NoCo Fest 2026 will take place at The COVE Art Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the evening of Friday, November 20, & all-day Saturday, November 21.

Performing acts are allotted a twenty-minute set with ten minutes for changeover between acts. We have two stages. Set times will be staggered between them. There are tables, chairs, & other display options available for setting up a merch booth in the space where you perform.

Attending the entire festival is highly encouraged & a major consideration in our selection process!

If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas to share, please contact us by emailing contact@thenoveltycollective.org. One of our event coordinators will answer your inquiry as soon as possible.

The application deadline is August 31st, 2026.

Creating Space Together

The Novelty Collective Music & Arts Festival is a celebration of creativity & beauty. When you perform at NoCo Fest, you become a part of something bigger than yourself. We are looking for more than just songwriters & poets—we are searching for artists who will help us create an atmosphere of genuine warmth & welcome. Your lyrics, your melodies, your presence, & your personality are all valuable assets that can contribute to this effort.

The Power of Presence

Creating a welcoming & supportive environment at our festival requires that we not only stay a while but also engage with other artists & patrons. While a smaller window of availability will not disqualify you, we prioritize applicants who can commit to sticking around for the majority of the event. The COVE isn't your typical venue. It's more of a community center, designed to establish & strengthen lasting relationships in the creative communities we serve from Pennsylvania to California & everywhere in between!

All that being said, let's get to know a little more about YOU…

Please share your social media profiles, website, & any streaming platforms where we can listen to your project. Use the field multiplier (+) to create additional text boxes.

The Novelty Collective Music & Arts Festival has historically featured artists from all over the country, & we recognize that finding a place to stay in Pittsburgh can often be challenging. We offer limited lodging at Home of the Nomad (our artist residence adjacent to The COVE Art Center), & there may be others willing to host our out-of-towners. Please note that free lodging is a possibility but not guaranteed.

Check your email regularly for a message regarding your application. While you wait, please check out the NoCo website, subscribe to our newsletter, & follow us on social media (below) for photos, highlight reels, & exciting updates. Remember to tell your friends & family about us!

Again, you can send a message to our team at any time by emailing contact@thenoveltycollective.org. We will be in touch!