BOCA RATON, FL – It’s back and louder than ever. The City of Boca Raton is now accepting applications for the 6th Annual Battle of the Bands, returning to Mizner Park Amphitheater on Friday, August 7, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., alongside the fan-favorite Pop-Up Youth Market.
City Of Boca Raton Announces 6th Annual Battle Of The Bands & Pop-Up Youth Market!
Applications Now Open for Musicians and Young Entrepreneurs
BOCA RATON, FL – It’s back and louder than ever. The City of Boca Raton is now accepting applications for the 6th Annual Battle of the Bands, returning to Mizner Park Amphitheater on Friday, August 7, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., alongside the fan-favorite Pop-Up Youth Market.
This high-energy summer tradition brings together some of the region’s most talented emerging musicians and young business owners for an unforgettable night of live performances, shopping, and community celebration.
“This event continues to grow each year, showcasing the incredible depth of musical talent in our community,” said Andy Thomson, Mayor of the City of Boca Raton. “Battle of the Bands is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of creativity, passion, and the next generation of performers and entrepreneurs.”
Bands of all genres are invited to apply for a chance to compete for the $2,500 grand prize, with selected finalists also receiving a $500 performance stipend.
APPLICATION DETAILS
- Applications open now through June 20, 2026 (11:59 p.m.)
- Bands must submit a two-song live performance video (YouTube or Vimeo link)
- Finalists will be notified after July 10, 2026
Bands will compete in one of two categories:
- Teen Competition
- 20+ Competition
(For this competition, a “band” is defined as three or more members, with at least two instrumentalists.)
All submissions must feature original or cover performances free of profanity, explicit content, or violent themes. Participation is not guaranteed, and all entries will be reviewed before finalists are selected.
Full DetailsPOP-UP YOUTH MARKET RETURNS
In addition to the music competition, the event will once again feature the Pop-Up Youth Market, spotlighting young entrepreneurs ages 13–20.
- Market hours: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. during the event
- Young business owners can showcase and sell their products
- Application deadline: June 20, 2026
Whether you’re taking the stage or cheering from the crowd, Battle of the Bands 2026 promises an electrifying night of music, community, and summer energy in the heart of Boca Raton.
For applications and more information, visit Battle of the Bands | Boca Raton, FL or email CommunityEvents@myboca.us.
Full DetailsFINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR BOCA RATON’S
6TH ANNUAL BATTLE OF THE BANDS
Eight Bands Will Compete Live Aug. 7 at Mizner Park Amphitheater
as Pop-Up Youth Market Returns
BOCA RATON, FL (August 4, 2026) — The amps are ready, the finalists have been selected, and the stage is set for the City of Boca Raton’s 6th Annual Battle of the Bands, taking place Friday, Aug. 7, from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Mizner Park Amphitheater.
The free community event will feature eight bands competing across two age categories, along with the return of the Pop-Up Youth Market, showcasing products and businesses created by young local entrepreneurs.
“Battle of the Bands gives talented musicians from across South Florida an opportunity to perform on a major stage while bringing the community together for an exciting night of live music,” said Andy Thomson, mayor of the City of Boca Raton. “We are proud to welcome this year’s finalists and recognize the creativity, dedication and entrepreneurial spirit represented throughout the event.”
This year’s finalists are:
UNDER 20 CATEGORY
Plan 9 (Boca Raton and Pompano Beach)
Leonardo Lino, guitar; Izze Lino, drums; Ravi Rodriguez, bass; and Rubi Regan, vocals.
Prickly Dogfish (Miami)
Taylor Andreu, vocals; Noah Orellana, guitar; Santiago Soto, keyboards; Miguel Castillo, bass; and Mateo Schiengoltz, drums.
The Ruffles (Delray Beach)
Paris Woolley, guitar; Charlotte Woolley, drums; and Kenzington Woolley, keyboards.
The Introverts (Coral Springs and Parkland)
Reagan Emery, drums and vocals; Clayton Singer, guitar; Camryn Woodham, bass; Mason Martinez, vocals; and Nikhil Ramchandran, guitar.
OVER 20 CATEGORY
Rock Candy (Parkland)
Stacey Isaacs, vocals; Nick Montgomery, vocals; Javi Chiriboga, lead guitar; Eddie Espinoza, drums; Daniel Socek, bass; and Paul Gandy, rhythm guitar and keyboards.
Box of Rocks (Coral Springs)
Steve “Berlo” Berlowski, lead vocals, guitar and harmonica; Ken Grueniesen, bass and backing vocals; Josh Davis, drums; Scott Gafney, keyboards and saxophone; and John Hogan, lead guitar and backing vocals.
Foxy Dubs (Davie)
Stu “Sauce” Kalver, guitar and vocals; Caleb Jerome Morales, keyboards and vocals; Rod Reiter, bass and vocals; Cody Orange, drums and vocals; and Erica Gard, vocals.
The Marina Effect (Miami)
Gabriel Arias-Maduro, vocals and acoustic guitar; Jenni, vocals and tambourine; Evans, vocals; Jeff, electric guitar; Jan, bass; and Ryan, drums.
Bands will compete for a $2,500 grand prize in each category. Selected finalists will also receive a $500 performance stipend.
POP-UP YOUTH MARKET
Before and during the competition, guests can shop the Pop-Up Youth Market from 6 to 9 p.m. The market highlights businesses created by entrepreneurs ages 13 to 20 and gives participants an opportunity to introduce and sell their products to the community.
This year’s participating businesses include:
- ReSurf Sisters — Clothing
- Zoe’s Books — Crafts
- Baked by Mila — Crafts
- Framez by Fran — Crafts
- Diaspora Doll — Clothing
- French Finds and Finery — Crafts
- AWeissdesigns — Crafts
- Art by Emily Pulido — Crafts
- Sibs ’n Nibbs — Crafts
The 6th Annual Battle of the Bands will take place Friday, Aug. 7, from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real. The Pop-Up Youth Market will be open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
For more information, visit myboca.us/Battle or email CommunityEvents@myboca.us.
About the City of Boca Raton:
Boca Raton, the second-largest city in Palm Beach County, blends history and innovation through its Mediterranean Revival architecture — influenced by famed architect Addison Mizner — and a vibrant cultural scene featuring live concerts, international art exhibits and world-class museums. The city offers five miles of Atlantic coastline and 49 parks spanning 1,650 acres of recreational space. A hub for business and innovation, Boca Raton is home to more than 40 publicly traded corporate headquarters. With three nationally ranked universities, top-rated schools and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, Boca Raton is a dynamic, safe and educated community. Learn more at myboca.us.
ABOUT THE CITY OF BOCA RATON
Boca Raton, the second largest city in Palm Beach County, blends history and innovation with its Mediterranean Revival architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Home to live concerts, world-class cultural attractions, and 49 parks spanning over 1,650 acres, Boca Raton offers an exceptional quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Learn more at myboca.us.