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.

Applications are now open for interested and suitable genre acts to join.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 5pm on Sun 03 May

Applications are open to all heavy genre bands nation-wide. Acts must be available for the competition and festival date, with finalists selected by the festival team on Tue 05 May via DOW socials.

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. Further event information will be provided to finalists, or for any specific questions please email the address above. Full production, tech, backline and rider will be supplied by the venue.

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.

APPLICATION INFORMATION MUST INCLUDE:

*Band Name, Location and Short Bio
*Social Links
*Youtube Clip Link (best)
*Spotify Band Link
*Confirmation of band availability for the competition and main festival dates

Dead of Winter Festival - 2026 BAND COMPETITION
Sunday 24 May 2026 at Mo's Desert Clubhouse (GOLD COAST)
$10 entry (performers FREE) // 2.00pm doors / 18+ event / Limited Capacity

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