Neon City Festival and Fremont Street Experience (FSE) are teaming up to bring the energy of Las Vegas’ music scene to the forefront with Rock the Canopy, a brand new battle of the bands competition spotlighting the city’s homegrown talent.
Submissions open Aug. 7 and close Sept. 21. Finalists will be announced on Sept. 26, with up to six bands selected to compete live on Oct. 3 during the final night of FSE’s popular Local Originals concert series. The winning band will earn a coveted spot on the 2025 Neon City Festival lineup alongside top national and international artists.
“We’ve always believed Neon City should be a reflection of the community we’re part of,” said Jeff Victor, CEO of the Neon City Festival. “Rock the Canopy is our way of giving back and elevating the emerging talent in our own backyard. We’re proud to partner with Local Originals to create a real pathway from the streets of Vegas to the big stage.”
Launched in early 2025, the Local Originals concert series has quickly become a beloved platform for local musicians, drawing increasing crowds and buzz across the downtown community. The series is known for its focus on originality, stage presence, and raw musical talent – all qualities that will also drive the Rock the Canopy selection process.
“Las Vegas has always been a city full of fresh energy and bold talent, and Rock the Canopy will celebrate just that,” said Andrew Simon, President and CEO of Fremont Street Experience. “We’re thrilled to partner with Neon City Festival to give local bands a chance at something big. It’s going to be an unforgettable night downtown, and we can’t wait to see who takes the stage.”
Rock the Canopy is more than a competition, it’s a celebration of Las Vegas’ creative spirit and a testament to the city’s thriving music culture. As the Neon City Festival continues to grow, initiatives like this help deepen its connection with the downtown community and ensure local voices have a place on one of Las Vegas’ most exciting stages.
Local bands interested in competing can visit neoncityfestival.com to submit their materials between Aug. 7 and Sept. 21. Finalists will be announced on Sept. 26, with up to six bands selected to compete live on Oct. 3 in front of a high-energy crowd at Fremont Street Experience.
Stay tuned for Neon City Festival’s 2025 headliner announcement coming soon. For more information about Neon City Festival, visit neoncityfestival.com.
###
About Fremont Street Experience
Fremont Street Experience is a vibrant entertainment district in historic downtown Las Vegas. The open-air promenade is a hub for entertainment, gaming, dining, and shopping. Fremont Street Experience offers more free live entertainment than anywhere else in Vegas, with performances on three stages every day of the year. Fremont Street Experience also features the Viva Vision Canopy. Spanning 1,375 feet in length and 90 feet in width, the Viva Vision screen is suspended 90 feet above the pedestrian mall. It dazzles visitors nightly with stunning visual shows synchronized to the music of headline artists like Katy Perry, Stone Temple Pilots, Imagine Dragons, and more. Fremont Street Experience is also home to SlotZilla, a thrilling attraction featuring an 850-foot Zipline and a 1,750-foot Zoomline. Riders launch from a 12-story slot-machine-themed platform and soar beneath the iconic Viva Vision canopy. Fremont Street Experience offers direct pedestrian access to eight world-renowned casino hotels, over 70 restaurants, and numerous specialty retail kiosks, drawing more than 24 million visitors annually. For more information about Fremont Street Experience, please visit www.vegasexperience.com.
“Like” Fremont Street Experience on Facebook: facebook.com/FSE89101
“Follow” Fremont Street Experience (@FSELV) on Twitter: twitter.com/FSELV
“Follow” Fremont Street Experience (@FremontStreet) on Instagram: Instagram.com/fremontstreet
About The Neon City Festival
Neon City Festival is a first-of-its-kind, free, all-ages celebration set for its second year in Downtown Las Vegas from November 21-23. This unique event turns the heart of Vegas into a sprawling, open-air playground with no fences, allowing attendees to wander through a captivating mix of performances, including thrilling live shows, epic fireworks, dazzling laser spectacles, and cutting-edge art exhibits. The festival offers a multi-genre music and culinary experience that pulses with the vibrant energy of Las Vegas. Highlights include savory food trucks, mind-bending 3D graphics on the Fremont Street Experience Viva Vision screen, interactive art installations, and a diverse lineup of headliner talent. With convenient transportation and ample parking, Neon City Festival is Las Vegas’ largest free music festival, offering an unforgettable weekend experience. Created by Derek Stevens and overseen by appointed CEO Jeff Victor, the event is co-founded by the LVCVA, Circa Resort & Casino, the D Las Vegas, Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, Fremont Street Experience, Binion’s Gambling Hall, California Hotel Casino, Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino, El Cortez Hotel & Casino, 4 Queens Hotel & Casino, Fremont Hotel & Casino, Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Main Street Station, Plaza Hotel & Casino and The STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod . For more information visit neoncityfestival.com.
