SoWal Insider's Guide to 30A Songwriters Festival 2026

The 30A Songwriters Festival will celebrate its 17th year with more than 150 artists performing over the four-day Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend in 25+ venues ranging in capacities from 75 to 6,000, including six headline performances at the main stage in Grand Boulevard’s Town Center in Miramar Beach. The Festival’s listening rooms are located throughout South Walton, in the resort towns of WaterColor, Grayton Beach, Seaside, Alys Beach, Seacrest, Rosemary Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, and beyond.

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Performances on the main stage at presenting partner Grand Boulevard’s Town Center in Miramar Beach with headline performances by renowned artists MAVIS STAPLES, TOAD THE WET SPROCKET, 10,000 MANIACS, I'M WITH HER, NIKKI LANE AND PAUL MCDONALD & THE MOURNING DOVES.

The full line up will be announced soon—stay tuned!

MAVIS STAPLES - A lifelong performer with an unparalleled career and voice, Mavis Staples turned 86 years old this July but continues to tour around the world, bringing her music and message to the people one show at a time. This time last year Staples spoke to the New York Times and said she has no plans to retire. Her voice, she explained, has changed with time, “having broadened and softened, like a steel sculpture pillowed with velvet.” “I’m the messenger,” Mavis Staples says. “That’s my job—it has been for my whole life—and I can’t just give up while the struggle’s still alive. We’ve got more work to do, so I’m going to keep on getting stronger and keep on delivering my message every single day.” That message —a clarion call to love, to faith, to justice, to brotherhood, to joy — lies at the heart of her music and her powerful performances.

TOAD THE WET SPROCKET - Toad the Wet Sprocket, the beloved alternative rock band from Santa Barbara, California, first captured audiences in the late 1980s with their heartfelt lyrics and melodic sound. Rising to prominence with albums like Fear (1991) and Dulcinea (1994), they became known for hits such as “Walk on the Ocean”, “All I Want,” and “Good Intentions.” Their ability to blend introspective songwriting with catchy, folk influenced rock has cemented them as a lasting presence in the music world. Throughout their career, Toad the Wet Sprocket has maintained a deep appreciation for their dedicated fanbase, whose unwavering support has allowed them to continue making music on their own terms. Whether through live performances, new recordings, or reimagining classic tracks, the band remains committed to delivering music that resonates with longtime listeners and new audiences alike. The band has re-recorded several of their songs acoustically including “Nanci,” “Something’s Always Wrong”, and “Fall Down”. This year the band released their fourth acoustic single “Good Intentions” which is also the name of their 2025 U.S. national tour.

I’M WITH HER - I’m With Her is a band rooted in a rare alchemy: three celebrated songwriters coming together to create music that reveals entirely new possibilities in their distinct and deep-seated talents. Since forming, Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan, and Sara Watkins have imbued their songs with a sharply detailed lyricism, graceful musicianship, and powerfully mesmerizing harmonies. The group's 2018 debut album, See You Around, garnered consistent critical praise. The band won Duo/Group of the Year at the Americana Awards, Artist of the Year at the International Folk Music Awards, and a GRAMMY Award for their 2019 single “Call My Name." On their sophomore LP Wild and Clear and Blue, I’m With Her now brings their luminous harmonies to a soul-searching body of work about reaching into the past, navigating a chaotic present, and bravely moving forward into the unknown. The new record presents a far more elaborate sound than the debut album informed by the band’s extensive touring and acclaimed performances at festivals around the globe.

10,000 MANIACS - In 2026, 10,000 Maniacs will mark an extraordinary milestone — 45 years as one of alternative rock’s most influential and enduring forces. From college radio trailblazers to platinum-selling pioneers, the band has carved out a legacy defined by poetic storytelling, socially conscious lyrics, and a sound that continues to resonate across generations. With over 10 million records sold and a catalog spanning more than a dozen acclaimed albums and EPs, 10,000 Maniacs shows no signs of slowing down. This fall, Rhino will release Candy Everybody Wants — a definitive box set celebrating their groundbreaking Elektra years of the '80s and '90s. This follows the 2024 reissue of their famous MTV unplugged performance which featured versions of many of their hit songs including "These Are Days," "Trouble Me," "Like the Weather," "What's the Matter Here," "More Than This" and "Because the Night." In early 2026, the band will debut Dawn Chorus, their first album of new material in 12 years, ushering in an exciting new chapter of creative rebirth. Expect a rich blend of all of the above music on the headline stage in January.

