Annual Texas Youth
Music Festival
Talented middle and high school musicians will take center stage at the 2026 Texas Youth Music Festival, a three-day, high-energy event celebrating young musical talent from across the Lone Star State!
Texas Youth Music Festival 2026
Presented by The Austin School for the Performing and Visual Arts, this unique festival gives student garage bands and solo artists the opportunity to perform, connect, and grow, all with guidance from professional musicians and music industry insiders.
Talented high school and middle schoolers participating in the Texas Youth Music Festival will have an opportunity to compete before a panel of industry professionals to win the grand prize of a coveted Orb Recording session to produce their original single.
The contests are open to the public, and the contestants would love it if you would cheer them on at the Battle of the Voices + Battle of the Bands to be held Saturday, October 17th! This highly competitive event will be held at The Long Center for the Performing Arts’ Rollins black box theater located at 701 W Riverside Drive, Austin TX 78704. Tickets will be available at the Long Center Box Office.
Calling All Texas Student Rockstars!
Submit Your Band
for the 2026 Texas Youth Music Festival!
We’re excited to invite talented middle and high school musicians to take center stage at the 2026 Texas Youth Music Festival, a three-day, high-energy event celebrating young musical talent from across the Lone Star State!
Presented by The Austin School for the Performing and Visual Arts, this unique festival gives student garage bands and solo artists the opportunity to perform, connect, and grow — all with guidance from professional musicians and music industry insiders.
Festival Highlights | October 16–18, 2026
Friday, Oct 16 | 7 PM – Meet the Judges: Kick off the weekend with engaging discussions with music professionals and Improv music activities to spark creativity at The Hive Art Gallery.
Saturday, Oct 17 | 1-10 PM – Battle of the Voices + Battle of the Bands : The main event! Selected bands + solo artists will compete before a panel of industry professionals at The Long Center for the Performing Arts’ Rollins black box theater.
Sunday, Oct 18 | 10AM–1 PM – Master Class & Jam Sessions: Interactive workshops and collaborative jams to strengthen skills, spark creativity, and build confidence.
🏆 Grand Prize: A professional recording session at Orb Recording Studios!
How to Enter
Open to middle and high school students across Texas
FREE to audition
Bands must submit a performance audition (YouTube or streaming link) for jury review. Original or cover songs accepted. Selected bands will be notified upon acceptance.
Submission deadline: October 1, 2026 (by midnight)
Complete registration for each battle if doing both categories.
If selected, the 3-day festival + contest fee is $45 per person.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS EVENT SPONSORS!
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