SoWal Insider's Guide to 30A Songwriters Festival 2025

The 30A Songwriters Festival returns to South Walton January 16-20, 2025 - celebrating 16 years with a wide variety of talented artists on the schedule.

The 30A Songwriters Festival features 30 venues with more than 130 songwriters and 300+ solo, band, and in-the-round performances throughout the weekend. Headliner performances are on the main stage at Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach with performances by Melissa Etheridge, Amos Lee, The Jayhawks, Charlie Starr & Benji Shanks (Blackberry Smoke), and The Devon Allman Project.

The 30A Songwriters Festival app is now available! Delete any old version of the app from your phone first and then download the 2025 version. The "30A" on the app logo is orange - that is how to confirm up front you have the new app.
Android Download  |  IOS Apple Download
In addition to information about the schedule, artist bio and photos as well as venue information, the map is interactive so you can get directions and see the schedule when you click on the map. You can also create a profile to connect with friends and share schedules. If you don't want your profile searchable for friends, you can turn that feature off in settings.

Buy tickets online. SoWal Insider Tip: most festival tickets sell out early. If the tickets you want are not available at www.30asongwritersfestival.com, try tickets for resale on the SoWal Forum >

There are three schedule variations available as PDFs: 30A Songwriters Festival Schedule by Day & Time, the list of VENUES with set times and artists and the list of ARTISTS with set times and venues.

30A Songwriters Festival will celebrate its 16th year with performances on the main stage at presenting partner Grand Boulevard’s Town Center in Miramar Beach with headline performances by renowned artists MELISSA ETHERIDGE, AMOS LEE, THE JAYHAWKS, THE DEVON ALLMAN PROJECT, MAGGIE ROSE, and SECRET SISTERS.

The festival welcomes these artists for the first time to 30A: KATIE PRUITT, CHARLIE STARR & BENJI SHANKS (BLACKBERRY SMOKE), NATALIE HEMBY, BRANDY CLARK, THE dBs, CHUCK PROPHET & HIS CUMBIA SHOES, TYLER RAMSEY, LINDSAY LOU (BAND), BRETT DENNAN, The STEWS, LANGHORNE SLIM, CHRIS KNIGHT, JOSH JOPLIN GROUP, WILLI CARLISLE, BEE TAYLOR (BAND), JONTAVIOUS WILLIS, JOSH ROUSE, PAUL MCDONALD & THE MOURNING DOVES, ANDREA VON KAMPEN, JILL SOBULE, BURRIS, KYLE DAVIS, JADA CATO, BETH BOMBARA, MALLORY JOHNSON, JESSICA SHARMAN, DAVID BORNÉ, ANNA GRACE.

AND THESE SHOWCASING ARTISTS: Shawn Mullins, Livingston Taylor, Gary Louris, Vicki Peterson & John Cowsill, John Paul White, Jeffrey Steele, Lilly Hiatt, Dan Navarro, Kim Richey, Ruthie Foster, Black Opry Revue, the Josh Joplin Group, Tommy Womack, John Fullbright, Susan Werner, The Stews, The Pink Stones, Darrell Scott, Hayes Carll, Holly Williams, Emerson Hart, David Ryan Harris, Chris Stills, Nigel Wearne, Chuck Cannon, Robby Hecht, Nora Jane Struthers, Cousin Curtiss, Steve Poltz, Kelly Willis, Bob Schneider, Mary Gauthier, Kristy Lee, Certainly So, Tommy Prine, Amy LaVere & Will Sexton, Adam Hood, Abe Partridge, Will Hoge, Ryanhood, Brian White, Karyn Williams, Will Kimbrough, Ellis Paul, Jeff Black, Dan Bern, Griffin House, Garrison Starr, John Driskell Hopkins, Charlie Mars, Randall Bramblett, Levi Lowrey and Wyatt Durrette (Yesterday’s Wine), Gurufish, Donnie Sundal, Boukou Groove, Alice Peacock, Jaimee Harris, Larry Mitchell, Katie Martin, Pete Muller, Josh Osborne, Jonathan Singleton, Gordie Sampson, Austin Jenckes, Tia Sellers, Hannah Dasher, Gina Venier, Gavin Lucas, Paul Sikes, Brent Anderson, Tony Lane, Kyle Sturrock, Mary Bragg, Martha’s Trouble, Diane Durrett, Florence Dore, Alice Wallace, The Krickets, Rachel Laven, Spencer LaJoye, Ethan Hulse, Jessica Willis Fisher, Sarah Clanton, Jack Barksdale, Eliot Bronson, Hayley Reardon, Mike Kinnebrew, Liz Longley, Harrison Prentice, Sara Jean Kelley, Antje Duvekot & Colin Forhan, Scott Crompton, Wildlife Specials, Alexa Rose, Whitehorse, Colton Bowlin, Cat Ridgeway, Lilly Winwood, Bradley Cole Smith & Nelson Nolan, Caitlin Cannon, Wyatt Espalin, Kurtis John, Casey LeVasseur, Anna Shinholster, Hannah Thomas, The Saunders Boyz, Jennifer Lynn Simpson, Sara Hells, Rogers, The Sand Ole Opry with Mike Whitty, Sammi Accola, Gileah Taylor, Kyle LaMonica, Dion Jones & The Neon Tears, Theo Von, Adam Klein.

