Do you sell tickets for an event, performance or venue? Start selling smarter with Eventfinda. Find out more

Battle of the Bands 2026 National Championship

This year, Battle of the Bands National Championship celebrates its 31st Anniversary.

The 2026 competition events are taking place in March, running through April with finals in May.

History of the Event
Battle of the Bands – National Championship has been an annual feature of the New Zealand music scene since 1993. In that time the event has developed significant brand recognition and is strongly supported within its target demographic. Many well-known NZ music artists have been previous winners and finalists of the event; such as OPSHOP, TADPOLE, BLINDSPOTT, BAKERS EDDY, SKINNY HOBOS, STRANGELY AROUSING, BRENDON THOMAS & THE VIBES, THE RUBICS, ALIEN WEAPONRY, VALKYRIE and Members of I AM GIANT, DEVILSKIN to name just a few.

Aims and Overview
The event consists of multiple live shows held at leading professional live music venues throughout the country. Each year sees bands from all over NZ competing for a place at the National Finals, which are held in Wellington over 2 nights.

The primary function of the Battle of the Bands National Championship is to provide a platform for emerging music talent to obtain greater public awareness and broaden their opportunities in the search for music industry recognition & progression as well as provide ready set up live events for participating bands to gain more stage experience, to road-test and develop their songs and stage craft. Since 2009 the event has also offered greater involvement for fan/viewers, by means of competitions, digital developments and engagement within the judging by the use of audience voting.

Prizes / Sponsors
Over the years, Battle of the Bands - National Championship has been supported by many of NZ's premier brands (As well as International companies), from recording studios, musical instrument retailers and their international top brands, clothing and footwear brands, music festivals, beverage companies, universities and much more. The 2026 prize list and supporting sponsors will be announced shortly.

Venues
The country's best live music venues will host Battle of the Bands National Championship events.

  1. New Zealand
  2. Hide
Date Time & Venue Event Ticket Type Price Quantity
Thu 16 Apr 8:00 pm, The Crown Hotel, Dunedin Battle of the Bands 2026 National Championship - Otago Heat 1: CANCELLED General Admission R18 $17.60 ($16.00 + $1.60 fees)
Fri 17 Apr 8:00 pm, The Crown Hotel, Dunedin Battle of the Bands 2026 National Championship - Otago Heat 2 General Admission R18 $17.60 ($16.00 + $1.60 fees)
Sat 18 Apr 8:00 pm, Southland Musicians Club, Invercargill Battle of the Bands 2026 National Championship - Southland Heat General Admission R18 $17.60 ($16.00 + $1.60 fees)
Wed 22 Apr 8:00 pm, The Mothership, Auckland CBD Battle of the Bands 2026 National Championship - AKL Semi Final 1 General Admission R18 $17.60 ($16.00 + $1.60 fees)
Thu 23 Apr 8:00 pm, The Mothership, Auckland CBD Battle of the Bands 2026 National Championship - AKL Semi Final 2 General Admission R18 $17.60 ($16.00 + $1.60 fees)
Fri 24 Apr 8:00 pm, Biddy Mulligans, Hamilton Battle of the Bands 2026 National Championship - Waikato Final General Admission R18 $23.25 ($20.00 + $3.25 fees)
Sat 25 Apr 8:00 pm, Asgard, New Plymouth Battle of the Bands 2026 National Championship - Taranaki Final General Admission R18 $23.25 ($20.00 + $3.25 fees)
Sun 26 Apr 8:00 pm, The Mothership, Auckland CBD Battle of the Bands 2026 National Championship - Auckland Final General Admission R18 $23.25 ($20.00 + $3.25 fees)
Fri 1 May 8:00 pm, A Rolling Stone, Christchurch Battle of the Bands 2026 National Championship - South Island Final General Admission R18 $23.25 ($20.00 + $3.25 fees)
Fri 8 May 8:00 pm, The Stomach, Palmerston North Battle of the Bands 2026 National Championship - Manawatu Heat General Admission R18 $17.60 ($16.00 + $1.60 fees)
Sat 9 May 8:00 pm, Valhalla, Wellington Battle of the Bands 2026 National Championship - Wellington Final General Admission R18 $23.25 ($20.00 + $3.25 fees)
Fri 29 May 8:00 pm, Valhalla, Wellington Battle of the Bands 2026 National Championship - National Final General Admission R18 $27.35 ($24.00 + $3.35 fees)
  8:00 pm, Valhalla, Wellington Battle of the Bands 2026 National Championship - National Final 2 night superpass R18 $44.30 ($40.00 + $4.30 fees)
Sat 30 May 8:00 pm, Valhalla, Wellington Battle of the Bands 2026 National Championship - National Final General Admission R18 $27.35 ($24.00 + $3.35 fees)
Tour Total (inc GST) $0.00