Band Contest 2026

Our band contest is back, and bigger and better than ever! Submit your application by 3/27 to compete in person in San Francisco, Marin, SF East Bay, Santa Cruz, Nevada City, Tahoe, Portland or Ashland, or online for a chance to win a slot at HSMF. Here’s how it will all go down:

  • Your band completes this form. 

  • The HSMF team reviews all of the applicants and selects the top 4 bands in each region and the top 6 bands for the online contest. 

  • If you’re in the Regional Semi-Finals:

    • You will perform live at the Regional Event you’re selected for.

    • The audience at each live event will decide on the winner.

  • If you’re in the Online Semi-Finals:

    • You will submit a video of a new live performance for us to share on social.

    • The video with the most likes will move onto the Finals round.

  • The winners of each regional event and the online contest all go into the FINALS round, where 2026 festival ticket holders vote on who gets to join.

  • The band/artist with the most votes get a slot at the Vaudeville stage, and passes for their band for the weekend. 

  • NEW THIS YEAR: All semi-finalist winners will receive an invitation to play a set at our new Community Stage (with single day access free (non-camping), and multi-day passes at a discount). 

    We received so many amazingly qualified applicants last year, we could have started a festival called Band Contest. We can’t wait to see what new and returning acts will join the contest this year, and are so excited to bring back (and expand) this fan-favorite tradition.

Apply Now