The city of Miami Beach and the Rhythm Foundation announced the open call in a Sept. 21 press release. The festival is set for Saturday, March 6, 2027. Solo acts and bands performing any genre of live music can apply. Genres include rock, jazz, Latin, electronic, folk, classical, funk and spoken word.

How to apply

To enter, musicians 18 and under must complete an online application at miamibeach.rocks and submit audition links. At least one member of each band must live in Miami-Dade County, and the group's average age must be under 18 at the time of the festival.

Acts selected to perform will receive an honorarium. Auditions will be reviewed in mid-December, and applicants will be notified by Thursday, Dec. 31.

Mayor Steven Meiner called the festival part of the city's commitment to young residents. "A family-friendly city is one that gives young people opportunities to discover their talents and reach their potential," Meiner said in the announcement.

Adam Ganuza, executive director of the Rhythm Foundation, said the event lets young performers "feel like rockstars for the day" while sharing their music with neighbors and families. Ganuza said the festival gives participants the energy of a professional live event and a memory they carry with them.

The city promoted the audition window in its biweekly e-newsletter on Sept. 18, signaling an active push to reach eligible performers before the deadline.

Last year's turnout

Last year's edition drew 35 performers to the Miami Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Ave., on March 7. The show ran 3 to 9 p.m. and featured rock bands, teen jazz musicians, singer-songwriters, marching bands and hip-hop acts. Admission was free, with door donations going to music programs at Miami Beach public schools.

The Raphael Family Foundation also supports the festival.

Musicians with questions can email [email protected] or call 305-672-5202.

What's ahead

Applications close Friday, Dec. 11. Selected acts will be announced by Thursday, Dec. 31. The 11th Annual Miami Beach Youth Music Festival takes the stage Saturday, March 6, 2027.