Festivals for Performing Songwriters and Composers

Why a list of Songwriters and Composers festivals?

Touring, gigging, performing in general is one of the main ways that allows the creations of songwriters and composers worldwide to get their sound heard. It is an experience different from a recording because the author is there, there is an opportunity to take liberties with the composition, to expand it, to adapt it to the atmosphere, to the mood, and to make it unique to that day, that time, that audience, something they will take with them as a precious and exclusive gift, unrepeatable, co-experienced. So we decided to compile a list of songwriters and composers festivals worldwide to give these amazing creators and their audience a choice and opportunities to explore. We will continue to add to (or remove from) this list as we receive new information.

The Key West Songwriters Festivals, USA (May)

The Key West songwriters festival takes place around the beginning of May and staged along the most popular Beaches, Boats, Bars, Resorts and Historic Theatres in Key West, Florida in the United States.

The veteran festival has been going on for over 20 years and annually welcomes more than 100 performers over a period of 5 days and nights.

The largest festival of its kind in the world is sponsored by the US Performing Rights Organisation (PRO) BMI. The PRO also exclusively selects and invites the performers. This means that composers and songwriters need to contact their own PRO directly for more information about getting an opportunity to be invited and to potentially perform. Experience live music bliss and discover or reveal the face(s), voice(s) and story/ies behind the songs.

http://www.keywestsongwritersfestival.com/

The 30A Songwriters Festivals, USA (January)

The 30A Songwriters Festival takes place every year over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend (around mid-January). The event welcomes over 200 artists performing at over 25 different venues. Aside from bringing together lovers of music, the 30A Songwriters Festival is the major fundraiser for the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) https://www.culturalartsalliance.com/, a private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization that champions the arts through leadership, advocacy, funding, programs and education. The Festival’s success is critical to the success of the CAA, and the support of every ticket-buyer, partner, volunteer and musician is primordial in helping the festival organisers provide an abundance of programs, services and support for the CAA’s mission to be the driving force for the arts in Walton County community.

https://30asongwritersfestival.com/

Charleston Songwriters Festivals,USA (April)

The Charleston Songwriters Festival takes place around mid-April 18th to 20th and offers its audience an amazing artist line up. The festival brings together lovers of music from both sides of the creative line. The event immerses you in an atmosphere of intimate storytelling, and celebrates the incredible culture of Charleston and The Lowcountry.

https://www.charlestonsongwritersfest.com/

Tin Pan South Songwriters Festivals, USA (March/April)

The Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival is a yearly festival that takes place around the end of March beginning of April. The incredible event is produced by the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), the world’s largest not-for-profit songwriters trade association established in 1967. NSAI’s pro members come from the United States and other countries. NSAI is dedicated to protecting the rights of and serving aspiring and professional songwriters in all genres of music.

The Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festivals, USA (October)

Beginning of October, the Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival celebrates the creators of music with its audience whom it introduces to the songwriters behind the inspirational songs in our daily lives. Songwriters share not just their music but the artistic process behind their lyrics and melodies. An inspiring Festival for an inspirational time in music creativity.

http://pensacolabeachsongwritersfestival.com/

Panarts Belfast Nashville Songwriters festivals, Ireland / USA (March)

Panarts Belfast Nashville Songwriters festival and Convention celebrates the art of songwriting through concerts, showcases and music industry meetings in Ireland and the United States. The event has been running for decades and stands out for and is praised by performers as the unique moment and unforgettable experience in their careers.
http://belfastnashville.com/

Festivals are not the only thing that can help performing songwriters and composers to promote themselves. Check out songwriting competitions and contests too.