Musicians 18 and under can apply until Friday, Dec. 11, to play the 11th Miami Beach Youth Music Festival on March 6, 2027. Acts chosen are paid an honorarium.

Young bands and solo musicians have until Friday, Dec. 11, to audition for the 11th annual Miami Beach Youth Music Festival. The festival is Saturday, March 6, 2027.

The City of Miami Beach and the Rhythm Foundation, which put on the festival together, announced the call in a city press release. Acts that are chosen to perform will receive an honorarium.

Who can apply

According to the release:

  • Musicians must be 18 or under. For a band, the average age must be under 18 on March 6, 2027.
  • At least one member of each band must live in Miami-Dade County.
  • Any genre of live music counts: rock, jazz, Latin, electronic, folk, classical, funk or spoken word.
  • Bands and solo performers can both apply.

How to apply

Fill in the online form at miamibeach.rocks and include links to audition recordings.

Date What happens
Friday, Dec. 11 Application deadline
Mid-December Auditions reviewed
Thursday, Dec. 31 Acts notified
Saturday, March 6, 2027 Festival day

Questions go to the Rhythm Foundation at info@rhythmfoundation.com or 305-672-5202.

Ten years of young bands

The festival began in 2017. Its 2021 edition was held online because of COVID-19 restrictions, and the 2023, 2024 and 2025 editions each ran three stages, according to the festival’s own archive.

“A family-friendly city is one that gives young people opportunities to discover their talents and reach their potential,” Mayor Steven Meiner said in the release.

“These young musicians get to share their creativity with their friends, their families, and their neighbors, all while experiencing the energy and professionalism of a real live festival,” said Adam Ganuza, the Rhythm Foundation’s executive director.

The Raphael Family Foundation also supports the event, the city said.

What it means for you

If you have a teenager in a band, or one who plays alone, this is a paid slot on a real festival stage, and recordings are all it takes to apply. Two months is enough time to record a clean audition, so there is no need to wait for the last week.

For live music the rest of the year, see our live music and nightlife guide, and for more ideas for children and teens, our kids activities page.