Tools

Festival: Hazel Dickens Song Contest
All songs submitted must be in the bluegrass genre (including gospel).
Win: 1st – $500
Entries: October 26, 2025 until January 11, 2026
Winners will be announced February 22, 2026
Use these dates as a guide for next year, keep your eyes out!

Festival: Tennessee Songwriters Week (TSW)

• Features statewide Qualifying Rounds:
  • Round 1 (Qualifying) – Jan 25 – Feb 7, 2026 in local areas
    Closest: Hard Rock Cafe, Pigeon Forge – Feb 23 (but many others!)
  • Round 2 (Showcase Events) – Feb 22 – Feb 28, 2026 in various cities
  • Round 3 (Finale) – Mar 29, 2026 in in Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe

Entries: open December, 2025
Go to Details and Venues.

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.