The music is back…and it’s bigger than ever.
More than 200 of Nashville’s top songwriters have descended on Key West for the 30th annual Key West Songwriters Festival — a five-day celebration where the stories behind your favorite songs come to life.
The milestone celebration began in true Key West fashion with a kickoff party Wednesday, April 29 at the Ocean Key Resort’s Sunset Pier, where live music and a stunning Gulf sunset created the perfect backdrop to kick off five days of performances.
Country songwriter Jeffrey Steele and Nashville-based The Brummies headlined the kickoff. Steele has played all 30 years of the festival. “This is my 30th year,” he told the crowd Wednesday night.
Now through Sunday, Key West will transform into an intimate, one-of-a-kind stage. Venues range from lively spots along Duval Street to laid-back beach bars and historic theaters, giving fans a rare chance to experience the stories behind the songs, up close and personal.
For decades, Key West has served as a haven for writers, artists, and musicians seeking inspiration, and that creative spirit has shaped some of the most recognizable music of our time. Legends like Jimmy Buffett and Kenny Chesney drew from the island’s charm and lifestyle to create songs that continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
That same spirit defines this festival, which has become known as a launching pad for future stars. Before they became household names, artists like Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, Luke Combs, and Morgan Wallen all performed here, connecting with audiences in these uniquely intimate settings. Kane Brown, Thomas Rhett, and Walker Hayes did the same on their way up. More recent breakouts Carter Faith, Riley Green, and Ella Langley have followed in their footsteps.
This year’s lineup carries that tradition forward, featuring artists and songwriters including HARDY, Ashley Cooke, Jack Ingram, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Robert Earl Keen, and many more.
One of the festival’s biggest highlights comes Saturday, when the free Duval Street Block Party brings thousands together for a high-energy night of live music, headlined by ERNEST, followed by a relaxed and memorable close on Sunday with Music and Mimosas at Williams Hall.
Presented by BMI and hosted by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and Rams Head Presents, the five-day festival runs through Sunday, May 3 with stages across Key West becoming intimate listening rooms for the writers behind the music.
Sponsors for the 30th anniversary include Gallagher, HD Radio, Texas Roadhouse, Dulce Vida Tequila, Empress Gin, Ketel One, Captain Morgan, and Bud Light. For tickets and the full schedule, visit keywestsongwritersfestival.com.
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