Battle of the Bands

Want in on Battle of the Bands?

Battle of the Bands is a live music competition celebrating talented young bands ages 10–19 across Ontario. Selected bands will perform live at one of our 2026 Ribfest events in a high-energy, family-friendly festival environment. Bands will perform a 25-minute live set, and every band member will receive a $25 goodie bag, sponsored by Media 21/Music 21.

The 1st place winner at each event will take home a Denver acoustic guitar, sponsored by Epiphone, and advance to the October 2026 Finals for a chance to win:
• $2,500 cash prize
• Official Champion title recognition
• A performance contract to play at RibfestX 2027

This program is made possible thanks to the support of our partners and sponsors, including Media 21/Music 21, Epiphone, and Yamaha. All music genres are welcome. Bands must include a minimum of 2–3 performers and be available to perform live if selected.

Think your band has what it takes? Apply below and show us what you’ve got.

Battle of the Bands 2026

BOOK YOUR BAND FOR

Battle of the Bands

We are excited to invite young musicians to apply for our Battle of the Bands competition, celebrating youth talent and a wide range of musical genres in a live, family-friendly festival environment. If any member of the band is under the age of 18, a Parent/Guardian Consent Waiver form must be filled out & signed and then emailed back to us. Download the form by clicking here.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Open to youth ages 10–19
Bands only — no solo performers
Minimum of 2-3 performers per band
All music genres accepted
Applicants must be available to perform live if selected

Band Information

This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.

Band Details

Enter the total number of performers in your band (minimum 2).
This field is required.
Enter the number of years band has been playing together.
This field is required.
Type of Music
Select the type of music your band performs.
This field is required.
List the ages of all band members, separated by commas.
This field is required.
Please state the music genre(s) your band plays.
This field is required.
Tell us about your band in 100–150 words.
This field is required.
Event Location Availability
Select only one Ribfest event your band can perform at.
This field is required.
Please include one (1) video recording demonstrating your band’s performance.
• Video may be live or recorded
• Must clearly feature all performers
• Accepted formats: YouTube, Google Drive, or similar shareable link
This field is required.

UPCOMING RIBFESTS

Vaughan Ribfest 2026
15 May
80 Interchange Way, Vaughan, ON May 15 - May 18, 2026
Markham Ribfest 2026
29 May
10801 McCowan Rd, Markham, ON May 29 - May 31, 2026
Alliston Ribfest 2026
5 Jun
130 CHURCH STREET S, ALLISTON, ON Jun 5 - Jun 7, 2026
Innisfil Ribfest 2026
19 Jun
3311 Simcoe 89, Cookstown Jun 19 - Jun 21, 2026
Barrie Ribfest 2026
3 Jul
5 Simcoe St, Barrie, ON L4M 1L6 Jul 3 - Jul 5, 2026
Woodbridge Ribfest 2026
10 Jul
100 Porter Ave, Woodbridge Jul 10 - Jul 12, 2026
Port Credit Ribfest 2026
7 Aug
40 Lakeshore Rd E, Mississauga Aug 7 - Aug 9, 2026
Huntsville Ribfest 2026
14 Aug
20 Park Dr, Huntsville Aug 14 - Aug 16, 2026
Owen Sound Ribfest 2026
18 Sep
1900 3RD AVE E, OWEN SOUND, ON Sep 18 - Sep 20, 2026
Etobicoke Ribfest 2026
25 Sep
1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Dr, Etobicoke, ON M8V 4B6 Sep 25 - Sep 27, 2026