* APPLICATION FORM HERE *

Applications must be submitted by January 15th, 2026

Felicita’s is excited to bring back Battle of the Bands for 2026! The battles will be held on Fridays between the dates of January 30^th and March 27^th, 2026. There will be a maximum of 16 bands to compete. Please read thru the Rules and Regulations to familiarize yourselves.

This year’s prizes are:

1^st – $750 plus a day in a record studio, and a Friday headlining in the Fall & Spring semester (2026/27),
2^nd – $500 and a Friday headlining show in year (2026/27)
3^rd – $250 and a Friday show in the year (2026/27),
4^th – Friday show (2026/27)

*Paid gigs negotiated with Pub Manager based on mutual availability with no other cash value

Contest Rules and Regulations:

Minors MAY NOT participate; all participants must be 19 years of age or older and may be required to provide 2pcs of ID
Applications must be submitted by Jan. 15^th 2026 either in person at Felicita’s or emailed to manager@felicitas.ca. *Limited spots available*
Must be available to play all 3 rounds and on the date of the finals.
Sets are max. 40 minutes each. 2 points are discounted per minute over 40 minutes. Set must be minimum of 35min as well, 2 points will be deducted for each minute under 35. You will have 10 minutes to set up on stage and 10 minutes to get off the stage. A delay in set up time will result in a shorter set time.
Cover songs are not mandatory, and you can play all original material.
No more than 3 cover songs per set. Cover songs must be rearranged and should NOT sound like a copy of the original. Make it your own. (Please announce on the mic when playing covers to make sure the judges are aware.) 10 Points are discounted for extra cover songs(max 3 covers). No points are awarded in the covers category for covers that are a straight copy of the original. We want to hear about your creativity and what you can come up with. “Make it your own.” Duke Ellington.
Treat all Felicita’s staff, sound tech and fellow bands with respect. A lack of a good attitude will have a negative impact on the overall final score and could lead to disqualification.
No alcohol is permitted on stage and any performer deemed intoxicated will not be allowed to perform and must exit the premises.
Stage presence is a massive factor in audience engagement and is part of the scoring.
Performers are to keep lyrics and stage presence respectful as well.
Follow Load-in and sound check instructions, this is important as any delays caused could affect your overall score.
Felicita’s does not take table reservations during this event. First come, first serve basis.

Load in and sound check instructions:

Please arrive 10min before the sound check is scheduled to start. Times will be emailed to bands scheduled for sound check.
All equipment must be stored on the RIGHT SIDE (stage left) of the stage, by the tables, in front of the PA system.
No gear should be stored on the left side (stage right) bathroom side.
Do not load the gear on stage.
Cover songs are not mandatory, and you can play all original material.
The sound check will happen only for the closing band of the night and the opening band, respectively.
Only the closing band can place Amps on stage. No pedals or instruments.
Felicita’s Pub is a liquor primary venue but do like the sentiment of still allowing patrons to talk, so please keep in mind the overall stage volume (e.g., guitar amps). We are not at the Save on Foods arena.
Failure to follow Load-in procedures will affect your overall score.

The 4 Round Process:

Based on 16 bands for the Battles. Priority will be given to those with Uvic students in the band and to bands who have NOT competed before @Felicita’s. Once we have reached 16 bands, then we will have a waitlist for those that register afterwards.
You will perform your first set on your designated first round date at Felicita’s. All first round performances will be completed by Feb. 27^th 2026, and you will be contacted soon after if your band has been selected to play in the next round. First round will have 4 bands per night and the top 2 from each night will move forward. 8 bands will be selected to play in the next round
If selected, you and the remaining 7 qualifying bands will be required to play the second round on Mar. 6^thor 13^th 2026. We will let you know which night your band plays. Two bands per each round will be selected to go onto the finals round for a total of 4 bands.
You and the 3 other finalist will battle it out in the Final Round on March 27^th There will be 4 bands competing for the winning positions.

Scoring:

50% of the score is based on audience votes. The other 50% is divided into the following categories: Stage Presence; Music Choice; Talent; Crowd Reaction; Tightness; Covers vs Orig; Set time; Overall.

E.G. Judges scoring (combined and averaged)

Judges (50%)	Band 1	Band 2	Band 3
Stage Presence	7/10	9/10	8.33/10
Music Choice	7/10	9.33/10	9/10
Talent	7.33/10	9.33/10	9/10
Crowd Reaction	6.67/10	9.67/10	9/10
Tightness	7.33/10	9.33/10	8.67/10
Covers vs orig	10/10	10/10	10/10
Set time Minimun 35min. Max. 40min	10/10	10/10	10/10
Overall	21.67/30	27.33/30	27/30
Total	77/100	93.99/100	91/100

Votes (50%)	91/237 (38.4%)	103/237 (43.46%)	43/237 (18.1%)
Final Combined	57.7	68.7	54.6

Band 1 and 2 would go ahead to the next round

** For the Finale, the Panel of Judges scoring will count 70% and the crowd voting will be 30%