May 15, 6pm – Semi-Final #1
New Holland Brewing, Downtown Battle Creek
FREE
July 9, 6pm – Semi-Final #2
Squirrel Hollow, Southside Battle Creek
FREE
September 11, 6pm – Semi-Final #3
Handmap Brewing, Downtown Battle Creek
FREE
November 14, 6pm – Finals
Kellogg Arena, Downtown Battle Creek
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About the Event
Battle Creek’s Ultimate Rock & Roll Showdown
Battle Creek Battle of the Bands is the creation of Penetrator Events and 1T Productions. It was created to help instigate a larger live music scene in the greater Battle Creek area to celebrate local talent.
Battle of the bands does not pretend to be the end all for the live music scene, but rather an addition to what has already been created by so many other promoters, venues and musicians.
For this first 2026 version, the event will showcase cover bands in the rock ‘n’ roll genre.
Semi-Finals – FREE ENTRY
SEMI-FINAL #1 - NEW HOLLAND BREWING
The first of three qualifying rounds happening at New Holland Brewing in Downtown Battle Creek on Friday, May 15 at 6pm.
SEMIFINALISTS PERFORMING:
- Bombshell
- Barefoot Blonde
- Allie Garland w/ Awesome Sauce
Sat. May 15, 2026
New Holland Brewing
64 W Michigan Ave
6 PM
SEMI-FINAL #2 - SQUIRREL HOLLOW GOLF COURSE
The second qualifier round happening at Squirrel Hollow Golf Course on Thursday, July 9 at 6pm.
SEMIFINALISTS PERFORMING:
- Powell Experience
- Megan Rae Band
- Fat Animals
Thur. July 9, 2026
Squirrel Hollow Golf Course
12111 Helmer Rd S
6 PM
SEMI-FINAL #3 - HANDMAP BREWING
This last qualifying round happening at Handmap Brewing in Downtown Battle Creek on Friday, September 11 at 6pm.
SEMIFINALISTS PERFORMING:
- Lucid Vibe
- SXX
- His Boy Elroy
Sat. September 11, 2026
Handmap Brewing
15 Carlyle St, First Floor
6 PM
Finals
FINALE - KELLOGG ARENA
The big event. The finale for Battle of the Bands goes down Saturday, November 14 at 6pm. The finales will feature 6 bands battling it out on the big stage. Get your tickets today!
Sat. November 14, 2026
Kellogg Arena
1 McCamly Sq
6 PM
Sponsorships
Battle Creek Battle of the Bands will bring the energy of live rock music all over Battle Creek this year with events in May, July, September and culminating with the finale at Kellogg Arena on November 14. Sponsors play a key role in making this event possible while gaining valuable visibility among attendees and supporters of Battle Creek’s growing music scene. Businesses and organizations can support the event at several levels all detailed in the links provided. Join us in making the Summer of ’26 Battle of the Bands an unforgettable community experience.
Special Thanks to our Sponsors
MacFarlane Family Fund
Battle of the Bands FAQs
How long does our set need to be?
Typical sets last 15 to 30 minutes, often requiring 3–4 songs.
Do we need to bring our own equipment?
Generally, bands must bring their own instruments, guitars, drum kit and amps, while the venue may provide microphones and PA system.
What are the judges looking for?
Judges evaluate stage presence, musical proficiency, technical skills, and audience interaction.
Is there a registration fee?
No.
What happens if we go over our set time?
Strict time limits are enforced as we need to ensure each band gets its allotted time (point deductions for every minute exceeding the limit.)
How are winners selected?
Winners are usually determined by a panel of judges, but our main event will incorporate audience voting.
Can we play original songs too?
Our current event prefers cover songs, but they can absolutely be uniquely arranged.
What is the age limit?
We welcome all ages for the main event, but the early rounds will depend on the rules of those establishments.
When do we need to arrive?
Bands are typically required to arrive 1–2 hours before the show for soundcheck and load-in.