Night of Military Music
DISCOVER THE POWER OF MUSIC IN A UNIQUE SETTING!
On Saturday 21 March 2026, the time has come: the twelfth edition of the Night of Military Music! An annually sold-out music festival at the National Military Museum with around 3,000 visitors.
During the Night of Military Music, you’ll experience an evening full of moving music and connection: from classic military marches to contemporary interpretations, in the unique setting of the National Military Museum. Let yourself be carried away by more than 200 passionate musicians and celebrate spring together!
Music will sound as a beacon of hope and peace on Saturday 21 March 2026, during the twelfth edition of the music festival. Enjoy over 30 performances on seven stages, listen to the stories of Ukrainian professional musicians, experience the impressive Sunset Ceremony, and discover music in the most surprising places in the museum…
Theme | Highlights | Programme | Reviews | Tickets
A NEW SPRING
In March, when spring begins and light reclaims its territory, a musical signal for peace, connection, and security will sound at the Night of Military Music 2026. This year, ‘The Night’ has the theme A New Spring.
The theme refers to a famous line from the poem ‘Mei’ by Herman Gorter: ‘Een nieuwe lente, een nieuw geluid’. It symbolises a fresh start, hope, and the promise of a better future. The title also symbolises the renewed spirit of 75,000 Defence employees who, in the face of threats in this world, work towards peace and security for everyone.
Times
- Doors open from 17:00 hours
- Programme starts around 18:30 hours
- Final notes sound around midnight
Date & Location
- Saturday 21 March 2026
- National Military Museum
Price
- € 39.50
- € 32 Friends of NMM
Programme
The Night of Military Music presents over 30 performances on seven stages in and around the National Military Museum. The performances are divided by stage:
- Chinook
- Dogfight
- Dornier
- Foyer du Trésor
- Auditorium
- Big Band Tent
- Tower Room
The first programme items have been announced! The rest of the festival line-up will be revealed in the coming period.
Go to the programme (in Dutch)Musicians from Ukraine
Ukrainian musicians are making their way to the Netherlands. Before the war, they played as professional musicians at institutions such as the National Opera. They regularly perform at the front to support the morale of soldiers. Abroad, they share their unique culture through music. They have already performed for various heads of state. These will be special performances, in collaboration with the Marine Band of the Royal Netherlands Navy.
An evening of spectacle in the Big Band Tent
The musicians of the Drummers and Pipers of the Marine Corps will demonstrate their marine skills: they enter the stage in spectacular fashion by abseiling, and traditional instruments are replaced by other tools.
The ‘Mounted Arms’ Fanfare becomes an electric band. What happens when DJs get involved? Subwoofers ON.
And the Big Band of the Swiss Armed Forces brings a programme where they’ll jazz up their folk music. Plus two retro-swinging concerts: the Royal Marechaussee Orchestra pays tribute to Tom Jones, and the Royal Air Force Orchestra celebrates Ray Charles.
Musical Tales
The Peat Barge of Breda is a Dutch variant of the Trojan Horse. Experience this centuries-old story with the Regimental Fanfare ‘Guards Grenadiers and Rifles’. Composer Bob Zimmerman wrote the music for the nature film ‘The New Wilderness’. We present spring, with live music by the Royal Military Band ‘Johan Willem Friso’.
The ‘National Reserve Corps’ Fanfare performs the Sunset Ceremony with the Ukrainian musicians. Sunset marks the transition from day to evening. We pause for a moment. Let your thoughts wander to family, colleagues, friendship, and loss. Then forward into the festival. To life!
What did others think?
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The aircraft above your head while you enjoy the music – magical.
Pieter, 53 -
I've told all my friends, next year we're going together!
Sophie, 34 -
An evening never to forget. Truly something for everyone.
Erik, 29 -
Thoroughly enjoyed and laughed. This leaves you wanting more!
Anja, 45
Connection with People & Cultures
During ‘The Night’, we highlight urban and regional culture from home and abroad, with military music bridging the gap between neighbours and cultures. Jazz, Latin, soul, classical music, and traditional march music. It’s all there. Lovingly and expertly curated by many military musicians, conductors, and artists. The Night of Military Music is a music festival full of inspiration and conviviality.
