How to apply to festivals as a DJ
How to apply to play festivals as a DJ: when applications open, where to find them, what to send, how to choose festivals and what happens after you apply.
By StageOS · Updated
Playing a festival is a goal for a lot of DJs, and many festivals do take applications directly from artists, particularly for smaller stages, local programmes and new-talent slots. Applying well takes some planning: knowing when applications open, choosing festivals that fit your sound, and sending something a busy programmer can judge quickly. This guide covers each step.
When festivals open applications
Every festival sets its own timetable. Many UK summer festivals programme their line-ups months ahead, so their calls for artists often run in the autumn, winter or spring before the event. Some open a window of only a few weeks; others take applications all year, and some never take open applications at all. The safest approach is to keep a list of the festivals you'd like to play, check their websites and socials, and note the dates when a call opens.
On StageOS, the festivals open for applications page lists every festival on the site that is taking applications today, with the soonest deadline first. If a festival you want isn't open yet, its page has a "Get alerted" form: leave your email and you'll get one message when it opens.
Choose festivals that fit
Festival programmers book for a stage, a crowd and a time of day. A tailored application to a festival that already books your kind of music has a far better chance than the same message sent to every festival you can find. Look at past line-ups and stage names, and ask yourself honestly whether your sound and experience fit. Good places to start are:
- Smaller and boutique festivals, which often have more slots for less established DJs.
- Festivals near where you play regularly, where local promoters and crowds may already know you.
- Stages, tents and competitions set up for new or emerging artists.
- Festivals run by, or partnered with, promoters whose nights you already play.
Get your EPK ready first
Almost every festival application asks for the same things: a mix, a short bio, a photo, where you've played and how to contact you. Having them ready in an EPK means you can apply in minutes when a window opens, instead of scrambling before a deadline. See What is a DJ EPK? for what to include.
What to send
A mix for the stage you want
Pick or record a mix that sounds like the set you'd play on that stage, at that time of day. A sunset set on a small outdoor stage is a different thing from a late-night tent. Keep it recent and the sound quality clean.
A short, specific pitch
Say who you are, what you play, where you've played recently and why you fit this festival or stage. Mention any link to the area or the festival's crowd. Keep it to a short paragraph; programmers read a lot of these.
The practical details
Give your availability for the festival dates, where you'd be travelling from, and your fee or what you'd need covered, if the form asks. Be realistic: new-talent slots are sometimes unpaid or pay travel and tickets only. Whatever is offered, agree it in writing before you accept.
Follow the festival's rules
If a festival asks you to apply through its own form, use the form rather than emailing the organiser directly. Answer every question, stick to any word limits, and use the link formats they ask for. Apply before the deadline; late applications are rarely read. Keep a note of where and when you applied.
After you apply
Many festivals receive far more applications than they have slots, and they can't always reply to everyone. If a festival gives a date by which it will contact successful artists, wait until then. A single polite follow-up is fine if you have news that strengthens your application, such as a new residency or release. If you aren't picked, keep playing, keep your EPK current and apply again next year; programmers do notice artists who keep improving.
Applying through StageOS
Each festival page on StageOS shows its dates, location and line-up, and whether it is taking applications. When it is, Apply now asks for your act name, email, genre, home city and one to three links to your music, then emails you a link to confirm. Once confirmed, your application goes to the organiser with your EPK, and you can follow it under My Applications. Your first festival application is free; see the pricing page for plans with more. Some festivals also run their own application form, which is linked from their page.
Start with the festivals open for applications now, or browse all upcoming festivals and set alerts on the ones you want to play.
Frequently asked questions
When do festivals open applications for DJs?
It varies by festival. Many UK summer festivals take applications in the autumn, winter or spring before the event, and some only open a short window. Check each festival's own site, follow them, and use StageOS's open applications list or set an alert on a festival's page.
Can I apply to a festival without an agent?
Yes. Many festivals, especially smaller ones and stages for new or local talent, take applications directly from artists. Bigger headline slots are usually booked through agents.
Do festivals pay DJs?
Some pay a fee, some cover travel or give tickets, and some new-talent slots are unpaid. The application or the organiser should say what is offered; agree it in writing before you accept.
How many festivals should I apply to?
Apply to the ones whose music and size fit you, rather than as many as possible. A tailored application with the right mix to a festival that books your sound has a better chance than a generic one sent everywhere.