The Venues - stellar stages and intimate rooms - a sample:
Caliza Restaurant, AJ's in Grayton Beach, Bud and Alley's Waterfront Restaurant, Fish Out of Water, Red Fish Taco, The Bay, North Beach Social, Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse, Old Florida Fish House, Hilton Sandestin, Havana Beach Bar & Grill, Grand Boulevard and more - see full list >

The Festival is, as always, a benefit for the non profit Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, which supports artists and non profit cultural events and businesses throughout the county. 100% of the net proceeds from the event are paid to the CAA to help fund its annual budget. Thank you all for your continued support!

Click here for 30A Songwriter's Festival Photos to share on your facebook, website, email, etc.

The Setting - Florida's amazing Scenic Highway 30A with our string of postcard-perfect towns & communities.

Top Ten Reasons To Not Miss the 30A Songwriters Festival
Reason #1: With 125+ artists, 260 performances, and 25 venues to choose from, you will miss more shows than you see. But think about this; you will see more performances over the four-day holiday weekend than you've ever dreamed of seeing in a single weekend.
Reason #2: 30A Fest artists write their own music AND perform it. They've earned their double-S title of Singer-Songwriter.
Reason #3: Location, location, location! Venues are built out for the extended weekend with state-of-the-art sound systems presenting bands and in-the-round performances throughout the weekend. Listening spaces stretch up and down scenic Highway 30A parallel to the white sand beaches and emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Reason #4: The Festival supports the Arts! The 30A Songwriters Festival, produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and Russell Carter Artist Management, is an important part of the Cultural Arts Alliance's vision to make Walton County a creative place. 100% of the Festival’s net proceeds benefit the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County allowing it to continue to foster creativity through the inclusive and collaborative advancement of the Arts. You will not only have a great time - you will be supporting a great cause.
Reason #5: Unlike most festivals, 30A Fest doesn't stick to one genre: americana, blues, country, rock, jazz, neo soul, gospel, and folk - the best singer songwriters in every corner of the music-making community.
Reason #6: Many of your favorite songwriters return to perform each year, however, priority is made to book artists you have not had a chance to see yet. Make a point to catch performances by songwriters whose music you have never heard. There's no better place to find your new favorite artist of 2025!

Reason #7: Can we brag on these headliners a little!? We are thrilled to present this years diverse headline stage lineup of hit-makers and cultural leaders.
Reason #8: General Admission is great; VIP is better. 30A Songwriters Festival features one of the finest VIP packages on the festival circuit: reserved parking, premium seating at the headline stage, complimentary food and drinks, and first-come, first-served seating at the other 24 venues.
Reason #9: We're celebrating 16 years of 30A Songwriters Festival! 30A is THE festival for music lovers and serious listeners. We offer a chance to experience your all-time favorite artists and discover new artists in intimate settings alongside like-minded fans. For the past 15 years, the festival has attracted tens of thousands of dedicated live music fans from around the world. Come share in the magic of 30A!
Reason #10: Party on a Monday! Plan to stay through Monday for “The Late Check-out Party” at The Bay and North Beach Social, two venues that sit right on the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay as well as Red Fish Taco on 30A. Bloody Marys, delicious food, and non-stop performances on the waterfront throughout the day is a perfect way to keep the party going.

The Producers - Russell Carter, co-producer/Festival Chair, Russell Carter Artist Management Jennifer Steele, co-producer/Executive Director of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) - Jennifer and Russell form a dynamic duo from two organizations that bring together talent on the stage and behind the scenes. Russell's contacts and wealth of talent on hand fill the stages and venues, bringing together every year a surge of great music hitting our beaches. Jennifer is a mainstay on the South Walton art scene (a formidable acting and singing talent herself), who marshals the forces of sponsors and volunteers to handle the thousands of details to make the magic happen. 100% of the net proceeds from the 30A Songwriters Festival benefit the CAA and help it to fulfill its mission to support the arts throughout Walton County.

The Artists - We have amazing stages, but what makes the 30A Songwriters Festival so special is the depth and diversity of writers who perform their own music, and performers who write their own songs. Surprises happen during the festival and create the sweetest moments and fondest memories. It's the thrill of an unexpected artist who catches your ear as you walk between venues. The unknown songbird that grabs your heart as you arrive early for the "bigger name" show.

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) - CAA is the officially designated local arts agency that serves as an umbrella organization and supports the arts through leadership, advocacy, funding, programs and education. The vision of the CAA is to be the catalyst for Walton County's growth as a center for artistic and cultural excellence through which lives are enriched, economy is stimulated and community is strengthened. Visit www.culturalartsalliance.com to learn more and become a member!

The CAA is always looking for volunteers to help out with the 30A Songwriters Festival - you'll get insider access, see some great music, and help support the arts in Walton County.

