Henderson, NV

Competition Categories

Category 1:  All bandmembers under 21 years of age

First Place $500

Second Place $250

Third Place $150

Competition: Friday, March 27 starting at 5:30pm

Category 2: Band includes any members over 21 years of age

First Place $1,500

Second Place $750

Third Place $350 

Competition: Saturday, March 28 Starting at 5:30pm

Now Accepting Submissions

Applications Close February 20.

Good Luck to all the bands! 

Finalists will be notified by March 13. 

•  Entry Links 
  • Application
  • Upload your submission
    
• Submission categories and requirements:
  • Category 1: submit 1 song on video (original or cover) and application form
  • Category 2: submit 2 songs performances on video (one cover, one original) and application form

• All video submissions must be produced for the purpose of this contest and cannot be from previous engagements or contests.

• Lyrics cannot include profanity, derogatory remarks, sexually explicit content or violence. Engaging in these acts will result in disqualification.

• Videos and applications will be submitted via a link provided here during the submission period (January 14-February 20).

• Videos can be created using a single smartphone camera (widescreen, not square, please) or can be as elaborate as you have means to provide. Remember that the judges will need clear audio with a good mix to hear what you really sound like.

• The performance space (stage) should look like it is prepared/decorated for the performance and reflect your band’s personality. Keep in mind the audience is a family-friendly venue.

• Staged/Music Videos are not going to be accepted for the contest.

• A judging panel consisting of locally based artists and industry professionals will select bands based on the following criteria:
  • Planning/preparedness
  • Originality
  • Interface with “audience”
  • Quality of performance
  • Conformance to contest rules
  • Presentation

• The top five finalists will be selected and notified on March 13, 2026.

• Performers must be local to the Southern Nevada area.
• A band is defined as any number of people more than one.
• Category 1 bands must have all members under the age of 21.
• Category 2 bands must have at least one member 21 years or older.
• Top five bands selected will compete for the top three placements and will be awarded cash prizes!
  • Category 1
    • 1st place grand prize is $500
    • 2nd place prize is $250
    • 3rd place prize is $150
  • Category 2
    
    • 1st place grand prize is $1,500
    • 2nd place runner up prize is $750
    • 3rd place prize is $350

• All band submissions may also lead to future bookings for City events—subject to the event needs and discernment of the City's Special Events team.

What are the judges looking for?  

• The votes will be tallied, and the battle winners will be announced at the end of each competition category. City of Henderson judging panel will vote based on the following criteria:
  • Planning/preparedness
  • Originality
  • Interface with audience
  • Quality of performance
  • Conformance to contest rules
  • Presentation
• Event participants agree to the use of videos and photographs taken at the event for promotional purposes. Any photos taken at the event are property of the event.

Finalists will be notified on March 13, 2026

Check back for the schedule for each Final Battle!

What Bands Need to Know:

• The top five bands from each category will compete live at the Final Battle on March 27 & 28, 2026 at the Water Street Plaza Amphitheater.

• Bands are required to share relevant City of Henderson links on social media to help create a buzz around their involvement in the contest. City of Henderson will share these links with the finalists. 

• Performers must bring their own instruments, cables and stands (for keyboards, etc...).  Microphones/PA, guitar/bass amplifiers and a drum set will be provided. Drummers can bring their own snare, cymbals, and drumsticks, though the kit will be provided as a complete kit without the need for those items.

• The City of Henderson will provide daytime access for sound checks as scheduled for the final battle bands. Bands will need to come to the venue at their scheduled times so that proper levels can be set and saved to the house PA equipment.

• Bands will have 25 minutes on stage, which includes getting yourself situated, playing your set and leaving the stage. Effective use of this time is part of the judging criteria. 

• The City of Henderson is not responsible for loading/storing any band equipment. Band shall be liable for delivery, handling, and removal of all personal equipment. Any band-branded items must sit on the floor and cannot be hung or posted on the stage walls, truss, or doors. The City prohibits any nailing, stapling, taping or otherwise affixing items to the wall, ground, or anything in the show area in such a way to cause damage. Engaging in these acts could result in grounds for disqualification.

• Due to the size of the amphitheater stage and seating areas, overall on-stage sound levels must be limited. Excessive volume levels may lead to a point deduction.

• Dollies/hand trucks WILL NOT be supplied by City of Henderson. Participants must bring their own.

• No open flame or pyrotechnic effects shall be used or performed on City of Henderson property. Engaging in these acts could result in grounds for disqualification. Venue has a house lighting rig and no supplemental fixtures are to be allowed

Congratulations to last year's winners!

WINNERS  Category 1 (under 21 years of age)

1st place: ROT'N BLUES 

2nd place: Holly and Dylan   

3rd place: Weemus

WINNERS Category 2 (over 21 years of age) 

 1st place: Set Alone

2nd place: The October

3rd place: Emerald Empyre

Vendors will be announced closer to the event. You can also visit the many bars and restaurants in the Water Street District.