Do you want to get your music in front of an audience, music industry professionals, or even onto the 30th edition of the Pohoda Festival? Your music career can begin in the Garage.
The Garáž Festival is once again opening its doors to a new generation of Slovak musicians.
As part of the Trenčín 2026 – European Capital of Culture project, we are launching an open call for emerging bands, solo artists, producers, and DJs. Ten selected artists will get the opportunity to perform their own concert at the Garáž Festival, and one band will have the chance to perform at the 30th edition of Pohoda Festival in 2026.
Garáž is a launchpad for new names on the Slovak music scene. It offers real concert experience, visibility, and practical know-how about how the music industry works. In 2025, up to 200 bands applied to the open call. Will you take this opportunity too?
Who can apply?
Slovak bands, solo artists, producers, and DJs of any genre may apply. The condition is original music.
The jury will select performers in three categories:
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No released single, EP, or album
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A maximum of one released single, EP, or album without label support
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A maximum of one released single, EP, or album released in collaboration with a label
What do the selected musicians receive?
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A paid performance at the Garáž Festival (July 3–5, 2026)
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The opportunity to perform at the 30th edition of Pohoda Festival 2026 (1 band selected by the Pohoda Festival organizers)
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Media support and promotion through the Trenčín 2026 project
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Participation in an educational block, gaining skills and knowledge about how the music industry works (management, booking, PR, record labels, the festival market, and more)
How to apply?
You can apply via the online form by Tuesday, March 31, 2026 (inclusive). The application must include:
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At least two samples of original work (links to streaming platforms such as SoundCloud, Bandcamp, Spotify, etc.)
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Optional: a video recording of a live performance or rehearsal up to 15 minutes (Vimeo, YouTube, etc.)
A condition of participation is the ability to perform a concert of at least 5 songs (up to 25 minutes) and attendance at the educational block.
Who will evaluate the applications and based on what criteria?
Applications will be evaluated by a jury composed of professionals with long-standing experience in the music industry in Slovakia and abroad. The main criteria will be the artistic quality of the recordings and the potential to deliver a cohesive live performance.
As the organizer, Trenčín 2026 will inform applicants about the results of the expert jury’s evaluation via email at the beginning of May 2026.
Trenčín 2026 reserves the right not to select winners if the jury evaluates the submitted applications as not meeting the criteria.
The composition of the evaluation committee will be announced soon.
Trenčín 2026 reserves the right to make changes to the program, and the parties concerned will be informed of any such changes without undue delay.
Contact person: Pavol Čižmár (pavol.cizmar@trencin2026.eu)