Make Music Wheaton

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where will Make Music Wheaton take place?

MMW will take place on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The same date that a multitude of cities celebrate Fête de la Musique throughout the world.

Performances can be scheduled from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. in spaces open for public participation throughout Downtown Wheaton.

Who can participate?

MMW is open to EVERYONE! Students, amateurs, part-time professionals and established artists are all welcome. There is no audition process to be included in the musical merriment and MMW is open to all ages, skill levels and persuasions of music makers. All you need to do is sign up, make your match with a venue, show up and perform. Get creative! Even non-musicians are invited to participate by dancing, singing along with a crowd or even helping to organize a flash mob.

Where may I perform?

Performances will take place in a variety of outdoor and indoor spaces. The goal is to generate a continuous soundscape of music as people walk around participating spaces. Unlike many traditional music events, MMW does not have one central venue. 

Private Spaces: Restaurants, businesses, community organizations and homeowners may wish to offer their locale as a venue. We welcome all. The only requirements are that the performance space is open to the public at no cost.

How long will each performance last?

You have complete artistic control. It’s your concert. Try to work with the venue, if that is not you, and find a time that best suits your needs.

May performers take full advantage of MMW and perform multiple times during the day?

At this time scheduling more than one performance is not recommended.

What if a band signs up now, and has to back out later?

Once your event is confirmed by your chosen location and by the MMW organizers, we will block off your spot. We are counting on you to perform! If you do need to cancel, it is your responsibility to find another performer to take your spot. Please let the location – and us – know about all program changes ASAP, so that MMW and the venue can help find a replacement.

What if I play an instrument, but don’t have my own band?

Join or organize a “Mass Appeal” event! The big idea is that scores of musicians who have never performed together before can band together to perform massive pieces. Think, a squad of acoustic guitars all playing the same song at the same time. You get the idea! Each performance works differently, depending on the genre, the instrument, and the location.

How do we sign up to perform in parks?

Visit https://www.makemusicday.org/wheaton/ to register as a performer, see all available venues and make a match!

Who will provide a stage / tuned grand piano / etc. for my concert?

MMW is not a typical music festival. It is a DIY opportunity for people to be creative about putting together their own musical events. Our organizers set up the framework for concerts — the rest is up to you! Artists and locations collaborate to produce the events, provide electricity, if needed, and provide any necessary equipment.

Will I be paid to perform?

MMW is a citywide celebration of summer and part of an international movement. As part of this international celebration, MMW agrees to offer all performances for free to the public. As is the case with other cities around the world, our contribution is setting up the framework for performances by securing the permits, coordinating the concerts and publicizing the event with media stories, concert listings with our media partners and an interactive website.

Participation at any level, as a musician, host or spectator is voluntary. This allows musicians of all skill levels the opportunity to come out and perform in public if they wish. While most performers volunteer their time and talents, both venues and musicians are welcome to seek outside sponsorship and support if they so choose.

Can I charge admission for a MMW concert?

No, all MMW concerts are free and open to the public.