Program Dates
2026 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.
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.
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.
Name Badges
WorldStrides-branded lanyards provide clear identification and easy access to our WorldAssist phone number, should your student need help.
Accident & Medical Insurance
For added protection, all travelers are automatically covered under WorldStrides' industry best accident, illness, and accident-related dental insurance.
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.
WorldAssist
WorldStrides staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help.
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.