APRIL 24 + 25, 2026

At Red Bird Brewing | 1080 Richter St, Kelowna

At Red Bird Brewing
1080 Richter St, Kelowna

Ready to Rock
the Big Stage

Ready to Rock the Big Stage

TICKETS ON SALE SOON!

Tickets on sale at redbirdbrewing.com

BAND FINALISTS

Take Your Shot at the Rock The Lake Stage. Apply for Battle of the Bands NOW!

Friday, February 28

Saturday, March 1

Rock The Lake and Red Bird Brewing are bringing back Battle of the Bands for its second year, giving local artists the chance to take their shot at the Rock The Lake stage.

After a 2025 Battle that sent CrushXO and Lucky Monkey to open for Simple Plan and The Sheepdogs, the competition returns in 2026 on Red Bird Brewing’s outdoor stage for more fans, more energy, and more local music!

Local musicians and bands in rock, folk rock, and related genres are invited to apply for a chance to perform live in front of fans and judges, with two paid performance spots at Rock The Lake Music Festival 2026 on the line.

Key Dates

  • Apply online by: February 28, 2026

  • 10 Finalists announced: March 6, 2026

  • Live Battle of the Bands: April 24 & 25, 2026 at Red Bird Brewing’s Outdoor Stage. Bands will play either Friday or Saturday. Two winners will be chosen by a mix of judges and fan choice to play Rock The Lake.

  • Festival: July 10–12, 2026 at Prospera Place, Kelowna

Applications must include:

  • A demo track or video through Spotify, Youtube, or Sound Cloud
  • A short band bio
  • Links to your social media or website

Criteria for Bands to Apply for the Battle of the Bands

Eligibility
  • Location: Bands must be in the Okanagan region or have strong local ties. Bands from across BC will be allowed to enter.
  • Genre: Open to rock and adjacent genres (folk, pop-punk, alternative, punk, blues-rock, etc.) that align with Rock The Lake’s vibe.
  • Original Material: Bands must perform primarily original songs, though covers may be included.
  • Performance-Ready: Bands must have prior live performance experience and be ready to play a professional-grade set at the Battle of the Bands (15 min), and be able to perform a live set at Rock The Lake if chosen (25-30 minutes).
  • Digital Presence: Bands must have music released on Spotify, YouTube, or SoundCloud.
  • Stage Presence: Bands should demonstrate strong stage presence and an ability to engage an audience.
  • Instruments: Bands must be able to provide their own instruments and any specific gear not typically supplied by the venue (e.g., specialty pedals, unique setups).
 
Application Process
  • Demo Submission: Bands must submit at least one high-quality demo track (audio or video) showcasing their musical style. This can be through Spotify, YouTube, or SoundCloud. Videos of live performances are a bonus.
  • Band Bio: Include a short bio with key details (genre, influences, past performances, etc.). Max 250 words.
    Social Media Presence: Provide links to active social media profiles and/or a website showcasing the band’s work.
 
Commitment
  • Availability: Bands must be available to perform live on either April 24th or 25th 2026, and must be available July 10-12, 2026, if selected as a winner to perform at Rock The Lake.
  • Soundcheck: Bands must be available for a scheduled soundcheck before their performance slot.
    Promo Participation: Bands must agree to participate in promotional activities, such as interviews or social media content, leading up to the event.
  • Submission Deadline: All submissions must be completed by 11:59 PM on February 28, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Apply NOW!

Submit your application including all required materials, by the deadline. Only selected finalists will be contacted to perform. Show us what you’ve got and take your shot at the big stage!

All band members must agree to adhere to Red Bird Brewing’s and Rock The Lake’s event guidelines and maintain professionalism on and off stage.

BAND Entry Form


Band links

Band Bio

HELP SUPPORT BC WILD FIRE

OUR TIME TO DO SOMETHING IS NOW

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

In their response to the ongoing wildfire crisis, Rock The Lake pledged to donate all proceeds from their August 1st and 2nd ticket sales to three wild fire organizations. Let’s support our backyard together.

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