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24 Oct

19:30

Haventheater IJmuiden

Dokweg 43-45 1976 CA, IJmuiden

The 30th edition of the famous rainbow song contest will take place in IJmuiden, celebrating 50 years of COC Kennemerland with an evening of music, pride, and connection.

COC Song Contest

More info & tickets

30th Anniversary Edition

The 30th edition of the COC Song Contest in IJmuiden promises a festive evening. Contestants will compete for the win, judged by a professional jury. With performances by guest artists and the celebration of COC Kennemerland's 50th anniversary, it will be an evening full of music, pride, and connection.

IJmuiden is the host city for the 2026 COC Song Contest. During the last festival edition in 2025 in Middelburg, Marco Edam won for COC Kennemerland with the song “Schouders” (Shoulders). This brings the festival back to North Holland after four years.

“We are proud to organize the 30th COC Song Contest during our own anniversary year,” says Jasmijn Miete, chair of COC Kennemerland. “The location is also unique: the Haventheater in IJmuiden is located right by the North Sea. Especially in these times, it is important to make space for positivity, visibility, and awareness. We look forward to making this anniversary festival an unforgettable celebration of diversity!”

Tickets

Tickets can be ordered through the theater's website.

Regular Ticket: €24.50 (incl. cloakroom and intermission drink, excl. €3.25 service fee per booking).
COC Member Ticket: €19.50 (incl. cloakroom and intermission drink, excl. €3.25 service fee per booking). Please note: entry is only possible upon presentation of a valid COC membership card.

Afterparty

After the song contest (around 23:00), there will be an afterparty in IJmuiden. You do not need a separate ticket for this.

Participation

All COC associations affiliated with COC Nederland and other LGBTI+ organizations can participate with an entry. As an artist, you can join by contacting and registering through one of these organizations. Registration for this edition is open until September 26, 2026. More information can be found on www.cocsongfestival.nl.