Calling All Bands!

🎤 Hear it. See it. Live it. 🎶

In an era where live music is increasingly rare, YAYA is proud to host a virtual Battle of the Bands with a chance to come perform at YAYA 2026. This event is dedicated to reviving the powerful experience of live performance and providing a vital platform for emerging artists. Will your band be performing at YAYA 2026?

 Prize: Hotel accommodations and traveling expenses paid (exclusion may apply), and VIP tickets to the festival, plus the opportunity to perform on YAYA’s main stage on April 25, 2026, at the Woodward Park, in Fresno, CA.

For more info, contact:

Mahjong Lee at mahjong@yayamusicfest.com

Rounds

 Preliminary Round: 

  • Prepare one song of your choice, cover or original. Performances on video should feature raw, live vocals—no studio recordings allowed.

  • Submit videos to the open form by Jan 30, 2026.

  • Up to 10 artists will be chosen by YAYA Staff to proceed to the Public Voting Round.

  • Preliminary contestants will be announced by Feb 2, 2026 and will go into public voting on Facebook for top 3.

  • Public voting will take place until Feb 6, 2026. Top 3 bands will advance to final round.

 Final Voting Round: 

  • Prepare one original, unreleased song showcasing your creativity and talent. - Performances on video should feature raw, live vocals—no studio recordings allowed.

  • Submit videos to the open form by Feb 27, 2025.

  • 1 band will be chosen by the YAYA selected artists/musicians/bands.

  • Competition winner will be announced by Mar 6, 2026.

 Disclaimer: 

  • Dates are subjective to change based on number of contestants, however, rounds and judging criteria will remain the same.

  • Out-of-state winners will be responsible for arranging their own transportation between the hotel and the venue.

  • California residents who are not local to Fresno will be reimbursed for gas mileage.

Eligibility and Exclusion 

SUBMISSION FORM