Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival Expands to Two Weekends of Music

The Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival is expanding to two full weekends of music in 2026, running October 1-11 across Historic Downtown Pensacola and Pensacola Beach.

The community and outreach programming runs October 5-7, followed by the beachside weekend October 8-11. Festival organizers say the expansion reflects growing demand and a chance to spotlight more songwriters and venues across the area.

"We are thrilled to bring even more music and songwriting talent to our community," said Reneda Cross Pasquale, president of Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival Inc.

Featured Artists include Anthony Smith, Keith Burns, Thompson Square, Jamie O'Neal, Andy Griggs, Craig Campbell, Jeffrey Steele, Gary Nichols, Brian White, Wynn Varble, Wil Nance, Thom Shepherd, and Mark Nesler.

The festival also hosts a National Songwriting Competition, offering a $1,000 grand prize and $150 category prizes. For more information, visit songwriterspensacolabeach.com or pensacolabeachsongfest.com.