After-Hours Events You’ll Love at The 2026 NAMM Show
The NAMM Show, held every year in January, is where tens of thousands of people from around the world gather to celebrate music and the latest innovations the music products industry has to offer. That includes 10,000+ international attendees and 1,600+ exhibitors representing 3,500+ brands.
During the day, all that excitement flows through the Anaheim Convention Center where people roam the halls to get hands-on with gear. But when the booths close in the evening, The NAMM Show does not sleep. There’s no better way to celebrate music than checking out all the fun that springs to life after the show floor shuts down and the Anaheim sun sets in behind the palms.
Here are some of The NAMM Show after-hours events to check out:
Pro Audio Pool Party
Where do all the pros hang out after demoing the latest gear? They head over to the Anaheim Marriott to network with the mermaids while sipping on piña coladas. Don’t believe it? Well, you’ll have to secure your own invite to find out. The Pro Audio Pool Party is invite only, so ask around at the pro audio scene to get the scoop.
The NAMM Retail Awards
Now in its 15th year, the NAMM Retail Awards (formerly the NAMM Dealer Awards) spotlights the industry’s very best music product retailers, their strategies for success, and what it takes for these storefronts to bring music into the lives of their customers. An independent panel of judges chooses the Top 100 Dealer finalists from NAMM member retailers that submit their businesses for consideration. Judges also select winners in the seven “Best of” categories, from which the prestigious “Dealer of the Year” is chosen. The Retail Awards will be held Wednesday, Jan. 21. Bring your tissue box as you can expect to hear heartwarming stories.
Related Content: Brighton Music Center Wins 2025 NAMM Dealer of the Year
Worship Musician Pre-NAMM Hang
House of worship musicians and professionals — connect with your community at the Pre-NAMM Hang, held at 6 pm on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at The Colony House. Presented by Worship Musician and Collectible Guitar magazines, this A&R style meet-and-greet will feature special performances with Chris Rocha, Doug Doppler, Saxon Weiss, Dave Cleveland and Michael Hodge. Hit up the Delicious Burger truck and enjoy free admission and free parking.
NAMM TEC Awards
NAMM is once again thrilled to present the TEC Awards, now in its 41st year. This is where the most outstanding products in the worlds of music making, live performances, recordings, video games, TV and films are recognized and where creative luminaries like Les Paul, Peter Frampton, Quincy Jones, Joe Perry, Pete Townshend, Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Chuck D and The RZA are celebrated for their musical contributions.
NAMM and the NAMM Technical Excellence & Creativity Awards have selected Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins as the recipient of the 2026 TEC Innovation Award, which will be presented to him at the awards night on Thursday, Jan. 22. Don't miss out — we're sure you'll have a smashing good time.
Get your tickets to lock in your evening of good eats, drinks and networking with the minds behind pro audio and sound production products. Curious about last year’s stars? Check out the 2025 TEC Awards photo gallery.
See the 2026 NAMM TEC Awards Finalists >>
Bass Magazine Awards
Celebrate the biggest night in bass at the Bass Magazine Awards, taking place Thursday, Jan. 22, at The Observatory in Santa Ana, CA, just minutes from The NAMM Show Campus. This high-energy event honors legendary players and rising low-end innovators with live performances, special guests and viral moments the bass community talks about all year. Tickets are limited for this intimate celebration and you need a NAMM Show badge to attend, so secure yours now and be part of the rhythm that drives our industry.
NAMM YP Networking Reception
Meet up with NAMM Young Professionals at the Hilton's Lanai Patio on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 5 pm to enjoy light snacks and beverages and network with the music industry's next generation of pros. Open to all NAMM members, this is a great way to learn about YP's mission to create mentorship and networking opportunities for professionals under 40.
She Rocks Awards
The She Rocks Awards brings together music icons, artists, industry professionals, fans and the media to honor women who are groundbreakers and innovators and have displayed exceptional leadership within the music and audio industry. Join us Friday night, Jan. 23, for this energizing and inspiring evening! Get tickets on the She Rocks website before they sell out.
All-Industry Drum Circle
Don't miss out on a NAMM show attendee favorite, the annual All-Industry Drum Circle at the Anaheim Convention Center's Palm Court from 5-6 pm on Friday, Jan. 23. Thanks to Remo, Inc., you'll get hands-on with percussion instruments and participate in a powerful, collective music-making experience.
Women of NAMM Reception
Held Friday, Jan. 23 from 5-6:30 pm at the Hilton, the Women of NAMM Reception brings together ladies from across the music, sound and live event industries. Join in on this great networking opportunity.
Parnelli Awards
The industry’s highest honor for live event professionals and companies, the Parnelli Awards, held Saturday evening on Jan. 24, is a time to celebrate the achievers and innovators behind the curtain. Expect to be among video and lighting directors, audio system techs, tour managers, front-of-house engineers and the like. This is your chance to witness the magical backstage work accomplished by these pioneering, influential professionals.
Related Content: Entertainment Tech Pros Engage With Their Community
Bands at NAMM
Starting during the day and going into the late night, Bands at NAMM perform across the many stages on The NAMM Show Campus. With over 1,000 entrants clamoring to play for show attendees, the best-of-the-best make it to the show. You’re guaranteed to have your musical spirits lifted.
Yamaha All-Star Concert on the Grand
Perhaps among attendees' favorite after-hours events, the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage always delivers a festival-like celebration featuring the biggest artists Yamaha has to offer (Jon Batiste up top in 2025!).
Yamaha's 2026 NAMM Show concerts will honor the 125th anniversary of The NAMM Show. Their two-night concert series will energize the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage at the heart of The NAMM Show Campus.
Performances will kick off with the Yamaha Night of Worship on Thursday, Jan. 22. The Yamaha All-Star Concert on the Grand on Friday, Jan. 23, will feature dynamic acts including The War and Treaty, Alana Springsteen, Sheléa and Ethan Bortnick.
Entrance comes with your NAMM Show badge registration! Get there early if you want a spot in the front row.
Private Events
Keep an ear to the ground for all sorts of events thrown by your favorite brands. Ask your fellow attendees where they’re going after-hours, and you may discover something not on our list.
Ready for The NAMM Show and Electric After Hours?
Get your business done during the day and harness fun and inspiration at night at the largest global gathering of the music products industry. Register for The 2026 NAMM Show to lock in your badge and gain access to after-hours events plus everything else the show has to offer.
About the Author
Cary Ladd is the marketing manager for NAMM. A former creative strategist with experience in advertising and marketing, you will find him at The NAMM Show with mic in hand, interviewing attendees about their show experience.