Lodging - Be sure to check the lodging section on the 30A Songwriters Festival website for information on specials from festival lodging partners, including Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse, Ocean Reef Vacation Rentals, Alys Beach, WaterColor Inn & Resort, Camp Creek Inn, The Pearl Hotel, Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, Residence Inn at Grand Boulevard, Courtyard Sandestin at Grand Boulevard - for many more options check out SoWal.com Rental Partners.

The Inside Scoop - The 30A Songwriters Festival has gotten bigger and better every year. And more popular with more locals and visitors who snap up tickets - they sell out so don't wait, get yours now! Take a look at the lineup and take advantage of all the shows you can in a fun-filled weekend at the world's most beautiful beaches.

Yes, there are plenty of great shows - but try to slow down. As the excitement of the 30A Songwriters Festival builds, you might find yourself rushing to get to the next venue. Stop yourself and slow down! The best moments are often the unexpected ones between the jams - meeting new friends or talking to an "unknown" performer who you won't be able to get near - later on when they hit it big.

The Links -  The official 30A Songwriters Festival Website, The 30A Songwriters Festival on Facebook, The 30A Songwriters Festival on Instagram,  The 30A Songwriters Festival on Spotify, The 30A Songwriters Festival on X/Twitter @30AFest, #30AFest

Take a look at some individual performances and compilations from past 30A Songwriters Festivals on the SoWal Youtube Channel, and The 30A Songwriters Festival on Youtube.

TIP: do not wait in ANY long lines unless house managers assure you that you will get inside in a reasonable amount of time. Inevitably a few venues become very popular and, given the first-come, first-served rule, they fill up for the night. However at any given hour of the night, most of the venues have room for more customers. Take the advice of house managers and pivot to nearby venues that are not crowded. There are so many artists and so many shows and you can't  walk into a venue and see anything other than amazing music. Become a new fan of artists that you were unfamiliar with. The weekend is a great opportunity to discover new music! Many people have learned to find a cool venue and settle in for a night of discovery and new music. 

Ten Unique Aspects of 30A Songwriters Festival:

Unique Aspect #1: All Festival artists write their own music AND perform it. They earn their double S title and status: Singer Songwriter.

Unique Aspect #2: You will miss more shows than you see at 30A SWF BUT you will see more performances over the four day holiday weekend than you have ever seen before in one weekend.

Unique Aspect #3 - 30A is 24 miles of two lane highway hugging the white dunes of the beach and in full view of the blue/green water of the Gulf of Mexico. There are 30 custom built music venues along this Emerald Coast paradise. Travel the world and you will find nothing like it.

Unique Aspect #4 - Many of your favorite artists perform each year at 30 SWF. However, many artists are booked that you have not had a chance to see. Make a point to catch performances by artists whose music you have never heard. You will walk away a new fan of many great musicians.

Unique Aspect #5 - We like and we book Americana, blues, country, rock, jazz, neo soul and folk. We are not genre specific like most festivals - we book the best singer songwriters.

Unique Aspect #6 - 30A Songwriters Festival is not a commercial venture - it is a fundraiser for the non profit Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. 100% of net proceeds from the Festival go into the annual budget for the CAA to help fund their many civic art programs. Thank you for being not only a music fan but also an art patron!

Unique Aspect #7 - There are several great coffee cafes on 30A. Start your morning with a walk on the beach. There are even more bars on 30A. At least once grab a cocktail, stop what you are doing and watch the sun sets in the Gulf of Mexico.
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Unique Aspect #8 - With over 200 musicians attending the Festival and nearly 300 performances scheduled including night time events , morning brunches, and afternoon headline shows, 30A Songwriters has the biggest musical offerings of any weekend songwriters festival in the country.

Unique Aspect #9 - 30A SWF is the only Festival that I know of that partners with resort communities with arguably the best vacation homes in the South.

Unique Aspect #10 - Tell us what you enjoy most about your past 30A Songwriters Festival experiences.

30A Songwriters Festival Headliners for 2025 at Grand Boulevard:

Melissa Etheridge – Melissa Etheridge stormed onto the American rock scene in 1988 with the release of her critically acclaimed self-titled debut album, which led to an appearance on the 1989 Grammy Awards show. For several years, her popularity grew around such memorable originals as “Bring Me Some Water,” “No Souvenirs” and “Ain’t It Heavy,” for which she won a Grammy® in 1992. Etheridge hit her commercial and artistic stride with her fourth album, Yes I Am (1993). The collection featured the massive hits, “I’m the Only One” and “Come to My Window,” a searing song of longing that brought Etheridge her second Grammy® Award for Best Female Rock Performance. In 1995, Etheridge issued her highest charting album, Your Little Secret, which was distinguished by the hit single, “I Want to Come Over.” Her astounding success that year led to Etheridge receiving the Songwriter of the Year honor at the ASCAP Pop Awards in 1996. Etheridge has toured with her band extensively this year including co-headlining bills with Indigo Girls and Jewel.

