International Festival of Military Music
The major gathering of military orchestras and bands from around the world
About Albertville Military Music
The International Festival of Military Music: half a century of tradition in Albertville
Since 1976, the Albertville International Festival of Military Music has perpetuated a unique musical and military tradition in France. Born from the historical presence of the Alpine Hunters in the Tarentaise valley, this festival celebrates the art of military music in all its diversity: brass bands, wind orchestras, marching bands, legion bands, and prestigious ensembles from the armies of the world.
A grandiose show at the Halle Olympique
The festival's grand shows take place at the Halle Olympique in Albertville, a venue built for the 1992 Winter Olympics. This emblematic location, which can accommodate several thousand spectators, offers an ideal setting for the spectacular demonstrations of military orchestras: geometric formations, choreographed movements, thunderous fanfares, and highly virtuosic pieces.
The shows, scheduled for Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon, are the highlight of the festival. They bring together the invited ensembles on stage for a program combining traditional military music, adaptations of great classics, and contemporary creations.
Nations from around the world
Each edition features several nations, inviting their most prestigious military musical ensembles. Over the 45 editions, the festival has hosted orchestras from dozens of countries: France (Foreign Legion, Alpine Hunters, bands from the Army, Air Force, and Navy), Belgium, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Mexico, Japan, and many others.
This international dimension gives the festival a unique character, allowing the public to discover the military musical traditions of very different cultures, from European brass bands to American marching bands, as well as exotic ensembles from Asia and Latin America.
Parades and serenades in the city
Beyond the indoor shows, the festival takes over the streets of Albertville with parades and serenades that liven up the city center. These popular and free events allow the public to see the ensembles parade in ceremonial uniform, creating a festive and patriotic atmosphere in the Savoyard city.
Albertville Military Music — edition 2026
The 46th edition of the International Military Music Festival will be held on Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5, 2026 in Albertville. Under the banner of the 400th anniversary of the French Navy, this edition will bring together military orchestras and brass bands from several nations at the Halle Olympique for two days of parades, serenades, and grand musical shows.
46th Edition — July 4 and 5, 2026
The Albertville International Military Music Festival returns for its 46th edition on Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5, 2026. On the first weekend of July, the Halle Olympique once again welcomes military orchestras and brass bands from several nations for two days of shows, while free parades and serenades animate the city center.
The 2026 theme: the 400th anniversary of the French Navy
The 2026 edition honors the 400th anniversary of the French Navy, with a particular focus on the city of Albertville (exhibition and conference on wood rafting, which from 1824 was used to supply the Toulon arsenal).
Guest formations
Among the formations announced for 2026 are the Bagad de Saint-Mandrier, the Bagad Kemperle, a formation from the Sultanate of Oman, the Big Band de l'Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace, as well as the 27e Bataillon de Chasseurs Alpins. As every year, free parades and serenades punctuate the weekend in addition to the grand paid shows at the Halle Olympique.
Programme Albertville Military Music 2026
Saturday, July 4, 2026
- Parades and serenades in Albertville city center (free access)
- Grand show by guest formations at the Halle Olympique (evening, paid)
Sunday, July 5, 2026
- Serenades and parades in the city center (free access)
- Grand show by guest formations at the Halle Olympique (afternoon, paid)
Formations announced for this 46th edition, held under the banner of the 400th anniversary of the French Navy: Bagad de Saint-Mandrier, Bagad Kemperle, formation from the Sultanate of Oman, Big Band de l'Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace, 27e Bataillon de Chasseurs Alpins. The precise show times will be confirmed by the organizer; ticketing is managed via the Halle Olympique.
Highlights Albertville Military Music 2026
- 46th edition on July 4 and 5, 2026
- Edition held under the banner of the 400th anniversary of the French Navy
- Announced formations: Bagad de Saint-Mandrier, Bagad Kemperle, Sultanate of Oman, Big Band de l'Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace, 27e BCA
- Grand shows at the Halle Olympique in Albertville
- Free parades and serenades in the city center
Prices Albertville Military Music 2026
Practical information — Albertville Military Music
Practical Information
Access
By car: Albertville is accessible via the A430 motorway from Chambéry (50 min) and via the N90 from the Tarentaise resorts. Free parking available near the Halle Olympique.
By train: Albertville station, served by TER from Chambéry (40 min).
Main Venue
Halle Olympique d'Albertville, Avenue de Winnenden, 73200 Albertville. Hall built for the 1992 Winter Olympics, capable of accommodating several thousand spectators.
Typical Program
Saturday: parades and aubades in the city centre (free). Grand show in the evening at the Halle Olympique.
Sunday: aubades and parades (free). Grand show in the afternoon at the Halle Olympique.
Ticketing
Tickets for shows at the Halle Olympique are on sale at www.halleolympique.com and usual points of sale. Full price: €25. Teenager (12-18 years): €15. Child (3-12 years): €10. Free for under 3s. Parades and aubades in the city centre: free.
Contact
Email: [email protected] — Phone: 06 68 28 27 36 / 06 23 78 04 80
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Where does it take place — Albertville Military Music
Halle Olympique d'Albertville
Avenue de Winnenden, 73200 Albertville