You must read and understand the rules prior to registering your band or musical act. 

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2027 DAYTON BATTLE OF THE BANDS

APPLICATION RULES AND PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

Please review these rules before applying. By submitting an application, you confirm that you understand the competition’s eligibility requirements, schedule, format, and expectations.

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WHO CAN APPLY

1. The Dayton Battle of the Bands is open to musical acts of any genre that write and perform original music. Solo performers, duos, bands, and other musical configurations are welcome.

2. This is an all-ages competition. Performances, language, and attire must be appropriate for an all-ages audience.

3. The competition is open to acts based within approximately 35 miles of downtown Dayton, Ohio. For bands or groups, at least half of the members must reside within that area. Solo performers must reside within the 35-mile radius.

4. Previous applicants and participants who did not win the Grand Prize may reapply.

5. Previous Dayton Battle of the Bands Grand Prize winners are not eligible to compete again.

6. Two-Year Finale Rule: If an act advanced to the Dayton Battle of the Bands Finale in both 2025 and 2026, that act is not eligible to compete in 2027. Acts that advanced to the Finale in only one of those seasons remain eligible.

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IMPORTANT DATES

Applications open: Monday, September 21, 2026

Applications close: Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Selected acts and judges announced: Monday, November 23, 2026

Qualifying rounds:

• Thursday, January 21, 2027

• Thursday, January 28, 2027

• Thursday, February 4, 2027

• Thursday, February 11, 2027

• Thursday, February 18, 2027

• Thursday, February 25, 2027

Weather make-up date, if needed: Wednesday, March 3, 2027

Finale: Saturday, March 13, 2027

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AVAILABILITY

1. Applicants must be available to perform during the qualifying rounds. If selected, you will be assigned to a specific date.

2. Applicants must disclose all known scheduling conflicts in their applications. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate conflicts, but we cannot guarantee a specific performance date.

3. Performance dates cannot be changed after the competition schedule has been announced.

4. Applicants are strongly encouraged to remain available on Wednesday, March 3, in case a qualifying round must be rescheduled because of weather or another emergency.

5. To remain eligible to advance and receive prizes, each act must be available to perform in the Finale on Saturday, March 13.

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APPLICATION AND SELECTION

1. Applications must be submitted through the official application form by the stated deadline. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.

2. Applicants must provide working links to music and performance materials as requested in the application. (Videos are not required)

3. Applications will be reviewed by a selection panel. Considerations may include eligibility, original material, performance readiness, the quality and completeness of the submission, genre balance, and the overall needs of the competition.

4. Submitting an application does not guarantee selection.

5. Selected acts must promptly confirm their participation and assigned performance date. If an act does not respond by the confirmation deadline, its invitation may be offered to another applicant.

6. Detailed production information, arrival times, performer policies, promotional expectations, and event procedures will be provided to selected acts.

 

COMPETITION FORMAT

1. The competition includes six qualifying rounds, generally featuring four or five acts per night.

2. Each act will perform a 20-minute set consisting primarily of original music. One cover song is permitted.

3. One act from each qualifying round will advance to the Finale.

4. Qualifying-round results are determined by a combination of audience voting and judges’ scores. Audience voting represents 50% of the total score, and judges’ scores represent 50%.

5. The Finale winner is determined by audience vote.

6. Complete voting instructions and tie-breaking procedures will be provided before the competition.

 

PRIZES AND COMPENSATION

1. The 2027 prize package is being finalized and will be announced before the competition begins.

2. Prizes and opportunities are subject to sponsor availability and any terms established by the contributing organizations.

3. Unless otherwise announced in writing, participation in the competition does not include a performance fee.

 

CODE OF CONDUCT

The Dayton Battle of the Bands is intended to be a welcoming, professional, and respectful event for performers, judges, staff, volunteers, sponsors, and audience members.

Participants must:

1. Treat fellow performers, judges, staff, volunteers, audience members, and Venue personnel with respect.

2. Refrain from harassment, discrimination, threats, bullying, intimidation, or abusive conduct in person, online, or through another individual.

3. Follow all Venue, production, safety, and event-management instructions.

4. Refrain from intentionally damaging equipment, interfering with another act’s performance, manipulating ballots, or otherwise undermining the integrity of the competition.

5. Communicate scheduling, personnel, eligibility, and production changes honestly and promptly.

Conduct that threatens safety, compromises the competition, or creates a hostile environment may result in removal or disqualification. Serious or repeated violations may affect eligibility for future Dayton Battle of the Bands events.

 

GENERAL CONDITIONS

1. Selected acts must comply with the performer policies and production requirements provided after selection.

2. The act that performs must substantially match the act represented in the application. Material lineup changes must be disclosed to the organizers and may affect eligibility.

3. The organizers may make reasonable changes or exceptions in response to weather, health, safety, production, scheduling, or other circumstances affecting the competition.

4. The organizers reserve the right to disqualify an applicant or participant that provides false information, violates these rules, fails to meet eligibility requirements, or engages in conduct that compromises the safety or integrity of the event.

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AGREEMENT

By submitting an application, the applicant confirms that:

• The information in the application is accurate.

• The act meets the stated eligibility requirements.

• The act is available for the required competition dates, except for conflicts disclosed in the application.

• The applicant has reviewed and agrees to follow these rules.

• If selected, the act will review and follow the additional performer, production, and Venue policies provided by the organizers.

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QUESTIONS

Questions may be directed to:
daytonbattleofthebands@gmail.com