What does WOMEX 26 mean for holidaymakers and residents in the south?
For holidaymakers and residents in the holiday areas in the south of Gran Canaria, daily life will barely change. The event is concentrated on the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus and the Plaza Jerónimo Saavedra in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. No general road closure or changed traffic rules for residents were mentioned in the sources checked.
Anyone wishing to attend the music fair must travel from the south to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. From Gran Canaria Airport, the journey to the venue takes around 25 minutes by taxi or car, according to the organiser. By public transport it takes around 50 minutes.
The event area is accessible step-free via ramps. The venue is next to the Las Arenas shopping centre and the Las Canteras beach promenade.
Which concerts and programme items are there?
The concerts take place in several halls of the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, including the Sala Sinfónica, the Sala Gabriel Rodó and the Sala San Borondón.
At the opening on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, performers include Ale Acosta, Julia Rodríguez, Marta Bolaños as well as Alba Carmona and Jesús Guerrero.
The trade fair will be set up on the Plaza Jerónimo Saavedra, formerly known as Plaza de la Música. Conferences, film screenings, showcases, receptions and the opening and closing ceremonies are held in the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus.
Who can attend the fair and the concerts?
The fair is aimed primarily at music professionals. Participation requires registration, which is open according to the organiser. Delegates receive a non-transferable wristband and a badge on entry and must present proof of identity.
For the general public there is a limited number of tickets for night concerts and film screenings. The trade fair, conferences, the opening and the awards ceremony remain reserved for registered delegates.
The trade fair has the following opening hours: on 21 October from 14:00 to 18:00, and from 22 to 24 October each day from 10:00 to 18:00.
What does participation cost?
Prices, access requirements for individual concerts, registration deadlines and special arrangements for residents, expats or tourists are not quantified in the official information available.
Registration covers all five days. There is no day ticket for trade visitors. The walk-up rate ends on 24 October 2026.
Specific ticket prices in euros for individual public concerts were not quantified in the official information available.
What figures does the city cite for the size of the fair?
The city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria cites figures for trade delegates, exhibition stands, exhibiting companies, artists and trade journalists that could not be verified.
The organisation cites around 2,600 professionals in other information.
What is still open?
Specific ticket prices in euros for individual public concerts have not yet been published. Possible free public events, road closures, additional bus services and detailed effects on businesses or residents are also not known.
The WOMEX website states 21 to 25 October 2026.
WOMEX 26 is the 32nd edition of the World Music Expo. The fair was founded in Berlin in 1994 and is organised by Piranha Arts with local partners. The previous edition took place in Tampere, Finland.