STATE CELEBRATES SONGWRITING TRADITION WITH EIGHTH ANNUAL TENNESSEE SONGWRITERS WEEK
Good music is synonymous with the great state of Tennessee, and the tradition continues with the eighth annual Tennessee Songwriters Week, which recognizes and celebrates the next generation of superstars and their craft.
Sponsored by the Department of Tourist Development, Nashville’s legendary Bluebird Café, and Taylor Guitars, the contest is open to individual songwriters, duos, or trios who are at least 18 years old. Visit Tennessee Songwriters Week Official Rules if you plan to enter. Online entries opened Dec. 11, 2025, and spots fill up fast.
The contest, which was established in 2019, has featured talent from right here in Sevierville. East Tennessee singer/songwriter Elijah Wise began his rise to stardom in 2023, performing at a Songwriters Week qualifying round held at The Pines in downtown Sevierville – the very same venue where Dolly Parton had her first paid performance. Wise’s performance in Sevierville helped him cement a spot in the showcase round at Old Red Gatlinburg before advancing to play at the legendary Bluebird Cafe in Nashville
The Pines Downtown, formerly The Pines Theater, was a popular Sevierville entertainment spot in the 1940s-50s. Legends who took the stage there include Roy Acuff, Chet Atkins, Archie Campbell, and June Carter Cash
Where can I watch a Tennessee Songwriters Week performance?
Eligible songwriters will be given the opportunity to play an original song at one of 60 qualifying rounds at multiple venues throughout the state. Select songwriters will move forward to one of seven TN Songwriters Week Showcase events
Qualifying Round locations in the Smoky Mountains area:
1907 Brewing Company (Morristown, TN) - Jan. 31, 2026
Hurshel’s Outfitters (Pigeon Forge, TN) - Jan. 31, 2026
Flock Beer & Wine (Knoxville, TN) - Feb. 1, 2026
Maple Hall (Knoxville, TN) - Feb. 2, 2026
Ole Red (Gatlinburg, TN) - Feb. 3 & 4, 2026
Peaceful Side Brewery (Maryville, TN) - Feb. 5, 2026
Showcase Round locations in the Smoky Mountains area:
Hard Rock Cafe (Pigeon Forge, TN) - Feb. 23, 2026
The Bijou (Knoxville, TN) - February 28, 2026
Winners from each of the seven showcase venues will perform at the finale at The Bluebird Café from March 29, 2026 to March 30, 2026, and receive a prize package including a two-night hotel stay at a hotel located near The Bluebird Café, a songwriting workshop with The Bluebird Café team, membership to the Nashville Songwriters Association International, which will include mentoring sessions and a workshop, a $100 gift card, and a branded commemorative guitar from Taylor Guitars.
