Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival Expands to Two Weekends of Music and Storytelling….October 1-11, 2026

Music lovers are invited to hear the stories behind the songs when the Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival returns October 1-11, 2026, with performances and special programming taking place in Historic Downtown Pensacola and Pensacola Beach.

The festival opens October 1-4 with four days of performances at venues throughout Historic Downtown Pensacola. October 5-7 will be dedicated to the festival's community and outreach programming, continuing the organization's commitment to connecting songwriters and music with local schools, veterans, nonprofits and other community partners. The festival then returns to Pensacola Beach October 8-11 for its traditional beachside weekend of performances.

The expanded format gives audiences more opportunities to experience the festival while maintaining its signature focus on original music and the people who create it. More than 150 songwriters and performers are featured on the 2026 artist roster, representing nationally recognized hitmakers, award-winning songwriters, acclaimed performers, rising artists and local talent.

“What makes this festival so special is the community that has grown around it,” said Reneda Cross Pasquale, president of PBSF, Inc. and festival coordinator. “Every year, we watch friendships form, audiences connect with songwriters and incredible stories unfold through music. Expanding the festival to include both Historic Downtown Pensacola and Pensacola Beach gives us even more opportunities to share that experience with our community and with visitors who come from near and far to be part of it.”

From intimate listening rooms and downtown gathering places to beachside venues, the festival gives audiences the opportunity to get up close with the creators of the songs and hear the stories and inspiration behind their music.

Featured Artists

The 2026 lineup features an impressive collection of acclaimed songwriters and performers, including:

• Anthony Smith, critically acclaimed singer-songwriter and Music Row Songwriter of the Year, with multiple NSAI, BMI and ASCAP awards. His songwriting credits include songs recorded by George Strait, Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, Trace Adkins, Faith Hill, Kenny Chesney and many more.

• Keith Burns, founding member of the Grammy-nominated country group Trick Pony, who has enjoyed Top 10 hits as a performer and earned songwriting credits for artists including Joe Diffie and Hootie & The Blowfish.

• Thompson Square, the Grammy-nominated husband-and-wife duo known for their hit “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not,” bringing their signature blend of country music and storytelling to the festival.

• Jamie O'Neal, platinum-selling country singer and hit songwriter who became a household name with back-to-back No. 1 singles “There Is No Arizona” and “When I Think About Angels.” O'Neal also has written songs for artists including Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes, CeCe Winans and Idina Menzel.

• Andy Griggs, country music artist known for two No. 1 hits, five Top 5 singles and the fan-favorite “You Won't Ever Be Lonely.”

• Craig Campbell, country hitmaker and singer-songwriter whose singles “Family Man” and “Outta My Head” both reached the Top 15 on the Billboard Country charts, while “Keep Them Kisses Comin'” became his biggest chart success. Campbell also co-wrote songs including “Family Man,” “Outskirts of Heaven,” “Fish” and “When She Grows Up,” showcasing his talents both as a recording artist and songwriter.

• Jeffrey Steele, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member, five-time Grammy nominee and one of Music Row's most celebrated songwriters. His extensive catalog includes “What Hurts the Most,” “My Wish,” “The Cowboy in Me,” “These Days,” “My Town,” “Something to Be Proud Of,” “Brand New Girlfriend,” “Here” and “Knee Deep.” Steele has been honored multiple times as BMI and NSAI Songwriter of the Year and has more than 500 recordings of his songs to his credit.

• Gary Nichols, a Muscle Shoals native, singer, guitarist and accomplished songwriter who signed his first publishing deal with Fame Recording Studios at age 21. Nichols went on to front The SteelDrivers, replacing Chris Stapleton in 2009, and recorded two albums with the group, including “The Muscle Shoals Recordings,” which won the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album. Nichols also co-wrote five of the album's 11 songs, including “Here She Goes” and “Brother John.”

• Brian White, Wynn Varble, Wil Nance, Thom Shepherd, Mark Nesler and a wide-ranging roster of additional national, regional and local songwriters.

National Songwriting Competition

The festival also will spotlight the winners of the 2026 Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival National Songwriting Competition during the festival's awards programming. The competition features a $1,000 grand prize, $150 category prizes and featured performances at the festival.

Individual performance times, special events, community programming, ticket information and the complete festival schedule are available at songwriterspensacolabeach.com. Because schedules are subject to change, attendees are encouraged to check the website for the latest information.

The Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival is a chance to meet the writers, hear their music and discover the stories behind the songs. For more information, head to pensacolabeachsongfest.com.

###