Cape Coral’s William Austen Youth Center & Eagle Skate Park will host its first Youth Jam Fest on the weekend of Feb. 19-20.
The city’s youth center created the youth festival to remind teens and families of the safe and positive location where they can spend their free time.
“We’re trying to aim for it to be a safe and fun place for teens.” said Holeigh Morin, a recreational specialist with the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation. “The inspiration is that we really wanted to kick-off both Teen Band Night and our Teen Dance.”
The festival will open Friday night with a teen dance and Saturday night band performances at the center. Dances are open to any teenagers looking for something to do and families are invited to the band night to watch the bands.
It begins Friday, Feb. 19, with the first Teen Dance from 8-11 p.m. and continues Saturday, Feb. 20, with a youth center open house most of the day and a Battle of the Bands with 10 bands competing at 7 p.m.
“It’s a great outlet and there is a stage for them to play on,” said Morin.
At 1 p.m. on Saturday the center will hold a Guitar Hero contest, for children older than 8, where the winner will receive a $100 gift card to Play N Trade. Any teens who attend the dance are entered into the running for a free Xbox 360, as well as tickets to Sun Splash Family Waterpark, movie tickets and other prizes.
Winner of the Battle of the Bands will be given professional recording time at Unity Gain Studio in Fort Myers.
Morin said the open house is a chance for the community to tour the youth center and skate park. It will also include arts and crafts, games and refreshments throughout the day.
Dances and band nights will continue throughout the year, she said.