NIKKI LANE - A singer songwriter who mixes the honky tonk atmosphere of vintage country with the clever bite of indie rock, Nikki Lane is a barroom siren whose music is tough, witty, and bold inhabiting Nashville archetypes while upending them at the same time. Lane’s songs walk a fine line between sincerity and irony, but the passion and effectiveness of her vocals keeps her from sounding like a put on, and her melodies mix rootsy twang and rock & roll edge with confidence. Raised as a Baptist in Greenville, South Carolina, Lane discovered music as an outlet for creative expression at an early age, dropping out of school at 17 to move to Los Angeles, next to New York, and then Nashville to launch her songwriting career. She introduced her talent on her 2011 debut Walk of Shame and added a soulful edge on 2014's All or Nothin' (produced by Dan Auerbach) and Highway Queen from 2017. On her most recent album, Denom & Diamonds, produced by Queens of the Stone Age frontman, Joshua Homme, she eased off her country accents and added a harder rock edge to her mix. With the release in June of the moving confessional single, Woodruff City Limit, produced by Butch Walker, speculation and anticipation grows that the two may be be collaborating on a new album — let’s hope so!

PAUL MCDONALD & THE MOURNING DOVES - Born in Alabama and baptized in the dive bars of the southeast, Paul McDonald first made noise with the Grand Magnolias, a roots-rock outfit, before catching fire in the public eye during American Idol’s 2011 run. When the bright lights blurred and the cameras turned, the man behind the voice slipped into the shadows where he did what real artists do: he lived, he lost, and he wrote. Retreating to Nashville, that holy city of reinvention, Paul stitched himself back together with worn boots, hard songs, and a new band called the Mourning Doves. Now, in 2025, the giant has stirred with the release of So Long to the Dark Side — a gospel-tinged reckoning wrapped in cosmic Americana and lit with songs that sound like they were scribbled on the edge of a breakdown and sung back from the brink. Raised on Petty, Parsons, and pain, Paul McDonald is not chasing trends; he’s conjuring something older and truer. His live performances are equal parts revival and rock séance. In a breakthrough moment, Paul McDonald & the Mourning Doves will bring the songs of So Long to the Dark Side and more to the headline stage at the 17th Annual 30A Songwriters Festival.

Russell Carter, President of Russell Carter Artist Management and Festival Co-Producer, explains that "for the headline stage on Saturday and Sunday afternoons of the MLK holiday weekend we have always booked heritage Artists, legends from different favorite decades and emerging artists gaining national star status in front of our eyes. 2026 is no exception. Mavis Staples brings her 70 years of performing brilliance back to 30A, Toad the Wet Sprocket and 10,000 Maniacs are seminal alternative rock bands that emerged from the 90s and rose to the top of the charts with multiple hits. Nikki Lane and Paul McDonald have both developed critically acclaimed careers as they have built regional followings. Both have new breakthrough albums that are now propelling their careers to new heights. It all adds up to two afternoons of very exciting live music. 

"The 30A Songwriters Festival is renowned for its signature 'in-the-round' performances, and having Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O'Donovan, and Sara Watkins—three of my personal favorites—share the stage is a dream lineup," said Jennifer Steele, President & CEO of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and Festival Co-Producer. "Thankfully, they've already made that dream a reality with the creation of the powerhouse trio, I'm With Her, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to the main stage, where their masterful songwriting and gorgeous harmonies can shine.” Steele adds that "our mission is to support the Arts by bringing together neighborhoods, resorts, bars, and restaurants to present the Festival music throughout our community. With over 125 artists performing across five days, from the Grand Boulevard Main Stage to rock-n-roll bars to intimate listening rooms, the Festival delivers an unforgettable and distinctly 30A musical journey.”

Adds Carter, "There is a direct correlation between the success of the 30A Songwriters Festival and the richness of cultural arts experiences led by the Cultural Arts Alliance, including a grant and scholarship program, Art in Public Spaces program (murals and sculptures), the Underwater Museum of Art off Grayton Beach, arts education for all ages, the Beyond Bars Prison Songwriting program, the Flutterby Children's Arts Festival, and the ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival."

Festival Weekend Passes are currently available at 30asongwritersfestival.com VIP tickets that include premium seating and complimentary gourmet food and drinks in the VIP tent on Saturday and Sunday afternoons are also available. For a full description of each ticket package including VIP mainstage and full weekend transportation packages for groups of 2 up to 12, visit 30asongwritersfestival.com. 

