BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Feb. 2, 2026 — Doc Swinson’s Whiskey and Northwest Tune-Up announced today the launch of the Doc Swinson’s Opening Act Contest, a statewide search designed to spotlight emerging Washington musicians and give one breakout band the opportunity of a lifetime: opening on the main stage at the 2026 Northwest Tune-Up Bike and Music Festival.
The contest, which opens to submissions February 2, invites Washington-based musicians across all genres to submit original performance videos for a chance to advance through a multi-stage selection process culminating in a live showcase for five finalists at the Wild Buffalo House of Music, one of Bellingham’s most iconic live music venues.
Rooted in shared values of creativity, curiosity, and community, the partnership brings together two brands known for celebrating discovery — whether on bikes, in craft, or on stage.
“Northwest Tune-Up has always been about uncovering what’s next: the next trail, the next idea, the next great band,” said Brandon Watts, Managing Director of Northwest Tune-Up. “When Doc Swinson’s approached us about developing a program that gives an up-and-coming Washington band a platform like this, we immediately knew it would be a perfect addition to our festival of Northwest culture.”
The winning artist or band will earn two prominent performance opportunities, including a private show at Doc Swinson’s tasting room, The Barrel Lab, with the date to be announced, and the opening performance on the Northwest Tune-Up 2026 main stage on July 10, 2026.
To be eligible, musicians must:
- Submit 20 to 30 minutes of original material
- Include at least one Washington State resident in the act
- Be 21 years or older
- Be available to perform live in Bellingham, Washington
- Perform with their own instruments and gear
- Be willing to help promote the contest and live performances
Bands and musicians may enter the contest through the Doc Swinson’s online portal through Feb. 13, 2026. All submissions will be reviewed by the Northwest Tune-Up Music Director.
On Feb. 16, 2026, ten semi-finalists will be announced and featured across Doc Swinson’s and Northwest Tune-Up social channels, with online public voting helping to decide the top finalists. On Feb. 22, five finalists will be selected. The contest culminates on March 5, 2026, when finalists take the stage for a live showcase at the Wild Buffalo House of Music.
A three-person judging panel will select the winner, with crowd energy factoring into the final decision. The showcase at Wild Buffalo will be free and open to the public, and attendees will have a chance to win one of multiple VIP ticket packages to Northwest Tune-Up 2026.
“Doc Swinson’s is centered on the ideas of openness and curiosity, always exploring, experimenting, and discovering new approaches and new flavors,” said Joe Mattson of Ferndale, WA-based Doc Swinson’s. “This contest is a new chance for the people of our home state to discover something new and remarkable together.”
All musical genres are welcome. For full contest rules, eligibility requirements, and submission details, go here.
ABOUT DOC SWINSON’S
Doc Swinson’s is a bold whiskey brand known for finishing and blending a curious range of award-winning whiskeys by combining old-world traditions with innovative techniques. Founded in 2017 and located in Ferndale, WA, Doc’s core line up, including their award-winning Triple Cask Bourbon and popular Session Bourbon, is distributed to more than 22 states and Canada alongside the renowned limited releases in the Exploratory Collection. Doc Swinson’s is curiosity in a bottle, on a mission to celebrate curiosity in all forms, expanding the world of American whiskey along the way. Visit docswhiskey.com to discover more and find a bottle of Doc’s near you.
ABOUT NORTHWEST TUNE-UP
Northwest Tune-Up is a bike and music festival launched in 2022 to celebrate and sustain Bellingham, Washington’s growing outdoor community. This three-day event combines the joy of cycling, live music and immersive experiences to spark adventure, connection and unforgettable moments. Learn more at www.nwtuneup.com.