Amos Lee – With a laid-backed style, dusty, evocative voice and acoustic Americana sound, Philadelphia-native Amos Lee straddles a range of genres in his quest to connect honestly and emotionally with his audience. Along with his acclaimed albums such as Mission Bell and Mountains of Sorrow, Rivers of Song, and his gold-selling 2005 eponymous debut album, Amos Lee, the artist is well known for his association with a long list of collaborators and touring partners, from Paul Simon to Zac Brown Band. “My favorite time in music is probably 1970-75. Still Bill by Bill Withers, Harvest by Neil Young, John Prine’s first album, James Taylor’s One Man Dog—I hope I can bring the same sort of spirit I hear on those records,” he says. From old-timey to reverential, soul to Appalachian, funk and jazz – his musical career has been spent exploring the American songbook’s capacity to hold and express his emotional tides. Lee’s sharp ear and soulful approach to songwriting has resulted in a rich catalog of contemporary, classic songs beloved by his growing audience. “Sweet Pea,” “Windows Are Rolled Down,” and “Colors” are a few jumping off points for an artist who is well worth the deep dive. On his eleventh studio album, Transmissions, singer-songwriter Lee continues to expand his sonic range while sharpening his closely observed lyrics that squarely address death, aging, and love. We are thrilled to welcome Amos Lee this January for his debut performance on the 30A Songwriters Festival mainstage.

The Jayhawks - The incredible harmonies and distinctive arrangements of The Jayhawks set them apart from the rest of the Minneapolis music scene that emerged in the 1980s. Over the course of almost 4 decades, 11 albums, countless memorable live shows and enough personal drama to fill a couple of Behind the Music episodes, this beloved band soared to heights few ever achieve while winning the hearts and minds of numerous critics, fans and peers in the process. After releasing 2 Indie albums in the 80s, The Jayhawks had become a driving force and inspiration behind the growing Americana movement in the early 1990s. Combining the talents of singer-songwriters Gary Louris and Mark Olson, The Jayhawks released their major label debut, the acclaimed Hollywood Town Hall (1992) on the Def American label. This was followed by Tomorrow the Green Grass (1995), which produced the alternative radio hit single “Blue.” When Olson left to pursue a solo career, Louris singularly took over the songwriting role in The Jayhawks creating the band’s enduring sound on some of their best selling and well-received albums including Sound of Lies (1997), Smile (2000) and Rainy Day Music (2003). Louris continues to write and tour with the longtime core group of Marc Perlman, Karen Grotberg, and Tim O’Reagan. While the touring line-up has changed over the years and Olson briefly reappeared in 2010 to record and tour, this classic lineup maintains a commitment to excellence and forward motion in their shows and in their recordings. Paging Mr. Proust (2016), was produced in Portland with Peter Buck and Tucker Martine and found the band moving in several new exciting directions. The band’s 10th studio album, Back Roads And Abandoned Motels, was released in the summer of 2018, featuring Jayhawks versions of songs Gary Louris had previously written with other artists plus 2 new compositions. In July 2020 The Jayhawks released their latest album, XOXO, that features songwriting and lead vocal contributions from all 4 core members. The Jayhawks have made music in 4 different decades and are as vital now as they were in 1985. They definitely have earned their reputation as a true American treasure.

The Devon Allman Project – Devon Allman has blues-rock in his DNA. That distinctive sound has been shaping his music since he first started playing guitar as a teenager, all the way to his recent albums with the Allman Betts Band. But for his first solo album in eight years, Allman freed himself of any genre expectations, picked up a bass guitar, and wrote a series of songs informed by R&B, funk, and alt-rock. “Previously on my records, I was carving out something that I felt needed to fit into contemporary blues or straight-ahead rock & roll,” Allman says. “That wasn’t on my mind this time. Instead, the goal was to write music that moves me.” The result is Miami Moon, an undeniably feel-good album . Recorded at Criteria Recording Studios in Miami, the legendary outpost where Allman’s father, Gregg, and the Allman Brothers Band cut LPs like 1972’s Eat a Peach, the album has shades of Curtis Mayfield, Sade, and even The Cure. Devon will be joined on stage by several guest artists throughout his set that will include both his original songs and a number of brilliant Allman Brothers classic recordings played in tribute to one of the greatest southern bands of all time.

Charlie Starr & Benji Shanks – Charlie Starr, lead vocalist and guitarist for American rock band Blackberry Smoke, will be joined by longtime friend and musician, Benji Shanks, for an acoustic performance. Starr is a native of Lanett, Alabama and was born into a musical family. Playing guitar became one of Starr's passions, in addition to writing and singing. In December 2017, he was named as one of Music Radar's top 23 guitarists, a list that includes "rock guitar gods" including Keith Richards of Rolling Stones, Slash of Guns N' Roses, and Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, amongst others. Blackberry Smoke is in the midst of a landmark year following the release of their new album, YOU HEAR GEORGIA. The album debuted as the best-selling Americana/Folk album in the country on May 28th 2021. It entered at #1 on the Billboard Top Americana/Folk Albums chart with resounding praise from fans and critics. Starr and Shanks will be performing intimate, acoustic arrangements of songs Starr has penned as well as some of their favorite songs by other artists.

