Battle of the Bands

Monday, January 12th, 2026 | Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach

Battle of the Bands contest will be held at the world famous Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach. This is your chance to win a spot on the main stage of the official Fiesta del Sol in 2026!

 

Contest Rules and Regulations

Eligibility

• Each band must have a minimum of one (1) member that is local to Solana Beach or North San Diego County, meaning that they must live or work in Solana Beach or the surrounding area.
• A $250 per band entry fee is required for entry into the contest. In return, your band will be given 30 entrance tickets into Belly Up for the event.
• A charge to the billing account will only be processed should the band be chosen to perform at the event. Any payment information received will be kept secured at all times.
• Bands must submit completed application and payment by Friday, October 31, 2025.

Regulations

• FDS Battle of the Bands is a live music, band/group competition on stage at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach. No solo singers or DJ/mixers will be considered. Band/group size must be at least two (2), but no more than eight (8) musical performers.
• Bands selected to compete must perform 3-4 songs for a maximum of 20 minutes. No tracking or lip-syncing will be allowed.
• FDS Battle of the Bands is a 21+up event. Any band/group submitting an application for the event agrees to provide appropriate entertainment. Event organizers reserve the right to disqualify a band/group for reasons including: offensive lyrics, inappropriate dress or behavior, gang-related or offensive tattoos, depiction of violence or nudity or explicit activity, excessive damage, or intent of harm, to any provided equipment or property. Violations will result in immediate disqualification from the competition.
• Please note: Past winners from the last two years are not eligible to compete.

* Please send us a sample of your music or direct us to where we can listen to it online (See application).

Judging

The event will have a panel of judges that will make up 50% of the voting. Judging will be based on the following criteria on a scale of 1-10:

• Overall Performance
• Sound Quality
• Playlist Versatility
• Personality/Crowd Interaction
• Appearance
• Attitude and professionalism

Prize

1^st Place: Winner will be returned the entry fee ($250) and will play the main stage at Fiesta del Sol 2026.

Performance

• If any member of a band/group is late for their performance time, the band may choose to perform without the late member(s) or forfeit their spot in the competition. If the whole band/group is late for their arrival time, they will be automatically disqualified.
• A sound system, speakers, microphones and stands, as well as house drums and instrument amplification will be provided.
• Bands will be performing on Monday, January 12, 2026 from 5:00 – 9:00 pm. Performance time will be assigned by November 26, 2025.
• The winner will be announced at the end of the night.

Attendance and Voting

Attendance to the event is open to the public with the purchase of a $12 ticket in advance, $15 at the door. All ticket holders in attendance at the event will get a ballot to participate in audience voting, which will count for 50% of the overall score given. Judges’ votes will count for 50% of the overall score.

Disclaimer

By participating in FDS Battle of the Bands, all members of the band/group grant the Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce permission to take, use, or publish photographs of them (with or without their names), in such manner as, in its sole discretion, the Solana Beach Chamber may deem proper. Furthermore, all members of the band/group agree to waive ownership interest in any photos or copies thereof. Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce will select up to eight (8) participants to compete. The Chamber selections are final.