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

Kick Off the 6th Annual Opelika Songwriters Festival in Style

Celebrate the start of the Opelika Songwriters Festival with an unforgettable cocktail dinner on Thursday, March 27th —an evening of gourmet food, handcrafted cocktails, and an intimate performance by a festival artist in a truly unique setting.

Set inside John Emerald Distillery, this exclusive experience offers a rare opportunity to dine among the working stills, making it the perfect setting for a truly unique evening.

Limited seating—reserve your spot today.

Your Ticket Includes:

•A Four-Course Gourmet Dinner – Chef Chris Wilton curates a meal designed to impress, with each course expertly paired with a handcrafted cocktail from John Emerald Distillery.

•Festival Artist TBA –

Doors open at 6:30 PM

How to Secure Your Seat

•Visit the Kickoff Dinner Ticket Page

•Select “Kickoff Dinner”

•Choose your quantity and proceed to checkout

Reserve your seat now—this exclusive event will sell out!

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

PURCHASE KICKOFF DINNER TICKETS


Sunday Brunch: A VIP Music Experience

Sunday Brunch & Songs Sponsored by tito’s

A signature experience of the Opelika Songwriters Festival, Sunday Brunch & Songs has been a cherished tradition since the festival’s first year. Reserved exclusively for VIP ticket holders, this event pairs exceptional food and world-class artists in a relaxed, intimate setting on the Heritage House lawn.

Enjoy a gourmet brunch crafted by Chef Chris Wilton, and if you’d like, visit the Tito’s Bloody Mary Bar, where you can purchase a handcrafted cocktail to complement your meal. Then, settle in for an in-the-round performance featuring festival favorites, offering an up-close and personal musical experience.

Exclusively for VIP Ticket Holders

•Included with VIP Package

•Not available to the general public

An Opelika Songwriters Festival favorite—reserve your VIP experience now.

purchase vip package

SATURDAY BREAKFAST AT MARRIOTT

SATURDAY BREAKFAST AT MARRIOTT

Start your Saturday morning at the Opelika Songwriters Festival with a delicious buffet breakfast and an intimate live music performance at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa—the official lodging partner of OSF and home to our festival artists.

Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM
Location: Splash Bar & Patio, Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa
Special Morning Set (Artist TBA)

Buffet Breakfast – A chef-prepared breakfast spread to fuel your day.

  • Seasonal Sliced Fruit and Berries, Honey Yogurt Dip
  • Assorted Breakfast Pastries & Muffins
  • Fluffy Scrambled Eggs
  • Crisp Bacon
  • Conecuh Sausage Links
  • Breakfast Potato Casserole
  • Southern Style Grits with Butter and Cheddar Cheese
  • Oatmeal with Brown Sugar and Raisins
  • Biscuits and Gravy
  • Coffee, Decaf and Hot Tea
  • Full Bar featuring Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s

Premier Festival Lodging – If you’re staying at the Marriott, this experience is right at your doorstep—and if you’re not, it’s worth the visit.
Limited Availability – This is a one-time-only festival experience—secure your spot now.

A perfect way to start your Saturday—great food, great company, and live music in a setting where artists and festivalgoers come together.

Ticket to this event includes:

  • Buffet breakfast
  • Festival artist TBA

NOTE: This is an add-on experience.
Doors open for breakfast at 9am.
Limited Seating. Reserve your seat today.

saturday breakfast tickets $35

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.

Screening Date | Time | Location
Saturday, March 29, at 7 PM
Boxcar Theater

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

RICK PRICE

Songwriters Workshop

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A SONGWRITER? TO TELL OUR STORIES AND SEND THEM OUT TO THE WORLD? ULTIMATELY WE WANT TO WRITE SONGS THAT REACH OUT AND MOVE THE LISTENER IN A MEANINGFUL WAY.

THAT’S ALL WELL AND GOOD TO SAY BUT WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE ‘IN THE FIELD’?
HOW DO WE ACCESS THIS MAGICAL CREATIVE PROCESS.
PLEASE JOIN ME FOR MY SONGWRITING WORKSHOP WHERE I’LL BE SHARING MY PERSONAL PROCESS AND GIVING YOU SOME SIMPLE BUT POWERFUL TOOLS YOU CAN BEGIN USING RIGHT AWAY!

ADULTS $25
STUDENTS $15
*Limited seating.

Saturday, MArch 29, 2025

10:00 AM
Rick Price | The Sound Wall

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

11:30 AM | The Sound Wall
Led by Larry Mitchell

Attend Workshop

From the Ground Up: Building a Lasting Music Career

SheCollective is bringing a powerhouse panel to the festival, offering real talk on what it takes to sustain a career in music. No cost to attend, but a festival wristband is required.

What You’ll Get:
• The foundation of a lasting career – defining your sound, handling the business side, and staying relevant.
• Navigating the industry – breaking in, building relationships, and avoiding common missteps.
• Sustaining creativity – staying inspired, handling rejection, and maintaining longevity.
• Audience Q&A – ask the pros your burning questions.

If you’re serious about making music your career, don’t miss this conversation.

SheCollective (SHECO) is a community initiative based in Auburn, Alabama, dedicated to empowering and connecting women in music. Launched in late 2024, SHECO aims to create a supportive environment for female musicians, fostering collaboration and inspiration. The collective offers resources, networking opportunities, and events to help women advance in the music industry. 

*no cost, festival wristband required
*Limited seating.

Saturday, MArch 29, 2025

11:30 AM | Market Street Coffee Shop
Led by Jessie Osborne

VOCAL CARE WORKSHOP

With Dr. Phillip Snider, DO

Singers, stop beating up your voice!
Come to this workshop to learn simple and practical techniques that let you sing and play longer and stronger with less effort.

You’ll walk away with the following skills:
-Trade bad habits for good ones to keep your voice healthy now and for many years to come
-Learn how to navigate colds, allergies, eating on the go, and long performances
-Evaluate supplements, sprays, and lozenges for throat relief

Dr. Phillip Snider, DO is a board certified osteopathic family practice physician. He teaches at the VCOM medical school in Auburn, AL, and gives lectures to students in the Auburn University Commercial Voice program. In his practice, he uses his osteopathic training to help musicians get rid of pain, optimize their performance, and get back to enjoying life.

*no cost, festival wristband required
*Limited seating.

Saturday, MArch 29, 2025

10:00 AM | Whistle Stop
Led by Dr. Phillip Snider, DO

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