Experiences

Thur night 3/27/2025
KICKOFF DINNER

OPELIKA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 05: Jimmy Sharp of John Emerald Distillery attends the 2023 Opelika Songwriters Festival Kickoff Dinner on October 05, 2023, in Opelika, Alabama. (Photo by R. Diamond/Getty Images)
OPELIKA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 05: Atmosphere during the Kickoff Dinner at the 2023 Opelika Songwriters Festival on October 05, 2023, in Opelika, Alabama. (Photo by R. Diamond/Getty Images)
OPELIKA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 05: Chef Chris Wilton attends the 2023 Opelika Songwriters Festival Kickoff Dinner on October 05, 2023, in Opelika, Alabama. (Photo by R. Diamond/Getty Images)
OPELIKA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 05: Eliot Bronson performs during the Kickoff Dinner at the 2023 Opelika Songwriters Festival on October 05, 2023, in Opelika, Alabama. (Photo by R. Diamond/Getty Images)
OPELIKA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 05: Atmosphere during the Kickoff Dinner at the 2023 Opelika Songwriters Festival on October 05, 2023, in Opelika, Alabama. (Photo by R. Diamond/Getty Images)
OPELIKA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 05: Rob Slocumb and Jen Slocumb founders and coproducers of OSF attend the 2023 Opelika Songwriters Festival Kickoff Dinner on October 05, 2023, in Opelika, Alabama. (Photo by R. Diamond/Getty Images)
OPELIKA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 05: Robby Hecht and Eliot Bronson perform during the Kickoff Dinner at the 2023 Opelika Songwriters Festival on October 05, 2023, in Opelika, Alabama. (Photo by R. Diamond/Getty Images)
OPELIKA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 05: Shey Knight, venue lead for John Emerald Distillery attends the 2023 Opelika Songwriters Festival Kickoff Dinner on October 05, 2023, in Opelika, Alabama. (Photo by R. Diamond/Getty Images)

Thursday Night kickoff Dinner with Chef Chris Wilton & John Emerald Distillery

Celebrate the start of the 6th annual Opelika Songwriters Festival with a limited seating cocktail dinner on Thursday, March 27, 2025. You will enjoy a four-course dinner by Chef Chris Wilton and a cocktail pairing by John Emerald Distillery for each course. Guests are seated in the distillery where they can see the stills in action – an ideal spot for epic pictures! Includes a secret show by a festival artist.

** This is an add on experience, please purchase Thur Night Kickoff Dinner Ticket in order to attend.

PURCHASE KICKOFF DINNER TICKETS

SUNDAY BRUNCH & Songs

Brunch Round

Sunday Brunch & Songs Sponsored by tito’s

The Sunday Brunch at Heritage House is a cherished event during the Opelika Songwriters Festival. Held under a white tent on the Heritage House lawn, attendees enjoy a delightful brunch prepared by Chef Chris Wilton, complemented by a Bloody Mary bar sponsored by Tito’s Vodka.

The experience is enriched by an intimate songwriters-in-the-round session, featuring artists Shawn Colvin, Shawn Mullins, and Jon Muq.

Admission is reserved to VIP Weekend Pass holders only.

purchase vip pass

The Duke and The King: Film Screening & Q&A with Duke Bardwell

The Duke and The King: Film Screening & Q&A with Duke Bardwell

Get ready for an exclusive and intimate experience at Opelika’s newest cultural gem, the Boxcar Theater! With only 75 seats available, this is your chance to dive deep into the legendary story of Duke Bardwell, the renowned bassist who played alongside Elvis Presley.

Enjoy a special screening of The Duke and The King and witness Duke’s incredible journey through this captivating film. Following the screening, connect with Duke Bardwell himself in an engaging Q&A session.

This is more than just a screening—it’s a rare, behind-the-scenes look at music history, unfolding in the heart of Opelika. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event at the Opelika Songwriters Festival!

** This is an add on experience, please purchase Film Screening Ticket in order to attend.

purchase FILM SCREENING TICKET

WORKSHOPS

Livingston Taylor

Songwriters Workshop

Sharpen your songwriting skills in an intimate and inspiring workshop designed for songwriters of all levels. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your craft, this session will provide valuable insights into the creative process, lyric development, and storytelling through music. Led by one of the festival’s talented artists, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn from a seasoned songwriter in a collaborative and supportive setting. Stay tuned for details on who will be leading this exciting session!

ADULTS $25
STUDENTS $15
*Limited seating.

Saturday, MArch 29, 2025

10:00 AM
Led by TBA

Attend Workshop
Larry Mitchell
Larry Mitchell

GUITAR TONE Workshop

Attend the Guitar Tone Workshop on Saturday morning at The Sound Wall with LARRY MITCHELL!

Larry Mitchell is a Grammy award-winning producer, engineer and performer who has toured the world playing guitar with well-known artists including Tracy Chapman, Billy Squier, Ric Ocasek and Miguel Bosé. In his original compositions, Larry skillfully weaves guitar textures that showcase his virtuosity as a solo artist and ensemble player..

ADULTS $25
STUDENTS $15
*Limited seating.

Saturday, MArch 29, 2025

10:00 AM |
Led by Larry Mitchell

Attend Workshop

STUDENT SONGWRITER SHOWCASE

Hey Students!

Would you like to perform at the 6th ANNUAL OPELIKA SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL 2025?

Read on for the rules on how to submit your entry to be considered for the student showcase. The deadline to enter is February 28, 2025.

Good luck!

OPELIKA, ALABAMA – OCTOBER 07: Student Songwriter Showcase presents Savannah Hayes, Mae McKoy, and Anita Duncan at the Irish Bred Pub during the 2023 Opelika Songwriters Festival on October 07, 2023, in Opelika, Alabama. (Photo by R. Diamond/Getty Images)

2025 Rules & Regulations

  1. You must enter online. You will be required to provide a youtube link or link to mp3. You will also be required to provide song lyrics.
  2. All songs submitted must be original.
  3. Students may enter as many songs as desired, but each entry requires a new submission. For example, 5 song entries would equal 5 separate entries.
  4. This showcase is open to anyone under the age 18 and is a senior in high school or less.
  5. Students selected to perform in the showcase will be chosen by a judging panel.
  6. Students will be notified by email no later than March 9, 2025.
  7. Opelika Songwriters Festival reserves the right to extend the entry deadline if necessary.
  8. (3) three students will be selected to perform an in the round set together on the The Sound Wall Music Initiative Sponsored Stage during the festival. Plus, each student will receive a weekend festival pass and (1) ticket to the Songwriters Workshop led by festival performers.

Deadline to enter is FEBRUARY 28, 2025

Submit Your Entry