Music fans and artists across Northeastern Pennsylvania are invited to take part in celebrating the region’s vibrant music scene as nominations for the 2026 Steamtown Music Awards officially open online this Friday, May 1.
The award ceremony is part of the 13th annual Electric City Music Conference, set to take place Thursday, Sept. 10 through Saturday, Sept. 12 in Scranton. The three-day event will showcase the very best of local, regional, and national music talent while providing valuable opportunities for education, networking, and collaboration.
Nominations are open to the public via electriccitymusicconference.com and will feature more than 35 categories recognizing musicians, bands, venues, and industry professionals. Fans are encouraged to support their favorite artists, and musicians may also nominate themselves. Following the nomination period, a committee of local music experts will review submissions to determine award winners, alongside a fan-driven People’s Choice Award in each category.
The festivities kick off on Thursday, Sept. 10 with the Steamtown Music Awards ceremony, serving as both a prestigious recognition of the region’s musical achievements and a lively welcome event for visiting artists and industry professionals.
The celebration continues on Friday, Sept. 11, and Saturday, Sept. 12 as Scranton comes alive with more than 100 live performances across a variety of venues, including Backyard Ale House, The Bog, Mutant Brewing, Sergei’s Live, The Shakes Space inside The Marketplace at Steamtown, and The V-Spot, with additional locations to be announced.
In addition to live music, the ECMC will host free educational panels, speaker sessions, and mentoring opportunities throughout Sept. 11-12. Industry professionals from across the country will share insights and connect with emerging talent.
Applications to perform at the 2026 conference are currently open. Local musicians may apply at no cost, while regional and national acts are subject to a nominal application fee.
2026 Electric City Music Conference schedule
Friday, May 1: Steamtown Music Award nominations open
Saturday, Aug. 22: Nominations close
Sunday, Aug. 23: Nominees announced (live event details to follow)
Monday, Aug. 24: Online voting begins
Monday, Sept. 7: Online voting ends at midnight
Thursday, Sept. 10: Steamtown Music Awards ceremony
Friday, Sept. 11 – Saturday, Sept. 12: Electric City Music Conference
The Electric City Music Conference has become a beloved Scranton tradition, transforming the city into a hub for music, creativity, and community each fall. From honoring the best of NEPA’s music scene to spotlighting rising talent from across the country, the annual event continues to celebrate the power of music to bring people together.
For more information, to submit nominations, or to apply to perform, visit electriccitymusicconference.com.
