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.

Attend Cocktail Dinner

SUNDAY BRUNCH & Songs

Brunch Round

Sunday Brunch & Songs Sponsored by tito’s

Under the white tent on the heritage house lawn, the Sunday Brunch & Songs is always a cherished moment. Enjoy a delightful brunch prepared by chef Chris Wilton, and indulge in a bloody-mary bar sponsored by Tito’s Vodka.

Experience an intimate songwriters in the round session with Shawn Colvin, Shawn Mullins, Jon Muq.

Admission is reserved to VIP Weekend Pass Plus Sunday Brunch Pass holders OR ticket holder with the add-on experience, Sunday Brunch Sponsored by Tito’s

Attend Sunday Brunch

WORKSHOPS

Livingston Taylor

Songwriters Workshop

Attend the Songwriters Workshop on Saturday morning at Heritage House with LIVINGSTON TAYLOR!

In his Stage Performance class at Berklee College of Music, Livingston Taylor has taught thousands of young musicians how to take the stage without fear and deliver a performance that is rewarding for both the performer and the audience. Story, song, and intention with Q&A.

ADULTS $25
STUDENTS $15
*Limited seating.

Saturday, MArch 29, 2025

10:00 AM | Heritage House
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 | Heritage House
Led by TBA

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

breakfast at botanic

Botanic

Breakfast at Botanic

Kickstart your Saturday morning with a buffet breakfast at Botanic in their newly opened beer garden!

Doors open for breakfast at 9am.

Ticket to this event includes:

NOTE: This is an add-on experience. On ticket page, click green “buy tickets” button. Scroll down to “Experiences” and select Breakfast at Botanic.

Breakfast at botanic tickets $35