Maggie Rose – Hailed for her "multi-genre talents" by Billboard and deemed a "star" by Rolling Stone, acclaimed singer-songwriter Maggie Rose has released her ambitious new album No One Gets Out Alive. Hearkening back to early '70s Laurel Canyon, the music deals in both dark and uplifting themes- disillusionment in relationships, ageism, female empowerment and living in the moment, among them, with Maggie's big, soulful voice taking center stage. Maggie successfully straddles the worlds of pop, rock, soul, Americana and folk, unencumbered by genre specifics. Recorded with a dream team including members of Jason Isbell's 400 Unit, Alabama Shakes and Gregg Allman's band, the record was produced by GRAMMY-Award winner Ben Tanner, mixed by Bobby Holland and arranged by conductor Don Hart (Phish, Lyle Lovett). A respected fixture of the Nashville community, Maggie has played the iconic Grand Ole Opry over 100 times and marquee festivals including Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo, and Newport Folk Fest. A true road warrior, she has shared the stage with the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Heart, Joan Jett, Eric Church, Gov't Mule, The Mavericks, Fitz & The Tantrums, St. Paul & The Broken Bones and The Revivalists among others. In her first appearance at 30A, Maggie will set the headline stage on fire and follow it with a marquee evening performance - do not miss her!

Secret Sisters – Since their 2010 self-titled debut, The Secret Sisters have brought their spellbinding harmonies to songs that untangle the thorniest aspects of life and love and womanhood. In the making of their new album, Mind, Man, Medicine, Alabama-bred siblings Laura Rogers and Lydia Slagle found their songwriting transformed by a newfound sense of self-reliance and equanimity, threading their lyrics with hard-won insight into the complexities of motherhood, commitment, compassion, and self-preservation in an endlessly chaotic world. Centered on a kaleidoscopic sound that boldly blurs the edges of country-folk, the duo’s fifth full-length ultimately confronts many of modern life’s harshest challenges while leading the listener toward a more open-hearted state of mind. The Festival is happy to bring back the Secret Sisters to 30A, this time to both the headline stage and for an evening performance.

The 30A Songwriters Festival production team transforms amphitheaters, town halls, restaurants, theaters, bars and covered patios into unique music venues with state-of-the-art sound systems with capacities ranging from 100 to 1000 seats indoors and 6,000 outdoors. WMOT, based in Nashville, will again interview and record select artists at the Festival for its World Cafe sessions aired throughout the year in conjunction with WXPN in Philadelphia.

"I have had the good fortune to see Melissa Etheridge with her band several times on tour this summer with the Indigo Girls," comments Russell Carter, President of Russell Carter Artist Management and Festival Co-Producer. "Melissa is one of the greatest female rock n roll vocalists ever, and her lean mean band is perfectly tuned to support her immense talent." Carter continues, "can I say how happy I am to get the Jayhawks to swing south all the way from Minneapolis to the panhandle to perform on the main stage - I know they are a favorite of many loyal 30A fans who have requested them for years: “I’m Going To Make You Love Me,” “Waiting For the Sun,” “Blue” and that’s just a start. We welcome the Jayhawks - arguably the best living, working Americana band in the country!"

30A Songwriters Festival Update 12/6/24

Consider the kind of experience you and your group want to have this year at the 30A Songwriters Festival and make your purchase now to take full advantage of discount pricing!
https://30asongwritersfestival.flicket.io/events/6ca69b59-1b25-4109-971f...

Weekend Passes -  the weekend pass wristband gives you access to all of the performances over the four day Festival weekend starting at 4:00 p.m. on Friday and continuing throughout the night, all Saturday and Sunday morning brunch shows, both afternoon headline shows at Grand Blvd, all performances on 30A and beyond in the evenings AND last but not least, the late-check out party shows happening all day on Monday in three venues.
In all there are over 275 performances and the current cost of the weekend pass is $445.00. We have several hundred tickets left to sell and our goal is to sell them out at the current price to all of you who are ready to make plans for January 17-20, 2025. Prices will increase incrementally to the full price indicated below as we approach January 17th so now is the time to act if you want to save!

VIP Weekend Passes - this special wristband gives you all privileges of the regular weekend pass PLUS exclusive access to the VIP lounge at Grand Blvd for the six headline acts presented between noon and 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The lounge is in fact a lounge where you can relax and eat gourmet food which varies and is replenished throughout the afternoon and enjoy fancy cocktails, wine and beer. Put your wallet away - it's all included in the ticket price. The sound and sight lines (VIP area extends to the stage) are excellent - as are the VIP parking and restrooms. There are 98 VIP tickets remaining. Play it safe and make your purchase now. And if you are set, please advise your family and friends to take a look at this now!

Premium VIP Passes - a premium VIP wristband grants you the same privileges described above for VIP + exclusive seating on the very front rows directly in front of the stage - up close and personal in the 5000 capacity outdoor facility. There are a mere 12 tickets remaining. (price - $1600.00).

VIP Transportation Passes - Essentially this buys you a high end vehicle and driver for the duration of the Festival, VIP weekend pass privileges at Grand Blvd and VIP seating at the four biggest night time venues. You can set up transportation for 2 to 12 people per vehicle. Inventory is very low and sales end soon because vehicles have to be held in advance. Time is running out folks!

