2026 US Air Guitar Championship - Austin Qualifier

Austin, it’s time to air it OUT.

The 2026 US Air Guitar Texas Qualifier is blasting back into The Jackalope South Shore on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 7–10 PM. No strings. No amps. Just pure, over-the-top rock energy and the finest invisible shredding this side of the national stage.

This isn’t just a local goof-off night. It’s the official US Air Guitar Texas showdown, merging the might of Austin and Houston into one massive battle for air supremacy. Two cities. One stage. All shred.

• What’s happening: Competitors hit the stage one by one to rip through 60 seconds of their most face-melting air guitar performance in Round 1.

• Expect windmills, hair whips, knee slides, power stances, and jumps that may or may not be advisable in real life.

• Judges score on rockness, technical “skill,” and straight-up showmanship – think more stage dive energy, less actual music theory.

• Top scorers advance to Round 2, where the songs get wild, the moves get weirder, and the crowd decides who’s truly worthy of the Texas crown.

Cost:

• Free to watch – bring your friends, your loudest cheering voice, and your most dramatic air-drumming backup.

• $15 to compete – pay the entry fee, accept the terms, and you’re in the running for glory.

How to compete:

• Sign up ahead of time online or roll up night-of ready to rip. Either way, bring a character, a costume, and a killer track.

• You must be 21+ to compete. Competitors get in free; your air roadies and groupies will need to grab tickets.

• Arrive early for check-in, a quick rules briefing, and some last-minute air stretches.

What you’re playing for:

• The title of Texas Air Guitar Champion – bragging rights that last way longer than your sore thighs.

• A spot at the US Air Guitar Championship in San Francisco – one riff closer to the national crown.

Why you should go (even if you’re not competing):

• It’s part rock show, part comedy, part theater, and part fever dream.

• Cheering, chanting, and losing your voice for strangers in spandex is strongly encouraged.

• No musical talent required – just enthusiasm and a willingness to yell for people pretending to play guitar really, really hard.

Whether you’re a veteran shredder or a first-time airhead, this night is all about turning it up, freaking it out, and leaving it all on an imaginary fretboard.

• Sign up to compete: use the Eventbrite link in the event description.

• Follow the mayhem: @USAirGuitar, @TexasAirGuitar, @HoustonAirGuitar

• Unofficial dress code: denim, leather, sequins, sweatbands, and anything that looks good mid-headbang.

#MakeAirNotWar #RockTheLand

Bring your best moves, your loudest scream, and absolutely no guitar.