There will be an Opening Ceremony in Cincinnati USA on July 4, 2012, and a Closing Ceremony on July 14, 2012. Of the estimated 400+ choirs participating, close to 50% will compete each week. A handful of choirs may perform across the two weeks.

Competitions: There are two separate and distinct competitions, each with its own awards system.

• The Champions Competition is for choirs that meet qualification standards.
• The Open Competition is for any choir – regardless of artistic achievement – wishing to participate, pending application and approval from INTERKULTUR.

Musical Categories: There will be 23 musical categories in Cincinnati USA for The Champions Competition and 18 musical categories for The Open Competition.

The categories are as follows: Children’s Choirs, Young Children’s Choirs, Youth Choirs of Equal Voices, Mixed Youth Choirs, Male Choirs, Male Chamber Choirs, Young Male Choirs, Mixed Boys Choirs, Female Choirs, Female Chamber Choirs, Mixed Choirs, Mixed Chamber Choirs, Musica Sacra, Music of Religions, Contemporary Music, Popular Choral Music, Folklore, Scenic Folklore (with choreography), Show Choirs, Jazz, Gospel, Spiritual and Barbershop.

The Champions Competition Awards: Choirs in The Champions Competition may earn bronze, silver or gold medals. The gold-medal winning choir with the highest point total from an international panel of judges will be named "Champion of the World Choir Games" in its specific category. The champions will come to the stage, their country’s flag will be raised and their national anthem will be played.

The Open Competition Awards: Participants in The Open Competition may earn bronze, silver or gold diplomas.

Celebration Concerts: These events unite multiple choirs – from different countries and/or musical categories – for 60- to 90-minute shows that provide a sample of World Choir Games competitions. Participation in Celebration Concerts is by decision of the Artistic Committee of the World Choir Games.

Friendship Concerts: Free performances by World Choir Games participants in city squares, public venues, parks, streets and malls.

International Jury: This group represents more than 30 countries and is comprised of internationally recognized choral music experts. Panels of five judge The Open Competitions. Panels of seven judge The Champions Competition. Each choir is provided with a professional evaluation of their performance.

Assembly of the World Choir Council: In between the two weeks of competition, the formal meeting of the World Choir Council is held. Approximately 75 nations are represented. Among other choral-related topics, the group discusses the development of the World Choir Games.