Stand Up Stand Out

The Finals of Stand Up Stand Out 2026 land in the Great Hall of Auckland Town Hall, where the region's best secondary school emerging artists compete across six categories: Solo Vocal, Group Vocal, Solo Instrumental, Band, Dance, and Originals. More than 2,000 students took part in the wider competition, so the finalists taking the stage have already earned their place.

Alongside the main competition, an Alumni Band performs — a glimpse of where SUSO talent goes next. The programme has deep roots, growing from an Ōtara community initiative over 30 years ago into an annual fixture drawing 50-plus schools from across Tāmaki Makaurau.

The event runs for four and a half hours, is rated for ages 10 and up, and is relaxed-event friendly with wheelchair access. It sits within the We The Young festival, which offers further free activities for curious young minds and their caregivers. Free tickets are required as spaces are limited.