Our Mission
What We're Building
Platform → Scene → Experience → Community
Every Backyard Party event starts with the same idea: Make live music accessible to all, regardless of age or income. We provide a platform for young people to develop their skills and contribute to the music scene in whatever way they choose.
That means real shows, real audiences, real pay, professional sound and lighting, and no pay-to-play - ever. But what happens on the stage is only part of it. Young people also shoot photos, run sound, design artwork, write about bands, work the door, learn production, meet collaborators, start bands, and discover the many ways they can be part of music beyond performing.
This is not a talent show, battle of the bands, recital, or school performance. We're building safe, affordable, all-ages nightlife and a music community where age or income doesn't determine whether you get to participate.
Because none of this works if cost or age is a barrier. We believe every young person deserves a seat at the table, and a spot on the stage.
Our Values
- —All Ages, AlwaysNo age restrictions for performers or fans, ever.
- —No Pay-To-PlayArtists power the movement. We pay them. Not the other way around.
- —Cheap TicketsMusic should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age or income.
- —Community FirstMusicians, photographers, writers, volunteers — we all build the scene together.
- —Make Your Own ScenePlay a show. Shoot one. Write about it. Run sound. Make a flyer. Start a band. There isn't just one way to be part of this.
Bands have played on our stage
Fans have come to our shows
Paid out to local bands & charities
Want to know where it all started? Read the origin story of Backyard Party — born out of the Eaton Fire and a community that needed a place to play.
Read our story →