30A Songwriters Festival Update 12/15/24

Performances for the 2025 30A Songwriters Festival take place in 28 venues located primarily along historic Highway 30A but also including the headline stage in Miramar Beach at Grand Boulevard, several venues on Hwy 98 and a couple on 331 at the Bay bridge. Secure your Festival tickets now while they are still available. Below is a list of the 2025 venues with a brief description. We build out all rooms with state-of-the-art sound systems to guarantee you the very best listening experiences all weekend January 17-20, 2025. See you in one month! Russell & Jennifer

In Miramar Beach and Sandestin on 98:

    Grand Boulevard's Town Center - Saturday afternoon Secret Sisters, Amos Lee, and the Jayhawks. Sunday afternoon is Maggie Rose, the Devon Allman Project, and Melissa Etheridge. General Admission and VIP and Premium VIP sections.

    Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa - Indoor venues and 5 star deluxe beach front resort hotel rooms.

    Hyatt Place Bar - Spacious hotel lobby, walking distance from the headline main stage at Grand Boulevard. Performances will be before and after the main stage artists.

    Hotel Effie Lobby Bar - Grand lobby, high ceilings & chandeliers - we felt compelled to build out a music venue between the classy bars -Roof top bar overlooks Sandestin.

In Santa Rosa Beach along Hwy 393:

    Drive the Coast - We are pleased to introduce this new venue! Drive the Coast is a classic car dealership which offers a broad selection of in-stock muscle cars, trucks and hotrods. The large warehouse will feature full bands throughout the festival. Come rock the Coast.

Along  Scenic 30A from West to East:

    Redfish Taco -  Tent opening up to the back patio outside the popular Blue Mountain restaurant. Fun spot for dinner and evening.

    Hibiscus - Backyard of Love at the endearing Grayton Beach B&B. Mimosas and love songs in the air.

    AJ's Grayton Beach - for rock, blues and Americana music and The Purple Rain Party on Sunday night - a Festival favorite. Acoustic secondary stage.

    Fish Out Of Water - Premier restaurant and bar built into the dunes at WaterColor Inn. Upscale dining and drinks and high profile evening performances.

    30A Beach Happy Cafe - Set up as a music bistro close by the festival box office with music during the day on Thursday and Friday only.

    The Lakehouse at WaterColor - Home to the very popular ASCAP showcase in the round performances of Nashville writers on Western Lake in WaterColor

    Seaside Lyceum - In the center of Seaside - Friday afternoon and early evening Festival kick off Party with special guests performing with full bands on the big stage. Saturday night will feature acoustic music on the tented stage venue.

    Bud & Alley's - Premier landmark restaurant on the Gulf at the center of Seaside evening shows plus the Saturday morning Hair of the Dog Hootenanny.

    The Rep Theatre - Popular black box theater with great line of sight and perfect acoustics.

    Pickles - Seaside tented venue along 30A between the famous restaurant and bar on 30A.

    Central Square Records- One of the very best vinyl record stores in the southeast with morning and late afternoon/early evening in-store performances by 30A Artists with vinyl record releases.

    Old Florida Fish House - Popular food and music compound featuring a variety of acts including bands and singer songwriters on the main stage and porch stage.

    The Big Chill (formerly the Hub) - Singer songwriters and bands every night as well as lunch time on Saturday and Sunday. MONDAY music too in 2025!

    Caliza - Elegant poolside bar setting in Alys Beach. Night times as well as Sunday morning religious music sets.

    Raw & Juicy - Alys Beach favorite gourmet organic restaurant will feature a VIP Dinner as well as Saturday and Sunday morning performances.

    La Co - Mexican cuisine and intimate club vibe in Seacrest.

    Rosemary Beach Town Hall - Traditional Town Hall with church-like architecture and acoustics.

    Havana Beach Bar & Grill at The Pearl - Cuban themed retro bar and restaurant with a grand piano. 

   Fonville Press - A market and cafe, a place to grab a bottle of wine, beer or a cocktail to sit back and enjoy the music all three nights.

30A Songwriters Festival Update 12/17/24

People, new ticket buyers in particular, are asking me for advice on how to best navigate the Festival as well as tips on who to go see. So let me take a swing at this.

DAY ONE - FRIDAY
1 - Are you type A with boundless energy? Go to the box office early Friday long before the 4:00 p.m. official start of the event. Stock up on t-shirts, a warm hoodie and a commemorative hat. Tighten your wristband on your arm and you are good to enter all venues for the entire weekend. Head to a kick off party at AJs (Josh Joplin Band, the Stews) or the big stage at the Lyceum (the dBs, Chuck Prophet, special guest TBD). Enjoy the crowd of like minded patrons as excited as you to be off and running. By early evening when most venues open, you will already have seen a couple of very original songwriters who happens to have kick ass bands. Next I suggest you jump on 98 and head to the east end of 30A and work your way back west. Choose acoustic solo acts or artists in the round at Rosemary Town Hall (Chris Stills, Langhorne Slim, Abe Partridge) or the Pearl (Emerson Hart, Kelley Willis) and nearby LaCo (Darrell Scott, Ruthie Foster). Shoot down to Old Fla Fish House and catch an act on the porch or main stage (the Pink Stones, John Driskell Hopkins, the Krickets). Keep on the move - Seaside/WaterColor, which are side by side present 5 more performance options no matter what time you arrive ( e.g . Bud & Alleys (Josh Rouse, Garrison Starr), Pickles (Robbie Hecht, Eliot Bronson), the Rep (Ellis Paul, Bradley Cole Smith), Fish Out of Water (Liv Taylor, Kim Richey, Mary Gauthier) or the Lake House (second ASCAP Nashville songwriters set of the evening). As it is getting late, check out Drive the Coast (Bee Taylor, Gurufish, Shawn Mullins) for more original bands.

