Enhance your congress experience by exploring the social programme. Enjoy concerts, networking opportunities, cultural moments and special events designed to celebrate music, connection and the spirit of the global music therapy community.
Browse the activities below and click on any title to learn the full details!
The 18th World Congress of Music Therapy will open and will end with a special musical performance featuring a string quintet, piano, soprano, and guest vocalist. The Opening Ceremony will welcome participants with a concert inspired by Italy’s musical heritage. Through a programme spanning classical music, film scores, and songs that have become part of the country’s cultural identity, the Italian community extends its welcome to delegates from around the world.
The concert opens a week dedicated to music therapy, the sharing of scientific knowledge, and new discoveries, reflecting the congress theme and highlighting the role of music in fostering cultural exchange and dialogue. We kindly invite all participants who wish to attend from the very beginning to enter the hall quietly and with respect for the music and the musicians, and to enjoy this special moment together. Don’t miss it!
Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Time: 18:30-20:00
Venue: Europa Meeting Room (1° floor of Palazzo dei Congressi)
Do you want to save or print the details of this activity? Download the social program and take it with you!
Part I
Part II
Join us for the official Welcome Cocktail at the Palazzo dei Congressi and start your congress experience in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. This informal networking event offers the perfect opportunity to meet fellow delegates, reconnect with colleagues, and establish new professional connections before the scientific programme begins.
The Welcome Cocktail is included in the congress registration fee.
Pre-conference seminar participants and accompanying persons can buy the ticket at the Registration Desk (€35,00 VAT included).
Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Time: 20:00-21:30
Venue: Catering Areas (ground floor of Palazzo dei Congressi and EX GAM)
Do you want to save or print the details of this activity? Download the social program and take it with you!
A special moment to discover the Ukulele del Sorriso charity project, supporting the presence of music therapy in hospitals and pediatric wards through the auction of a ukulele signed by renowned artists.
A heartfelt initiative that combines music, solidarity, and a special surprise for participants.
Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Time: 19:00-19:15
Venue: Europa Meeting Room (1° floor of Palazzo dei Congressi)
Do you want to save or print the details of this activity? Download the social program and take it with you!
Founded in 2014 within the Mente Locale project, the Rock Spectrum Experience Band grew from a music therapy pathway that promotes inclusion and social participation through ensemble music-making. Bringing together neurodiverse musicians, students, and professionals, the band has performed extensively in Italy and abroad, demonstrating the power of music to create connection, expression, and community.
We kindly invite all participants who wish to attend from the very beginning to enter the hall quietly and with respect for the music and the musicians, and to enjoy this special moment together. Don’t miss it!
Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Time: 19:15-20:15
Venue: Europa Meeting Room (1° floor of Palazzo dei Congressi)
Do you want to save or print the details of this activity? Download the social program and take it with you!
Rhythm guitar
Piano & keyboards
Bass & musical director
Drums & percussions
Piano & keyboards
Drums & percussions
Vocals & backing vocals
Vocals & backing vocals
We warmly invite all participants to join us for this special moment and be part of the official Congress memory. Don’t miss the opportunity to be in the group photo!
The Congress is also on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. We invite you to share your experience and photos using the hashtag #WCMT2026
Date: Friday, July 10, 2026
Time: 10:30-10:45
Venue: Europa Meeting Room (1° floor of Palazzo dei Congressi)
Do you want to save or print the details of this activity? Download the social program and take it with you!
The WFMT Assembly is the key gathering of the WFMT membership, bringing together members from around the world for the General Business Meeting, both in person and online. During this important session, members will discuss WFMT matters and elect the new term of leadership for 2026–2029.
Date: Friday, July 10, 2026
Time: 13:00-15:00
Venue: Italia Meeting Room (1° floor of Palazzo dei Congressi)
Do you want to save or print the details of this activity? Download the social program and take it with you!
The Italian Professional Associations Meeting is a unique event, bringing together for the first time the three Italian associations in a shared meeting created through their collaboration. This special gathering represents an important moment of exchange, connection, and cooperation, offering an opportunity to celebrate the development of music therapy in Italy and strengthen relationships within the community.
The event is open to students and professionals, including those who are not affiliated with any of the three associations.
Date: Friday, July 10, 2026
Time: 19:00-20:00
Venue: Italia Meeting Room (1° floor of Palazzo dei Congressi)
Do you want to save or print the details of this activity? Download the social program and take it with you!
Celebrate the connections made during the Congress in the unique setting of Palazzo Re Enzo, one of Bologna’s most iconic historic building located in the heart of the Bologna City Centre.
Built between 1244 and 1246 as an extension of the Palazzo del Podestà, it is named after King Enzo of Sardinia, son of Emperor Frederick II, who was imprisoned here for over 22 years following the Battle of Fossalta in 1249. Today, this magnificent medieval palace is a prestigious venue for conferences, cultural festivals, and private events, combining its rich historical heritage with the vibrant atmosphere of modern Bologna.