The 30A Songwriters Festival is presented by Grand Boulevard with additional support from Visit South Walton, WaterColor Inn and Resort, and ASCAP. 

SoWal Insider Tip: most festival tickets sell out early. If the tickets you want are not available at www.30asongwritersfestival.com, try tickets for resale on the SoWal Forum >

The Venues - stellar stages and intimate rooms - a sample:
Caliza Restaurant, AJ's in Grayton Beach, Bud and Alley's Waterfront Restaurant, Fish Out of Water, Red Fish Taco, The Bay, North Beach Social, Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse, Old Florida Fish House, Hilton Sandestin, Havana Beach Bar & Grill, Grand Boulevard and more - see full list >

The Festival is, as always, a benefit for the non profit Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, which supports artists and non profit cultural events and businesses throughout the county. 100% of the net proceeds from the event are paid to the CAA to help fund its annual budget. Thank you all for your continued support!

Click here for 30A Songwriter's Festival Photos to share on your facebook, website, email, etc.

The Setting - Florida's amazing Scenic Highway 30A with our string of postcard-perfect towns & communities.

Top Ten Reasons To Not Miss the 30A Songwriters Festival
Reason #1: With 150+ artists and 25+ venues to choose from, you will miss more shows than you see. But think about this; you will see more performances over the four-day holiday weekend than you've ever dreamed of seeing in a single weekend.
Reason #2: 30A Fest artists write their own music AND perform it. They've earned their double-S title of Singer-Songwriter.
Reason #3: Location, location, location! Venues are built out for the extended weekend with state-of-the-art sound systems presenting bands and in-the-round performances throughout the weekend. Listening spaces stretch up and down scenic Highway 30A parallel to the white sand beaches and emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Reason #4: The Festival supports the Arts! The 30A Songwriters Festival, produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and Russell Carter Artist Management, is an important part of the Cultural Arts Alliance's vision to make Walton County a creative place. 100% of the Festival’s net proceeds benefit the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County allowing it to continue to foster creativity through the inclusive and collaborative advancement of the Arts. You will not only have a great time - you will be supporting a great cause.
Reason #5: Unlike most festivals, 30A Fest doesn't stick to one genre: americana, blues, country, rock, jazz, neo soul, gospel, and folk - the best singer songwriters in every corner of the music-making community.
Reason #6: Many of your favorite songwriters return to perform each year, however, priority is made to book artists you have not had a chance to see yet. Make a point to catch performances by songwriters whose music you have never heard. There's no better place to find your new favorite artist of 2026!

Reason #7: Can we brag on these headliners a little!? We are thrilled to present this years diverse headline stage lineup of hit-makers and cultural leaders.
Reason #8: General Admission is great; VIP is better. 30A Songwriters Festival features one of the finest VIP packages on the festival circuit: reserved parking, premium seating at the headline stage, complimentary food and drinks, and first-come, first-served seating at the other venues.
Reason #9: We're celebrating 16 years of 30A Songwriters Festival! 30A is THE festival for music lovers and serious listeners. We offer a chance to experience your all-time favorite artists and discover new artists in intimate settings alongside like-minded fans. For the past 17 years, the festival has attracted tens of thousands of dedicated live music fans from around the world. Come share in the magic of 30A!
Reason #10: Party on a Monday! Plan to stay through Monday for “The Late Check-out Party”.

The Producers - Russell Carter, co-producer/Festival Chair, Russell Carter Artist Management Jennifer Steele, co-producer/Executive Director of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) - Jennifer and Russell form a dynamic duo from two organizations that bring together talent on the stage and behind the scenes. Russell's contacts and wealth of talent on hand fill the stages and venues, bringing together every year a surge of great music hitting our beaches. Jennifer is a mainstay on the South Walton art scene (a formidable acting and singing talent herself), who marshals the forces of sponsors and volunteers to handle the thousands of details to make the magic happen. 100% of the net proceeds from the 30A Songwriters Festival benefit the CAA and help it to fulfill its mission to support the arts throughout Walton County.

The Artists - We have amazing stages, but what makes the 30A Songwriters Festival so special is the depth and diversity of writers who perform their own music, and performers who write their own songs. Surprises happen during the festival and create the sweetest moments and fondest memories. It's the thrill of an unexpected artist who catches your ear as you walk between venues. The unknown songbird that grabs your heart as you arrive early for the "bigger name" show.