2 - Perhaps you are a laid back couple that wants to find a comfortable place and kick back for the evening, have a cocktail, grab a bite to eat, have another cocktail and see whoever is playing at the venue over the course of the evening.. Easily done. Consider Caliza at Alys (Hayes Carll, Secret Sisters), or the Big Chill (Jeffrey Steele, Black Opry Revue). Or head to the bridge at 331 and hang all night at the Bay (Jill Sobule, Charlie Mars) and N Beach Social - (Chuck Cannon, Florence Dore). The venues are across the street from each other.

3 - No matter what your personality type, study the app ahead of time AND create your own schedule. Double book your time slots so as you navigate the night and weekend, you have well thought out first and second choices in each area you go to. If you decide to call an audible you have your playbook on your phone app! Let me give you an example. If you get to the Lake House on Friday night at 8:30 and it is at capacity, look at your back up on your custom schedule OR look at the app time line for who is playing currently at all venues across the board in real time! Note there are 6 sets over 3 days of the very popular ASCAP Lake House shows. You have many opportunities to see one.

4 - Pace yourself. Don't try to see all your favorites on night one. You have three more days of music, drinks and food.

- Russell Carter

30A Songwriters Festival Update 1/6/25

Below are a few tips to help you navigate the Festival weekend.

1 - Secure your housing now - there are really nice rental homes, condos, carriage houses and hotels at a wide variety of price points on 30A and in Miramar Beach near the headline stage at Grand Blvd. Review options on the website HERE.

2 - Spend time over the next 10 days formulating a plan for what concerts you want to attend each day of the Festival  - earmark a first and second option for each hour that you are out and about to see music. Remember all artists (except for the top three headliners) are scheduled to perform at least two shows and many play three times over the weekend.

3 - The schedule has been emailed to all ticket purchasers and is posted on the website - it shows both where each artist is playing and when as well as who is playing at each venue each day and night of the Festival. HERE is the link in case you missed it.

4 - The phone app is your best friend throughout the Festival. It will be available this week to create your schedule, review artists bios and music, familiarize yourself with the area map with all venues pinpointed and profiled. You can also sign up for and participate in the silent auction on the app!

5 - Make stopping by the Festival box office at Watercolor Marina Park (238 Watercolor Blvd.,West, Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459) your top priority to pick up your wristband (wear it all weekend) and to purchase the newest Festival merchandise. Last years merch was a big hit (sales and comments were superlative). This year the creative team has outdone itself. Be sure to check it out!

6 - Box Office hours :
238 Watercolor Blvd West, Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459
Box office hours are:

Wednesday, January 15: 4pm - 8pm

Thursday, January 16: 10am - 10pm

Friday, January 17: 10am - 10pm

Saturday, January 18: 9am - 3pm (at Grand Boulevard box office only)

Sunday, January 19: 9am - 3pm (at Grand Boulevard box office only)

30A Songwriters Festival Update 1/8/25

Many people, new ticket buyers in particular, are asking for advice on how to best navigate the Festival as well as tips on who to go see. So let me take a swing at this.

DAY ONE - FRIDAY 
1 - Are you type A with boundless energy? Go to the box office early Friday to stock up on t-shirts, a warm hoodie, and a commemorative hat. Head to a kick off party at AJs at 4 p.m. (Dion Jones & the Neon Tears and Josh Joplin Group) or the big stage at the Lyceum (the dBs, Chuck Prophet, special guest TBD). Next, choose acoustic solo acts or artists in the round at Rosemary Town Hall (Vicki Peterson & John Cowsill, Gary Louris) or the Pearl (Emerson Hart, Kelly Willis) and nearby LaCo (Darrell Scott, Ruthie Foster). Shoot down to Old Florida Fish House and catch an act on the porch or main stage (The Pink Stones, John Driskell Hopkins, The Stews). Nearby Seaside and WaterColor present 5 more performance options: Bud & Alleys (Josh Rouse, Garrison Starr), Pickles (Robbie Hecht, Eliot Bronson), The Rep (Ellis Paul, Bradley Cole Smith), Fish Out of Water (Liv Taylor, Kim Richey, Mary Gauthier) or the Lake House (second ASCAP Nashville songwriters set of the evening). As it is getting late, check out Drive the Coast (Bee Taylor, Gurufish, Shawn Mullins) for more original bands.

