The West Side Nut Club is inviting talented performers of all ages to take the stage during the 2026 Fall Festival Amateur Hour Contest, featuring cash prizes, trophies, and an opportunity to showcase local talent before festival audiences.
The annual Amateur Hour Contest is open to performers competing in four age-based divisions:
• Junior Division: Preschool through Fifth Grade
• Middle School Division: Sixth through Eighth Grade
• Senior Division: Ninth through Twelfth Grade
• College Division: Through age 24, vocal performances only
Bigger cash prizes will be awarded this year, with prize money and trophies presented to finalists in each division.
Tryouts Scheduled for August 19 and 20
Auditions for the 2026 contest will be held at the Mater Dei High School Auditorium, located at 1300 Harmony Way, Evansville, Indiana.
Tryout dates and time:
• Wednesday, August 19 — 5:30 p.m.
• Thursday, August 20 — 5:30 p.m.
Participants must be signed in by 8:30 p.m. and are required to wear a full costume for their performance.
The West Side Nut Club Fall Festival is a long-standing Evansville tradition that brings together the community for entertainment, food, family activities, and celebrations throughout the week. The Amateur Hour Contest continues that tradition by giving young performers and aspiring entertainers an opportunity to perform and compete on a community stage.
The contest is free and open to the public.
For complete eligibility requirements and additional information, visit nutclub.org.
WIKY News Photo by Jay Zimmer
West Side Nut Club Announces 2026 Fall Festival Amateur Hour Contest
By Aaron Santini
Aug 12, 2026 | 2:05 PM

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