Apply to Play Festivals & Events Across the World

Find opportunities for unsigned bands, solo artists and DJs across the UK, USA, Australia and beyond. This map is frequently updated, so if you don't find something that suits you today, check back tomorrow to see what's new!

Don't forget to also check out which music conferences and music grants are available in your region over at our Music Funding Map and see what music mental health resources and Ditto Perks are on offer to music industry professionals.

Apply to play music festivals & events worldwide

Scroll down below the map to see the full list of opportunities...

All opportunities we support are 100% free to apply and play.

Remember, before you apply to perform at any of these music festivals and events, be sure to read the application instructions and conditions carefully for the best chance of success. Some events may only accept submissions from artists of certain styles and genres, so make sure your act fits the bill before submitting your application.

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Apply to play festivals in the UK & Europe

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RECFEST 2026 | Portchester, UK | May 2026 | Apply here

FOCUS Wales 2026 | Wrexham, Wales | May 2026 | Apply here

ESNS 2026 | Groningen, Netherlands | January 2026 | Apply here

Apply To Play: Climate Live Stage | UK | Summer 2025 | Apply here

MENT 2026 | Ljubljana, Slovenia | February 2026 | Apply here

Isle of Wight Festival - New Blood Competition | IOW, UK | June 2025 | Apply here

Lakefest 2025 | Hertfordshire, UK | August 2025 | Apply here

Euroblast | Cologne, Germany | September 2025 | Apply here

SeaSessions | Bundoran, Ireland | June 2025 | Apply here

Sweden Rock Festival | Sölvesborg, Sweden | June 2025 | Apply here

Future Echoes | Norrköping, Sweden | September 2025 | Apply here

Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival | Birmingham, UK | July 2025 | Apply here

Golden Touch 2025 | Portsmouth, UK | June 2025 | Apply here

British Country Music Festival | Blackpool, UK | August 2025 | Apply here

Moseley Folk Festival | Moseley, UK | August 2025 | Apply here

Big Feastival | Cotswolds, UK | August 2025 | Apply here

ArcTangent | Bristol, UK | August 2025 | Apply here

Camp Bestival | Dorset, UK | July 2025 | Apply here

Barn On The Farm | Gloucester, UK | July 2025 | Apply here

Gate to Southwell Folk Festival | Southwell, UK | July 2025 | Apply here

On The Meadow | London, UK | August 2025 | Apply here

OFF Festival | Katowice, Poland | August 2025 | Apply here

Waves Vienna | Vienna, Austria | October 2025 | Apply here

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Apply to play festivals in the USA, Canada & Latin America

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Joshua Tree Music Festival | California, USA | October 2025| Apply here

Lovin' Life 2026 | Charlotte, USA | May 2026 | Apply here

Blue Ox Music Festival 2026 | Wisconsin, USA | June 2026 | Apply here

‍Tumbleweed Music Festival | WA, USA | August 2025 | Apply here

MONDO NYC | New York, USA | October 2025 | Apply here

Bear Music Fest | California, USA | September 2025 | Apply here

Bass Coast | Merritt, Canada | July 2025 | Apply here

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Apply to play festivals in Australasia, Africa & Asia

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National Folk Fest | Canberra, Australia | April 2026 | Apply here

Blue Mountains Music Festival | Katoomba, Australia | March 2026 | Apply here

Riverboats Music Festival | Victoria, Australia | February 2026 | Apply here

Rhythm and Vines | Gisborne, New Zealand | December 2025 | Apply here

Sauti za Busara | Zanzibar, Africa | February 2026 | Apply here

African Human Rights Music Competition | Africa | Apply here

Bali Spirit Festival | Bali, Indonesia | Apply here

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How to prepare for music festival applications

Target the right festivals

We get it. Applying to loads of different festivals often looks like the best option if you’re trying to maximise your exposure. However, rather than applying to every single opportunity out there, it might be better to take a more focused approach. 

Be realistic about what stage your band is at and whether your tunes match up with the festival’s style and audience. Look into festivals that book similar artists. Have previously selected acts been locally based? Did they have a strong social media presence? Were they independent or signed? Being selective not only respects your and the promoters' time but also increases your chances of landing the right opportunity.

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Perfect your live show

As you’ll well know, music festivals are highly competitive, especially for independent bands. To secure a spot, your live performance needs to be unforgettable. Start by honing your skills by playing regular gigs to tighten your setlist, stage presence, and overall stage presence.

When you apply, festival promoters aren’t just evaluating your music - they’re investing in your ability to engage and captivate crowds. An exciting live show that demonstrates your ability to command audiences is always going to stand out to bookers.

Nail your application 

Once you’ve got a tight setlist and act performance-ready, you need to put together a professional electronic press kit (EPK). This essential item highlights key details about your band and lets festival booking teams see how organised and serious you are about your music. 

Having a polished, up-to-date EPK on your artist website signals that you’re ready to seize opportunities and will treat their festival with the same level of commitment. 

Learn how to build an EPK and tweak things to your own style and branding.

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How to handle responses

If you’re offered a festival slot, then congrats! Respond promptly and professionally to confirm the details of everything and then get yourself prepared for the day.

If you’re turned down, it’s still key to thank the booker for their time and express your interest in staying informed about any future opportunities. You don’t want to burn any bridges here. The music industry is incredibly tight-knit so getting upset and sending an angry follow-up email if you don’t get selected might not be the best way to go about things. You’re better off responding with grace and asking that the bookers keep you in mind if there are any dropouts - just a tip.

Rejection is all part of the process, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t land a gig right away. Festival bookings are competitive, and persistence pays off. A “no” this year doesn’t mean it’s forever. Keep improving your live show, growing your fanbase, and demonstrating professionalism - all qualities that help you stand out for future opportunities.

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