The 30A Songwriters Festival brings together the largest gathering of nationally recognized songwriters performing on the Florida coast. The Festival is held in January during Martin Luther King Jr. weekend every year, and in 2025, it will hold its 15th Annual event from January 16th through 20th. Hundreds of artists, dozens of neighborhoods, numerous vendors, and thousands of music fans to celebrate the art of songwriting along the beaches of Walton County, Florida.
125 artists, 200 performances, and 25 venues is how the 30A Songwriters Festival announces its newest event each year. Join music enthusiasts for the largest gathering of nationally recognized songwriters performing on the Florida Coast. Since its inception in 2010, the 30A Songwriters Festival has become the premier songwriters festival in the United States and has won many national accolades with sell-out crowds every year. Festival goers relish in an extended weekend of live music, great food and drinks.
World-Renowned Artists Perform at 30A Songwriters Fest Each Year
Since its inception, award-winning songwriters and musicians have graced the stages at the 30A Songwriters Festival. Past festival performers include Brian Wilson, Indigo Girls, Lee Ann Womack, Tanya Tucker, the Bangles, John Prine, Ann Wilson from Heart, War and Treaty, the Zombies, and Cheap Trick, just to name a few of the thousands of artists who have performed in the past.
Historically, the 30A Songwriters Festival has featured established touring acts in various genres and up-and-coming new singer-songwriters emerging on the national stage. More than 150 artists perform over the five-day event, all located along the 30A at the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Six acts headline the outdoor amphitheater stage at Grand Blvd on Saturday and Sunday each year of the Festival.
The 2025 headliner is Melissa Etheridge, an award-winning songwriter, singer, musician, and guitarist. She has received various honors, two Grammy Awards, and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Her popularity continues to grow, and this is a performance you won’t want to miss. Also headlining the 2025 event, The Devon Allman Project, The Jayhawks, Amos Lee, Secret Sisters, and Maggie Rose. For the full lineup of artists this year, visit 30A Songwriters Festival.
Artists perform at dozens of venues on 30A in South Walton, Florida
The 30A Songwriters Festival offers something for everyone with around 25 venues. Venues range from large amphitheaters to intimate settings. Each venue is unique and brings a different vibe for each artist. We have included some of the local and visitor favorites you are sure to love.
AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar is a one-of-a-kind destination located in the laid-back community of Grayton Beach and is a hot spot for food and entertainment in South Walton. The Beach & Brew on 30A is an 1800-square-foot taproom that features a 30-tap system that provides customers with the coldest craft beer in town. Beach Camp Brew Pub serves local, fresh, Chef-inspired foods alongside some of the best beer on the emerald coast and an impressive Island-themed cocktail menu.
Bud and Alleys in Seaside is a beloved gathering place with a quirky name that was founded serendipitously in 1986 by a couple of young local surfers on their way to catch some waves. Hibiscus Coffee & Guest House is a fabulous breakfast café serving breakfast and brunch in Grayton Beach. North Beach Social is a great location with amazing views of the sunset on the bay. The Big Chill is an entertainment hub with plenty of outdoor seating for some great music events.
For the entire list of venues visit 30A Songwriters Festival. At the Main Stage at Grand Boulevard, chairs are provided for the VIP Area only. All general admission wristband wearers are encouraged to bring low-backed chairs or blankets. Chairs are provided in all other venues.
Advancing the Arts through support for the Cultural Arts Alliance
The 30A Songwriters Festival is the major fundraiser for the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, a private, non-profit organization that champions the arts through leadership, advocacy, funding, programs, and education. Through support for the creative sector, and production of arts and educational programming, the CAA provides opportunities for residents and visitors to experience diverse forms of art and learning.
"The 30A Songwriters Festival is a unique cultural event like no other in this area. The Festival brings together nearly every South Walton community and many businesses to showcase our home as a destination not only for its beautiful beaches but also for its musical and creative excellence, which is the purpose of the Cultural Arts Alliance," says Jennifer Steele, the Executive Director and Festival Co-Producer.
100 percent of the 30A Songwriters Festival’s net proceeds support the not-for-profit organization’s mission to foster creativity in Walton County through the inclusive and collaborative advancement of the Arts.
Free Transportation Shuttles to Mainstage Shows
Shuttles will be provided for the main stage shows on Saturday and Sunday from the overflow lot at Silver Sands Premium Outlets. Shuttle buses run continuously from 11 am to 5 pm daily. The shuttle parking lot is located at Silver Sands east of Starbucks. Shuttles will deliver patrons to The Grand Boulevard shuttle stop, located next to Tommy Bahama, which is also where patrons will access their return shuttle.
Start Planning Your Trip to the 30A Songwriters Festival
Now is a great time to start planning your trip to the 30A Songwriters Festival. For tickets, visit the website at 30A Songwriters Festival. While planning your trip you will want to find a great place to stay. Panhandle Getaways has a fantastic selection of vacation properties and private beach houses on 30A. So, book your stay today and enjoy the sounds of music on the beautiful emerald coast.