The Social Dinner is an opportunity to enjoy an evening of fine food, conversation, and entertainment while sharing memorable moments with colleagues and friends from around the world. The dinner will be served as a buffet with seated tables. Have a look at the menu!
Dress code: smart elegant.
The Social Dinner is not included in the congress registration fee. Participants who have not already purchased a ticket online may purchase one on-site at the Registration Desk, subject to availability (€95.00, VAT included).
Please, note that:
Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026
Time: 20:00-23:30
Venue: Palazzo Re Enzo (Piazza del Nettuno 1/C, Bologna)
Do you want to save or print the details of this activity? Download the social program and take it with you!
Join us as we celebrate the conclusion of the 18th World Congress of Music Therapy, reflecting on an inspiring week of learning, collaboration, and shared experiences, while looking ahead to the future of our global community.
Together, we have exchanged knowledge, strengthened international partnerships, explored new perspectives, and celebrated the unique ability of music therapy to foster meaningful human connections across cultures and communities. As we close this Congress, let us carry forward the inspiration, friendships, and professional relationships built in Bologna, continuing to shape the future of music therapy together.
Date: Sunday, July 12, 2026
Time: 12:00-13:30
Venue: Europa Meeting Room (1° floor of Palazzo dei Congressi)
Do you want to save or print the details of this activity? Download the social program and take it with you!
During the congress, the WFMT commission reports will be presented. These reports summarize the work and activities carried out by the committees over the past three years.
Date: from Wednesday to Saturday
Time: lunch time
Venue: Brown Meeting Room (ground floor of Palazzo dei Congressi)
Do you want to save or print the details of this activity? Download the social program and take it with you!
Throughout the congress, the foyer will host informal jam sessions, inviting delegates to meet, play, and connect through music in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Date: from Wednesday to Sunday
Time: different times
Venue: Jam Session Stage (ground floor of Palazzo dei Congressi)
Do you want to save or print the details of this activity? Download the social program and take it with you!
Discover the winning entries from the photo competitions organized by the WFMT Public Relations Commission during the World Music Therapy Weeks of the last three years (2023-2026). This exhibition offers a visual look into music therapy practices and communities worldwide. We invite you to visit the gallery, connect with these global stories and share your favourite images on social media using #WCMT2026.
Date: from Wednesday to Sunday
Venue: Jam Session Stage (ground floor of Palazzo dei Congressi)
Do you want to save or print the details of this activity? Download the social program and take it with you!
Visit our welcoming lounge, open to everyone throughout the congress, to connect and share your journey! This area is yours to tell your congress story through social media, with friendly volunteers often around to get you involved in special storytelling ideas. Drop by, step in front of our backdrop and help us capture the true spirit of #WCMT2026!
Upload your selfies to the congress App to share your experience with fellow participants.
Date: from Wednesday to Sunday
Venue: Social Hub (ground floor of Palazzo dei Congressi)
Do you want to save or print the details of this activity? Download the social program and take it with you!
Opening ceremony
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
18:30-20:00
Europa Meeting Room
(1° floor of Palazzo dei Congressi)
Welcome cocktail
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
20:00-21:30
Catering Areas
(ground floor of Palazzo dei Congressi and EX GAM)
Ukulele del Sorriso - Charity project presentation
Thursday, July 9, 2026
19:00-19:15
Europa Meeting Room
(1° floor of Palazzo dei Congressi)
Rock Spectrum live concert
Thursday, July 9, 2026
19:15-20:15
Europa Meeting Room
(1° floor of Palazzo dei Congressi)
Congress group photo
Friday, July 9, 2026
10:30-10:45
Europa Meeting Room
(1° floor of Palazzo dei Congressi)
WFMT assembly
Friday, July 10, 2026
13:00-15:00
Italia Meeting Room
(1° floor of Palazzo dei Congressi)
Italian Professional Associations Meeting
Friday, July 10, 2026
19:00-20:00
Italia Meeting Room
(1° floor of Palazzo dei Congressi)
Social dinner
Saturday, July 11, 2026
20:00-23:30
Palazzo Re Enzo
(Piazza del Nettuno 1/C, Bologna)
Closing ceremony
Sunday, July 12, 2026
12:00-13:30
Europa Meeting Room
(1° floor of Palazzo dei Congressi)
WFMT Commission presentations
From Wednesday to Saturday
Lunch time
Brown Meeting Room
(ground floor of Palazzo dei Congressi)
Informal jam sessions
From Wednesday to Sunday
Different times
Jam Session Stage
(ground floor of Palazzo dei Congressi)
Photo winners' exhibition
From Wednesday to Sunday
Always
Jam Session Stage
(ground floor of Palazzo dei Congressi)
Social hub
From Wednesday to Sunday
Always
Social Hub
(ground floor of Palazzo dei Congressi)