Battleof theBands
Colorado's best local bands compete for $5,000 cash, the cover of BandWagon Magazine, and eternal glory. Five preliminary rounds across the Front Range. One finale. One champion.
Win Five Grand.
Win the Cover.
One band gets crowned the 2026 champs. That band walks away with the cash, the magazine cover, and the year of momentum that follows.
Five Rounds.
One Finale.
Preliminary rounds run across Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and Greeley. One band from each night moves to the finale.
Judges Score.
Fans Vote.
Every band plays one preliminary round. Advance and you play the finale. It's that simple.
Apply
Submit your band, your links, and your preferred prelim night. We book the bill based on sound, fit, and the strength of your application. No advance ticket sales required to be selected.
Compete
Play your preliminary round. Roughly ten judges score every band up to 100 points each. Every fan vote adds one point to the average. Highest score advances.
Win
The finale at Moxi Theater on January 23, 2027. One band walks away with $5,000 and the cover of BandWagon Magazine.
Past Champions
Since 2011, Colorado bands have battled for the cover. Started in Northern Colorado. Expanded across the Front Range in 2022.
Get on the Bill.
Two minutes to apply. One shot at the cover. Fill out the form, pick your prelim night, and we'll be in touch.
Apply NowSponsor. Judge.
Back the Battle.
The Battle runs on venues, brands, and industry pros who believe in Colorado music. Two ways in.
Sponsor the Battle
Get your brand in front of thousands of live music fans across the Front Range. Six shows, four cities, three months of coverage in print, digital, social, and on-stage. Presenting sponsor packages available for the finale.
Contact Us to SponsorJudge a Round
We're looking for industry pros and professional musicians from every corner of the business. Promoters, bookers, radio, press, producers, engineers, gigging musicians. Score bands, help crown a champion, get a comp bar tab and a night out.
Apply to JudgeConfirmed sponsors and venue partners for the 2026 Battle.
FAQ
Who can enter?
Any band based in Colorado or Southern Wyoming. Original material only. Solo artists welcome. Cover bands are not eligible.
Is there an entry fee?
No. Applying is free. Bands are selected based on the strength of their sound and application. No advance ticket sales required to compete.
How is the winner picked?
Each round has approximately ten judges scoring up to 100 points per band. Every fan vote adds one point to the average. Highest total score wins the round. Judges are working musicians, promoters, radio hosts, and industry pros.
Can I pick my preliminary round?
You can list a first and second choice on the application. We do our best to honor preferences based on lineup balance and venue capacity.
What if I can't make the finale date?
Availability on January 23, 2027 at the Moxi Theater is required to advance. If you can't make it, sit this year out.
Do you provide backline?
Drums and bass amp are provided. Bring your own guitar amps, guitars, cymbals, snare, and pedals. Full production details go out to advanced bands before showtime.
How long is our set?
Preliminary sets are 25 minutes. Finale sets are 30 minutes. Load-in and stage times are advanced by the production team.
What does the winner get?
$5,000 cash, the cover of BandWagon Magazine (print and digital), a full feature story, and the right to say you won the Battle of the Bands.