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) - CAA is the officially designated local arts agency that serves as an umbrella organization and supports the arts through leadership, advocacy, funding, programs and education. The vision of the CAA is to be the catalyst for Walton County's growth as a center for artistic and cultural excellence through which lives are enriched, economy is stimulated and community is strengthened. Visit www.culturalartsalliance.com to learn more and become a member!

The CAA is always looking for volunteers to help out with the 30A Songwriters Festival - you'll get insider access, see some great music, and help support the arts in Walton County.

Lodging - Be sure to check the lodging section on the 30A Songwriters Festival website for information on specials from festival lodging partners, including Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse, Ocean Reef Vacation Rentals, Alys Beach, WaterColor Inn & Resort, Camp Creek Inn, The Pearl Hotel, Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, Residence Inn at Grand Boulevard, Courtyard Sandestin at Grand Boulevard - for many more options check out SoWal.com Rental Partners.

The Inside Scoop - The 30A Songwriters Festival has gotten bigger and better every year. And more popular with more locals and visitors who snap up tickets - they sell out so don't wait, get yours now! Take a look at the lineup and take advantage of all the shows you can in a fun-filled weekend at the world's most beautiful beaches.

Yes, there are plenty of great shows - but try to slow down. As the excitement of the 30A Songwriters Festival builds, you might find yourself rushing to get to the next venue. Stop yourself and slow down! The best moments are often the unexpected ones between the jams - meeting new friends or talking to an "unknown" performer who you won't be able to get near - later on when they hit it big.

The Links -  The official 30A Songwriters Festival Website, The 30A Songwriters Festival on Facebook, The 30A Songwriters Festival on Instagram,  The 30A Songwriters Festival on Spotify, The 30A Songwriters Festival on X/Twitter @30AFest, #30AFest

Take a look at some individual performances and compilations from past 30A Songwriters Festivals on the SoWal Youtube Channel, and The 30A Songwriters Festival on Youtube.

TIP: do not wait in ANY long lines unless house managers assure you that you will get inside in a reasonable amount of time. Inevitably a few venues become very popular and, given the first-come, first-served rule, they fill up for the night. However at any given hour of the night, most of the venues have room for more customers. Take the advice of house managers and pivot to nearby venues that are not crowded. There are so many artists and so many shows and you can't  walk into a venue and see anything other than amazing music. Become a new fan of artists that you were unfamiliar with. The weekend is a great opportunity to discover new music! Many people have learned to find a cool venue and settle in for a night of discovery and new music. 

Ten Unique Aspects of 30A Songwriters Festival:

Unique Aspect #1: All Festival artists write their own music AND perform it. They earn their double S title and status: Singer Songwriter.

Unique Aspect #2: You will miss more shows than you see at 30A SWF BUT you will see more performances over the four day holiday weekend than you have ever seen before in one weekend.

Unique Aspect #3 - 30A is 24 miles of two lane highway hugging the white dunes of the beach and in full view of the blue/green water of the Gulf of Mexico. There are 30 custom built music venues along this Emerald Coast paradise. Travel the world and you will find nothing like it.

Unique Aspect #4 - Many of your favorite artists perform each year at 30 SWF. However, many artists are booked that you have not had a chance to see. Make a point to catch performances by artists whose music you have never heard. You will walk away a new fan of many great musicians.

Unique Aspect #5 - We like and we book Americana, blues, country, rock, jazz, neo soul and folk. We are not genre specific like most festivals - we book the best singer songwriters.

Unique Aspect #6 - 30A Songwriters Festival is not a commercial venture - it is a fundraiser for the non profit Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. 100% of net proceeds from the Festival go into the annual budget for the CAA to help fund their many civic art programs. Thank you for being not only a music fan but also an art patron!

Unique Aspect #7 - There are several great coffee cafes on 30A. Start your morning with a walk on the beach. There are even more bars on 30A. At least once grab a cocktail, stop what you are doing and watch the sun sets in the Gulf of Mexico.
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Unique Aspect #8 - With over 150 musicians attending the Festival and about 250 performances scheduled including night time events , morning brunches, and afternoon headline shows, 30A Songwriters has the biggest musical offerings of any weekend songwriters festival in the country.

Unique Aspect #9 - 30A SWF is the only Festival that partners with resort communities with arguably the best vacation homes in the South.

Unique Aspect #10 - Tell us what you enjoy most about your past 30A Songwriters Festival experiences.