Applications now open for music festival at the Museum, bringing the next generation of musicians to Chicago’s oldest cultural institution
CHICAGO (September 28, 2026) — The Chicago History Museum will host Rock the Museum, a music festival showcasing the talent and creativity of young musicians from across the Chicago area. Co-hosted by the Chicago History Museum and School of Rock, the festival will take place at the Museum in November, bringing emerging artists and talented young musicians to Chicago’s oldest cultural institution for a day of live music while raising funds for the Museum’s educational programs. Applications are free and now open to eligible artists.
Rock the Museum will showcase a range of styles and genres of rock music, featuring:
- Emerging Artists performing original songs in 20-minute sets on the Main Stage;
- Solo artists, duos or trios performing primarily original music in 20-minute sets on the Acoustic Stage; and
- School of Rock House Bands performing sets on the Main Stage.
The Emerging Artist program, performed on the Main Stage, is open to full bands, solo artists and small groups ages 15–22 who write and perform original music and are based in Cook, DuPage or Lake counties in Illinois. The Acoustic Stage is open to solo artists, duos and trios ages 15–22 from the same counties who primarily share original music, with covers also welcome as part of their set. All styles and genres of rock music are welcome, provided the content is family-friendly.
Both the Main Stage and Acoustic Stage will be equipped with limited gear, and any additional equipment will need to be provided by the artist. All performers must be between the ages of 15–22. Applicants under the age of 18 may apply but must have the consent of a parent or legal guardian. Find more information in the application here: https://tinyurl.com/Rock-the-Museum-2026.
Applications are open through October 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT. Artists do not need to have an established fan base to apply and will be selected by a team of School of Rock faculty members and teen advisors. Submissions will be evaluated based on musicianship, songwriting and performance quality.
Rock the Museum reflects the Chicago History Museum’s ongoing mission to share and preserve the stories of Chicago and the people who shape its culture. By bringing young Chicago musicians to the city’s oldest cultural institution, the festival celebrates Chicago’s rich musical history while highlighting the artists who are helping shape its future.
Rock the Museum will take place on November 21, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St. Additional details about performers and programming will be announced at a later date.
For more information or questions, please contact Crystal Johnson, Chicago Metro History Day Manager, at [email protected] for questions about the festival and artist applications, or Emily Miller, Public Communications Manager, at [email protected] for general press inquiries and media requests.
MEDIA KIT AVAILABLE HERE: https://app.box.com/s/22y8jwvrgdxx7dadfccy5wn8rq1wsyhv
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ABOUT THE CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM
The Chicago History Museum is situated on ancestral homelands of the Potawatomi people, who cared for the land until forced out by non-Native settlers. Established in 1856, the Museum is located at 1601 N. Clark Street in Lincoln Park, its third location. A major museum and research center for Chicago and U.S. history, the Chicago History Museum strives to be a destination for learning, inspiration, and civic engagement. Through dynamic exhibitions, tours, publications, special events and programming, the Museum connects people to Chicago’s history and to each other. The Museum collects and preserves millions of artifacts, documents, and images to assist in sharing Chicago stories. The Museum gratefully acknowledges the support of the Chicago Park District on behalf of the people of Chicago.