Applications are open for artists and creatives to showcase at a variety of music industry events in 2026. Ready to take yourself or the artist you represent on the road? Read on!
APPLY Now Or Attend Soon…
2026
Budapest Ritmo (HU)
Dates: 2026 TBA
Application deadline: Applications closed, check back after the festival
The Budapest Ritmo Showcase has a Central and Eastern European focus and a day set aside for emerging bands. If you’re into heritage-inspired contemporary sounds, that’s just their thing. Apply here.
Classical:NEXT (DE)
Dates: April 8-11, 2026
Application deadline: September 30 (expired)
As the largest international event for classical and art music professionals, Classical:NEXT offers exceptional opportunities. Build valuable business relationships and network at the Expo, gain deep insights and practical, tailored advice at the Conference, and explore innovative artists and initiatives from around the world at the Showcases.
c/o pop Festival (DE)
Dates: April 15-19, 2026
Application deadline: TBA
The c/o pop Festival has been bringing national and international acts from the fields of electro, indie, hip-hop/rap and related styles to Cologne’s stages since 2004 – including both established artists and newcomers. In recent years, the focus has increasingly shifted towards national acts, but it is open to all.
European Jazz Conference (Bari, IT)
Dates: 2026 TBA
Application deadline: TBA. Performances are by bands from the host country, but you can apply to attend the conference.
The European Jazz Conference is a leading annual gathering of European jazz professionals, particularly promoters, cultural managers, agents and national/regional support organizations.
ESNS – Eurosonic Noorderslag (Groningen, NL)
Dates: January 14-17, 2026
Application deadline: TBA
ESNS is the premiere exchange and networking event for European music, with a proven track record of helping new and upcoming acts break into the international music scene. ESNS attracts over 4000 delegates each year, including representatives of more than 400 international festivals.
Future Echoes (Norrköping, SE)
Dates: 2026 TBA
Application deadline: TBA
Future Echoes, Sweden’s leading showcase festival will feature around 100+ artists from around the world and a music conference with international speakers. The festival is held at several venues in central Norrköping.
MENT Festival (Ljubljana, SI)
Dates: February 18 – 21, 2026
Application deadline: TBA
MENT is one of the leading showcase festivals and music conferences in Central and Eastern Europe, and the largest event of its kind in the region.
Musexpo (Burbank, CA, USA)
Dates: March 2026
Application deadline: TBD
MUSEXPO is one of the world’s top music business conferences and artist showcase events. It stands at the forefront of innovation, creativity, and connectivity with its premiere panels, keynotes, networking, showcases, and awards events. MUSEXPO gives you access to key decision-makers, influencers, and some of the leading international music companies.
Reeperbahn Festival (Hamburg, DE)
Dates: September 16-19, 2026
Application deadline: Not listed
Since its debut in 2006, the Reeperbahn Festival has grown to become one of the most important meeting places for the music industry. Apply now via the online application form.
SPIKE (Plovdiv, BG)
Dates: TBA 2026 (The 2025 edition of SPIKE is cancelled.)
Application deadline: TBA
SPIKE is a showcase festival and conference offering opportunities for networking, team-building, and development to artists and music professionals.
Square Festival (Braga, PT)
Dates: TBD
Application deadline: TBD
In celebration of its status as Portuguese cultural capital in 2025, the city of Braga has launched the Square showcase festival, a representative and diverse event focusing on the continents bordering the Atlantic Ocean – Africa, the Americas, and Europe.
SXSW – South by Southwest (Austin, USA)
Dates: March 12-18, 2026
Application Deadline: TBA
SXSW Austin is an annual festival and conference that celebrates the intersection of technology, film, music, and culture. Held in Austin, Texas, SXSW features keynote speakers, film screenings, live music showcases, and interactive media exhibitions. It attracts innovators, artists, and industry leaders from around the world, making it a hub for networking, creative exchange, and emerging trends. Founded in 1987, the event has grown into one of the most influential cultural gatherings, known for launching startups, debuting groundbreaking films, and showcasing cutting-edge music acts.
TGE – The Great Escape (Brighton, UK)
Dates: May 13-16, 2026
Application deadline: February 15, 2026
The Great Escape is one of the world’s most renowned festivals for new talent, welcoming artists from every genre and from across the globe.
FOCUS Wales (Wales, UK)
Dates: May 7-9, 2026
Application deadline: 1st wave applications: 1st September/Final applications: 5pm (UK time), 1st November
FOCUS Wales is an international showcase festival taking place in multiple venues across the city of Wrexham, North Wales. The festival places the music industry spotlight firmly on the emerging talent that Wales has to offer the world, alongside a selection of the best new acts from across the globe.
Stay tuned for updates and additions! And find all our current open calls here. Don’t be shy, apply!