2 - Perhaps you are a laid back couple that wants to find a comfortable place and kick back for the evening - have a cocktail, grab a bite to eat, and see whoever is playing at the venue over the course of the evening. Consider Caliza at Alys (Hayes Carll, Secret Sisters), or the Big Chill (Jeffrey Steele, Black Opry Revue). Hang all night at the Bay (Jill Sobule, Charlie Mars) and North Beach Social - (Chuck Cannon, Florence Dore). The venues are across the street from each other.

3 - No matter what your personality type, study the app ahead of time AND create your own schedule. Choose first and second choice acts in each area you visit as you navigate the night and weekend. If your evening plans change (for example, a venue hits capacity), you have the perfect playbook on your phone!

4 - Pace yourself. Don't try to see all your favorites on night one. You have three more days of music, drinks and food.  

DAY TWO - SATURDAY
1 - Saturday morning revolves around brunch concerts from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Havana Beach has two sets (​Hannah Thomas, Sara Hells, Jada Cato) and a classy brunch menu in a retro Cuban style bar. Bud & Alley's features the famous "Hair of the Dog" round and great bloody marys (Jeff Black, Ruthie Foster, ​Darrell Scott, Kim Richey, Mary Gauthier). At Hibiscus, the Backyard of Love will be in full swing (Kristy Lee and Levi Lowery) with breakfast from new proprietors Raw & Juicy.

2 - Head to Grand Blvd at noon for the first afternoon of headline acts: Secret Sisters, the Jayhawks and Amos Lee. Remember, VIP passes get you great seating up front and complimentary food and beverages all afternoon. Regular passes are general admission seating on the lawn and easy access to merch and food trucks.

3 - The evening shows begin in all venues at various times between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. If you plan to venue hop, work out your own personal schedule on the app!

4 - Do your tastes lean toward rock music? Check out Drive the Coast (the Stews, the dBs, Maggie Rose), AJs (T​he Pink Stones, John Driskell Hopkins, Paul McDonald & the Mourning Doves), and Old Florida Fish House (​Lilly Hiatt) for full band shows.

5 - Interested in Nashville Country Songwriters? Checkout the ASCAP showcases at the Lake House in Watercolor Friday, Saturday or Sunday night. A dozen top writers/performers participate two times each throughout the weekend.

6 - For many, the heart and soul of the 30ASF are the singer songwriter rounds - here are just a few examples on Saturday night: ​Fonville (Will Kimbrough, Liz Longley, Tyler Ramsey, Chris Stills), Rosemary Town Hall (Jill Sobule, Griffin House), Pickles (​Jaimee Harris, Adam Hood, Abe Partridge, Dan Bern),​  ​Havana Beach at The Pearl (Tommy Prine, Colton Bowlin, David Ryan Harris, Alice Peacock).

DAY THREE - SUNDAY
1 - Start the morning with brunch and music! Choices include the spiritual/gospel sets at Caliza (curated by Brian and Karyn Williams), Havana Beach Bar at the Pearl (Burris, Eliot Bronson), Camp Creek Inn (Garrison Starr, Casey LeVasseur, Kurtis John), Raw & Juicy (Amy Lavere & Will Sexton) and Hibiscus (Jontavious Willis, Tommy Womack).

2 - The second and final afternoon of headline acts starts at noon at Grand Boulevard with current Grammy nominee Maggie Rose followed by the Devon Allman Project (including an amazing tribute to the Allman Brothers) and closes with the first appearance in South Walton by Melissa Etheridge with her slamming rock band. It will be a hit driven, high octane show!

3 - All venues are open Sunday for the final evening of music. Some random highlights include Fish Out of Water (Emerson Hart, Chris Stills, David Ryan Harris, Brett Dennen), Caliza (Shawn Mullins, Brandy Clark), the Big Chill (Cat Ridgeway, John Fullbright, Chris Knight), Drive the Coast (Josh Joplin Group, Paul McDonald & the Mourning Doves), Fonville Press (Nigel Wearne, Kim Richey, Alice Peacock) and Old Florida Fish House (Cousin Curtiss, the Saunders Boyz, Jeffrey Steele).

4 - The 16th annual Festival comes to an end Sunday night, as always, with the Purple Rain Party at AJs featuring Cooper Carter & the Royal Senders. It's a jam of the highest order (not to be missed).

DAY FOUR - MONDAY
Enjoy music and brunch at our Late Check Out parties on your way out of town! We open the festival doors to local non ticket holders to enjoy a taste of the Festival experience. Historically held at the Bay and North Beach Social, we recently added Red Fish Taco and this year the Big Chill.

Late Check Out performers :
The Bay - Mike Whitty, Jack Barksdale, Sammi Accola, John Fullbright, Abe Partridge, Harrison Prentice, Larry Mitchell, and Katie Martin
North Beach Social - Sara Jean Kelley, Dan Bern, Ryanhood, Dan Navarro, Gina Venier, Pete Muller, Eliot Bronson, Amy LaVere & Will Sexton
Red Fish Taco - Caitlin Cannon, Mike Kinnebrew, Tommy Womack, Alice Peacock, Bob Schneider, Ryan David Green
The Big Chill - Kyle Davis, Brandy Clark, Cat Ridgeway (with band), Certainly So, Dion Jones & The Neon Tears