Poster for the 18th & Vine Arts Festival advertising a live event with music and art, featuring the TV broadcast of the show 'Who Made the Cut?' on Fox 4. The poster includes neon-style graphics such as musical notes and a vintage microphone, with event details: the festival on September 26, the finalists revealed, and how to watch the show on July 31 and tune in on Fox 4 News.

Bright and colorful poster for the 18th & Vine Arts Festival 2026, featuring a woman singing into a microphone. The text highlights live performances, art, music, culture, and a grand prize contest. Event details include dates September 25-27, 2026, location Kansas City, Missouri, and a QR code for application. The poster emphasizes community involvement, diverse art genres, and celebration of culture.

LIVE ON THE VINE 2026

Kansas City's Stage for Emerging Artists

Saturday, September 26, 2026

Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District

Kansas City, Missouri

Audition for Live on the Vine

July 16th, 7 pm Location - Blue Room 1600 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108

COMPETE FOR $1,000

✳︎

COMPETE FOR $1,000 ✳︎

Two men stand on a stage holding a large check at the 'Live on the Vine' event. The man on the left wears glasses, a green beret, and casual clothing, while the man on the right is dressed in colorful, psychedelic-patterned pants, a red tank top, dark sunglasses, and chunky jewelry, smiling and pointing at the check. A digital screen behind them displays the event name.

2026

18th & Vine Arts Festival

COMPETE FOR $1,000

Are you ready to perform in front of thousands, gain exposure, and compete for one of the most exciting artist opportunities in Kansas City?

The 18th & Vine Arts Festival Foundation is seeking vocalists, musicians, bands, poets, spoken-word artists, and performers to compete in Live on the Vine 2026.

Live on the Vine is one of the signature events of the 2026 18th & Vine Arts Festival, showcasing some of the region's most talented emerging artists before a live audience, industry judges, media professionals, and festival attendees.

Only 12 artists will advance to the final competition.

Group of diverse people on an outdoor stage at a music festival, with a large screen displaying 'Live on the Vine Fims' behind them, and colorful stage lights overhead.

GRAND PRIZE PACKAGE

ONE WINNER WILL RECEIVE

💰 $1,000 CASH PRIZE

🎚️ Professional Studio Time

Develop your music and continue building your artistic career in a professional recording environment.

📸 Professional Photo Shoot

Receive professional promotional photography to strengthen your artist brand.

🎤 Main Stage Performance

Perform during the 2026 18th & Vine Arts Festival before festival attendees, sponsors, media, and community leaders.

⭐ VIP ARTIST EXPOSURE

Featured across festival marketing campaigns, social media, media coverage, and promotional materials.

Group of diverse adults on stage at a live outdoor event, with a colorful sign behind them reading 'LIVE ON THE VINE.' People are engaged in conversation, holding microphones and drinks, wearing casual and stylish outfits, with some wearing event badges.

2026

18th & Vine Arts Festival

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Live on the Vine welcomes artists from a variety of genres and creative disciplines.

Eligible Artists Include:

• Vocalists

• Singers

• Musicians

• Bands

• R&B Artists

• Soul Artists

• Hip-Hop Artists

• Gospel Artists

• Jazz Artists

• Alternative Artists

• Acoustic Artists

• Poets

• Spoken Word Artists

• Singer-Songwriters

If you're ready to take your talent to the next level, we want to hear from you.

A promotional poster for the 18th annual Divine Arts Festival featuring a woman in colorful clothing holding a sign. The festival information mentions live performances, a main stage, and a cash prize of $1,000. The event takes place in Kansas City, Missouri, from September 25 to 27, 2026.

COMPETITION FORMAT

UPDATED FOR 2026

This year's competition will feature four judges.

Each judge will select three artists to advance to the final showcase.

Competition Structure

4 Judges

↓

3 Artists Selected Per Judge

↓

12 Finalists

↓

1 Champion

Finalists will perform live during the 2026 18th & Vine Arts Festival.

2026

18th & Vine Arts Festival

GRAND PRIZE PACKAGE

$1,000 CASH PRIZE

The winning designer will receive:

🥇 $1,000 Cash Prize

🏆 Official Rock the Runway Championship Trophy

📸 Festival Recognition

🎤 On-Stage Recognition

📱 Featured Promotion Across Festival Marketing

📰 Media & Press Exposure

🎨 Recognition as the 2026 Rock the Runway Champion

MEET THE 2026 JUDGES

Our judging panel includes respected artists, performers, and industry professionals.

Tobbi & Tommi

Jo Blaq

Rob Trib

Sean Tyler

Each judge will mentor and advance three artists into the Live on the Vine Final Showcase.

WHY LIVE ON THE VINE?

Live on the Vine is more than a competition.

It is an opportunity to:

• Perform before a live festival audience

• Grow your fan base

• Gain professional exposure

• Build your artist brand

• Connect with industry professionals

• Network with fellow creatives

• Receive promotional support

• Showcase your talent on a major stage

• Compete for cash and professional development opportunities

Whether you're an emerging artist or an established independent performer, Live on the Vine provides a platform to help elevate your career.