your classroom teachings. Groups will also have the opportunity to participate as an audience for other groups competing—giving your ensemble exposure to their peers.
The Chicago Theater (optional)
Take in a show at Broadway in Chicago, Drury Lane Dinner Theatre, Lyric Opera, or Chicago Symphony. There's always a wide range of shows, so there's something for everyone!
Day 3
Continue festival performances
Festival performances will continue throughout the day. Your performance time will be given to you weeks before your event, so you can plan your day accordingly.
The Sky Deck (optional)
Access the breathtaking view from one of the world’s tallest buildings via a high-speed elevator. Stand on "The Ledge," a glass balcony extending 4 feet outside the 103rd floor.
Exclusive Awards Ceremony at Medieval Times
Celebrate with friends, new and old, at your festival’s exclusive Awards Ceremony! Enjoy dinner & a tournament at Medieval Times followed by your official Awards Ceremony!
Day 4
More sightseeing or optional activities
Depart for home
Already Included
Performance in a national festival
Adjudication by a panel of three renowned music professionals
Hotel accommodations
Onstage clinic
Meals and activities (details in itinerary)
Exclusive awards ceremony
Accident & medical insurance coverage under WorldStrides' industry-leading policy
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Scenes from Chicago
Health & Safety
WorldStrides has been tackling the unprecedented for the last 55 years. Our experienced team is leading the way, constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing landscape for student travel. In addition, we have an extensive network in place to ensure the health and safety of all our participants.
Name Badges
WorldStrides-branded lanyards provide clear identification and easy access to our WorldAssist phone number, should your student need help.
Doctors on Call
An exclusive relationship with the George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates that grants our travelers 24/7 access to medical care through telehealth consultations.
WorldAssist
WorldStrides staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help.
AXA Mental Health Services
For added peace-of-mind, all travelers have confidential access to a behavioral health care specialist while on tour should the need arise.
Accident & Medical Insurance
For added protection, all travelers are automatically covered under WorldStrides' industry best accident, illness, and accident-related dental insurance.
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.