SCHOOL OF ROCK. In its 22nd year, Rockonsin will continue its annual call for the state's premier garage band competition, shining a spotlight on musical acts – across any and all genres – in grades 7-12. Bands from across the state are encouraged to take advantage of Rockonsin's free application period from March 1 through April 30. (Image via Rockonsin)

Each summer, Wisconsinites anticipate Milwaukee’s Summerfest grounds filling up with national headlining acts. For some, this also means watching students – or their fellow peers – in grades 7-12 take to the big stage.

For its 22nd year, Rockonsin will continue with its annual call for the state’s premier garage band competition, shining a spotlight on musical acts across all genres. Starting today, March 1, regional bands can sign up and apply – for free – until April 30 for the chance to compete to play an original set at the summer festival on July 4 at the Aurora Pavilion Stage.

Rockonsin stands out as the nation’s singular statewide youth music competition program, a recent media release shared. Here in the Chippewa Valley, local bands including 30 Minute Difference, Comrad & the Comrades, Resonate, Through The Kitchen Hold and others have made the competition’s top 10 final in the past decade.

2026 Rockonsin features and requirements:

• No registration fee or associated costs to participate

• A band can be a combination of Wisconsin students in 7th-12th grade. All band members must be enrolled in a Wisconsin public, private, virtual, charter or home school during the 2025-2026 school year

• The band must be comprised of two or more musicians, one member of the band must be a vocalist

• Each band will be asked to submit one video of the band performing either one cover or original song and submitting a link to that video

  • Bands should video close enough so that one can see the band members actually playing or singing; and include the songwriting credit and lyrics

As applications are reviewed, bands moving onto the state finals will be announced on May 15. The 10 Rockonsin state finalists will each perform a 20-minute showcase set at Summerfest, competing for the ultimate win.

The Rockonsin state finals will take place over two days at the beginning of Summerfest, from June 19-20, on the Aurora Pavillion stage. Five bands will compete each day, and both the winner and runner-up of the 2026 competition will secure a spot alongside headlining and regional acts at Summerfest – each performing a 45-minute set on July 4.

Yet, the excitement continues to build. Beyond the chance to perform for hundreds of audience members this June and July, the top 10 state finalists will receive two Shure microphones (one vocal and one instrument, each with cords). The top two finalists will also receive professional recording sessions at Madison’s Blast House Studios, along with a Rockonsin award.

Bands from across the state are encouraged to take advantage of this free application period from March 1 through April 30. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of one of the state’s most anticipated youth music events!