Destin Songwriter Festival
October 24-25, 2026
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Florida’s Emerald Coast, where sugar-white sands meet the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf, the Destin Songwriter Festival is quickly becoming the hottest new songwriter festival on the entire Emerald Coast.
This isn’t just another music festival. It’s a weekend-long celebration of storytelling, unforgettable performances, and the incredible songwriters behind the music you love. Join us as acclaimed Nashville hitmakers, rising stars, and talented local artists gather in one of the most beautiful beach towns in the country to share the stories, inspiration, and emotion behind their songs.
From free family-friendly entertainment and waterfront acoustic stages to high-energy main stage performances and exclusive VIP songwriter rounds featuring some of the industry’s best writers, there truly is something for everyone at the Destin Songwriter Festival.
Experience intimate performances overlooking the harbor, discover your next favorite artist, sing along to songs you know by heart, and hear the untold stories behind the hits in a way only a songwriter festival can deliver.
Whether you’re a die-hard country music fan, a lover of live music, a beach vacationer looking for unforgettable entertainment, or someone simply searching for a one-of-a-kind weekend experience, this is the festival you don’t want to miss.
Come for the coast. Stay for the music. Leave with memories that last long after the final song ends.
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Past Headliners
James Otto
James Otto is a Grammy-nominated country singer-songwriter best known for his chart-topping hit “Just Got Started Lovin’ You,” Billboard’s No. 1 country single of 2008. A founding member of the MuzikMafia collective, James has written and performed alongside country music powerhouses like Jamey Johnson, the Zac Brown Band, and Big & Rich. He co-wrote the award-winning hit “In Color,” which earned ACM Song of the Year and a Grammy nomination. With his soulful voice and timeless songwriting, James Otto continues to make his mark on the country music landscape.
Kent Blazy
Kent Blazy is an award-winning songwriter from Lexington, Kentucky, best known for co-writing “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” Garth Brooks’ first No. 1 hit. Over the years, Kent has penned multiple chart-toppers, including “Ain’t Goin’ Down (‘Til the Sun Comes Up),”“Somewhere Other Than the Night,” and “Beer Run.” His songs have been recorded by artists like Garth Brooks, Chris Young, Patty Loveless, and Diamond Rio. In recognition of his lasting impact, Kent was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020.
Andy Griggs
Andy Griggs is a chart-topping country artist from West Monroe, Louisiana, known for his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. He broke onto the scene with his platinum-certified debut album You Won’t Ever Be Lonely, producing multiple Top 10 hits including “She’s More” and the title track, both peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard country chart. With four studio albums and over a dozen charting singles, Andy has cemented his place in 2000s country music. His collaborations include legends like Waylon Jennings and Martina McBride, showcasing his roots in both traditional and modern country.
Giving Back Through Music & Service: Operation Song
At the Destin Songwriter Festival, we believe music has the power to bring people together, tell meaningful stories, and create lasting impact within our communities. That’s why we are incredibly proud to partner with Operation Song, a remarkable non-profit dedicated to helping veterans, active-duty military, and their families heal through the art of songwriting.
We have a deep appreciation and respect for the men and women who have served our country, and giving back to the veteran community is something that means a great deal to us. As a festival built around songwriters, storytelling, and human connection, partnering with Operation Song felt like a natural and meaningful way to support both veterans and the songwriting community we love so much.
A portion of the proceeds from the Destin Songwriter Festival will go directly toward supporting Operation Song’s life-changing programs, helping provide veterans with an outlet to share their experiences, find healing, and turn their stories into music.
Together, we celebrate the power of songwriting, the strength of community, and the incredible people who have sacrificed so much for others.
In Partnership With ENTERSONG Entertainment
We are proud to partner with EnterSong Entertainment as the official entertainment and talent partner for the Destin Songwriter Festival. Through this partnership, EnterSong helps curate and coordinate world-class songwriter talent, artist relations, and live entertainment experiences that elevate the festival’s mission of bringing Nashville-caliber storytelling and performances to the Destin Harbor
