Dead of Winter Festival - 2026 BAND COMPETITION

What began as a home for heavy music, dark art and alt culture, Dead of Winter Festival has become more than a music event, evolving into a full-scale celebration uniting fans of heavy through premium band performance, art, horror cosplay, dark markets, visual installations and immersive experiences.

In an offering aiming to provide a serious leg up to one lucky scene act, the festival, in conjunction with Gold Coast’s most award-winning venue Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, will host a band competition on Sun 24 May 2026, with the event winner gaining a paid slot on the stacked 2026 festival bill alongside acts such as DZ Deathrays, Mammal, Jay and Lindsay (Frenzal Rhomb), Lo!, Toe to Toe, Slim Krusty and many more with additional sponsor prizes.

The competition finalist bands include (in no particular order):

*GRIZZLYSHARK

*PYROKINESIS

*SEVEN DAY STORM

*JIB

*SOL ONYX

*RORONOAH

*FOUL FACE

Bands in the competition will be judged by a panel of industry professionals (on musicianship/stage presence/marketability) along with the ability to bring a crowd via a drink ticket voting system. Come and help give your fave scene bands a legup!

Always loud, always theatrical, always welcoming, Dead of Winter is one of the best scene days in Australia with a long history of good times. Full fest info and tickets via www.deadofwinterfestival.com.au.

Doors are at 2.00pm with food truck onsite. Entry is 18+ and limited in capacity at only $10 entry. Rally the crew.

Proudly presented by Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Beats Cartel, Dead Entertainment, Necrosonic, Beserk and CBCo. Brewery.

Mo’s is Burleigh Heads’ most loved music venue, licensed bars, creative studios and cultural hub.

The Warehouse & El Ranchero both boast epic bar menus, tacos, cocktails and craft beers. Food truck open on the day.

Mo’s is a fully licensed venue, all guests are required to show ID on entry.