Opelika Songwriters Festival is May 16-19—check out the lineup + get tickets now

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During three days in May, Opelika’s downtown comes alive with a celebration of music and the artistry of songwriting through the Opelika Songwriters Festival.

Historic Opelika’s streets, distilleries and cafes transform into a place where songwriters and music enthusiasts can enjoy live performances, hear the stories behind the songs, participate in songwriting workshops and connect with other music lovers.

Keep reading for all the deets, like who you can see on the stage.

Opelika Songwriters Festival—know before you go

This year’s lineup boasts over 80 shows across 9 venues in Downtown Opelika, including the N Railroad Main Stage, John Emerald Distillery, Resting Pulse Brewery, Irish Bred Pub, Heritage House, Jailhouse @ Rock N Roll Pinball and Market Street Paint Shop.

• When: Thursday, May 16-Sunday, May 19
• Where: Check in at 13 N. 8th St, Opelika, AL 36801 —Look for the big white tent at the corner of 8th St & N. Railroad Ave.
• Get tickets | $65+

2024 stage lineup in Opelika including Shawn Colvin, KT Tunstall, Sister Hazel + more

Opelika Songwriters Festival showcases songwriting excellence like no other.

Get ready for captivating performances by headliners:

• Shawn Colvin, Grammy winner, delivers soulful tunes like Sunny Came Home.
• KT Tunstall, a dynamic Scottish singer-songwriter, brings energy and irresistible hooks to her music.
• Sister Hazel is a beloved American rock band known for their heartfelt lyrics in songs like All for You.

Plus, enjoy more performances from:

• Livingston Taylor
• Shawn Mullins
• Vicki Peterson & John Cowsill
• Jon Muq
• Joy Clark
• Dan Navarro
• Abe Partridge
• Cousin Curtiss
• Peter Bradley Adams
• Kristy Lee
• Grayson Capps
• Eliot Bronson
• Robby Hecht
• Becky Warren
• Lilly Winwood
• Noel McKay
• Larry Mitchell
• Jack Barksdale
• Meaghan Farrell
• Noah Zacharin
• Martha’s Trouble
• Katie Martin
• Mike Kinnebrew
• Casey LeVasseur
• Kurtis John
• Clare Cunningham
• Jennifer Lynn Simpson
• Sammi Accola
• Dixon Darling
• Dave Potts
• Jon Williams
• Pam Bedwell
• Shanna Sharp
• Mia Rogers

Get your tickets today for the 2024 Opelika Songwriters Festival.

Opelika Songwriters Festival 2024 schedule

Take a sneak peak at part of the weekend schedule below:

• Thursday, May 16
  • Celebrate the start of the 5th annual festival with a limited seating cocktail dinner. Enjoy a four-course gourmet dinner by Chef Chris Wilton and a cocktail pairing by John Emerald Distillery for each course.
  • When: 7PM
  • Where: John Emerald Distilling Company—706 N Railroad Ave, Opelika, AL 36801
  • Additional ticket required | $150
• Friday, May 17
  • Music begins in all venues at 5:30PM.
  • Witness the future stars of the music world shine bright during the Student Showcase at 5:30PM.
  • Where: Community Stage—9th St & S. Railroad Ave
  • Get ready to watch Sister Hazel rock out on stage at 9:45PM.
  • Where: Main Stage: 8th St & N. Railroad Ave
• Saturday, May 18
  • Music begins in all venues at 10AM.
  • Jam out to fun tunes all day as KT Tunstall performs at 1:45PM and Shawn Colvin takes over at 3:30PM.
  • Where: Main Stage: 8th St & N. Railroad Ave
  • End your day with an electrifying late night jam at 11PM featuring Larry Mitchell and other festival artists.
  • Where: John Emerald Distilling Company—706 N Railroad Ave, Opelika, AL 36801
• Sunday, May 19
  • Enjoy Sunday Morning Gospel Hour at 10AM.
  • Where: Market Street Paint Shop-116 S 8th St Suite # 102, Opelika, AL 36801
  • If you’re a VIP Weekend Pass+ ticket holder, experience Sunday Brunch & Songs Sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, catered by the renowned Chef Chris Wilton. Performers include Shawn Colvin, Shawn Mullins and Jon Muq.
  • When: 10:30AM
  • Where: Heritage House Lawn—714 2nd Ave, Opelika, AL 36801
  • Don’t miss the final round starting at 1:45PM.
  • Where: Resting Pulse Brewery—714 1st Ave, Opelika, AL 36801

Songwriters workshop with  Livingston Taylor—Saturday, May 18 at 10AM

Feeling inspired to create? Join the Songwriters Workshop Saturday morning at The Sound Wall.

From the blank page to the final release, embark on a real-time journey of human interaction, storytelling, song crafting and intention setting with Livingston Taylor.

Plus—engage in a lively Q&A session and make some sounds while having fun.

• When: Saturday, May 18 at 10AM
• Where: The Sound Wall—605 Ave B, Opelika, AL 36801
• Additional Tickets required | $25 for adults and $15 for students

Enjoy performances by a diverse lineup of songwriters and musicians at the Opelika Songwriters Festival—get tickets today.

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