Tools

Songwriting Festivals

Here is a list of Songwriting festivals and details the might be good to help you start off.

Festival: Rocky Mountain Folk Festival
Win: New Taylor guitar; Cash; Spot on next year’s festival line-up
Location: Lyons, CO
Entries: February 13 until May 6, 2025
Top 10 finalists announced: May 31, 2025
Festival dates: August 9 – 10.
Fees:
– Song Entry Fee: $20/song (max. 2)
– Festival Tickets: $210 (3-day pass), $95 (1 day)
– On-site camping: $300 (includes 3-day pass); other options sold out, now
Go to Folks Songwriter Contest for details.
Contact: contests@bluegrass.com for questions.

Festival: Kerrville Folk Festival
Win: Finalists attend Kerrville Folk Festival for all 18-days with a guest; invited to camp in the campground (tent, sleeping bag and pillow available upon request) and attend all stage shows; eat at staff kitchen; souvenir cup and drink tickets; participate in the Festival’s Songwriter School at half price; Discounts are available to attend the Southwest Regional Folk Alliance convention. Each New Folk WINNER receives $750 cash, two wristbands to our 2025 fall “Welcome Home” Fest, and an invitation to perform in the 2025 Grassy Hill New Folk Winners House Concert Tour in Texas.
Location: Kerrville, TX
Entries: January 7 until March 7, 2025
Top 24 finalists announced: April 17, 2025 (Concert May 24-25, 2025)
Winner Concert date (6 winners): May 31 (each play a 20-minute set)
Festival Dates: May 22-June 8, 2025
Fees:
– Song Entry Fee: $0/song (must submit 2)
– Festival Tickets: $595-934 (18-day pass, more expensive the later you purchase), $495-596 (half-fest)
– On-site camping: $300 (includes 3-day pass); other options sold out, now
Go to Folks Songwriter Contest for details.
Contact: newfolk@kerrvillefolkfestival.org for questions.
Beth Snapp of Bristol, placed well in this several years ago.