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  • 🎶🎤 Strumming into Paradise: The 29th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival! 🎤🎶

🎶🎤 Strumming into Paradise: The 29th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival! 🎤🎶

Where sun, sand, and song come together for an unforgettable celebration of music in the Florida Keys. 🌴🎸

📅 April 30 – May 4, 2025
📍 Key West, Florida

🌴 Harmonies in Paradise

Pack your flip-flops, bring your love for music, and get ready to experience Key West like never before!
The 29th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival —the largest festival of its kind—returns to fill the streets, bars, beaches, and hidden corners of Key West with the sounds of over 200 of the world's most talented songwriters. 🎶🌅

Presented by BMI in collaboration with the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and Rams Head Presents, this festival has become a must-visit pilgrimage for music lovers and dreamers alike. 🌴✨ Whether you love country, rock, pop, or soulful ballads—you'll find it here, island-style.

🎵 Why This Festival Is Unlike Any Other

What makes the Key West Songwriters Festival so magical isn't just the music—it's the authentic, laid-back connection between artists and audiences that you won't find anywhere else.

  • 🎤 200+ Songwriters: Get up close and personal with the creative forces behind today's biggest hits and tomorrow's new anthems. Hear the untold stories and inspirations behind the lyrics that move us.

  • 🎶 60+ Shows Across the Island: From waterfront resorts and iconic bars to tucked-away local gems—every corner of Key West becomes a stage.

  • 🌅 Intimate Island Settings: Forget arena crowds—think barefoot on the pier, drink in hand, swaying under the stars. It's an experience you’ll carry with you long after the final chord is played.

🎸 Did You Know?
Artists like Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, and Kacey Musgraves have performed here before breaking into superstardom!

🌟 Festival Highlights You Can’t Miss

🎉 Opening Night Celebration

Kicking off the festival at Ocean Key Resort’s Sunset Pier, this free event sets the tone with a breathtaking ocean backdrop, colorful cocktails, and electrifying performances. 🌊🍹 Nothing says "island time" like a Key West sunset synced to live music.

🎵 Diverse Musical Styles

While rooted in country music, expect a rich mix of genres—Americana, folk, blues, and rock—reflecting the diverse energy of the Keys. 🎼🎶 Whether you're a fan of soulful ballads or upbeat island jams, you’ll find your rhythm here.

🎟️ Free Shows + Exclusive Experiences

Most performances are FREE and open to everyone!
For an even deeper experience, select ticketed shows offer VIP access, intimate acoustic sets, meet-and-greets with songwriters, and unique festival swag. 🎟️🌴

Insider Tip: Some surprise pop-up performances happen around the island—stay flexible and ready to chase the music!

🗺️ Plan Your Perfect Festival Adventure

🏨 Where to Stay

Accommodations fill up fast, so book early!

  • Luxury Lovers: Check out Ocean Key Resort, Pier House Resort, or Casa Marina.

  • Charming Boutique Fans: Kimpton Lighthouse Hotel or The Marquesa.

  • Budget-Friendly Explorers: Look for historic inns and colorful guesthouses off Duval Street. 🏡

🍴 Where to Dine

Fuel up between sets at some of Key West's favorite spots:

  • Blue Heaven – Famous for their breakfast and live music vibe

  • Latitudes – Dine with your toes in the sand on Sunset Key

  • El Siboney – Authentic Cuban comfort food

Foodie Tip: Don't leave Key West without trying a slice of authentic Key Lime Pie from Kermit's!

🏖️ What to Explore

In between shows, soak in all that Key West has to offer:

  • Tour the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum 🏠

  • Snap a selfie at the Southernmost Point 📸

  • Relax with a mojito on Smathers Beach 🌴

🔥 Local Pro Tips

✔️ Download the Official Festival App – Get real-time updates, full artist schedules, and interactive venue maps!
✔️ Wear Comfortable Shoes – You'll be hopping from beach bars to historic theaters.
✔️ Pack Light Layers – It’s warm during the day but can cool down with the ocean breeze at night.
✔️ Get to Shows Early – First-come, first-served seating at many venues. Early birds get the best views!

Bonus: Many venues allow you to enjoy the show with a cocktail in hand—now that's island living!

📢 Stay in Tune with the Festival

For lineup announcements, last-minute surprises, and must-know festival updates:
🌐 Visit www.keywestsongwritersfestival.com
📲 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter 
🎤 And of course—keep checking your email for insider scoops!

🎶🌴 Whether you’re here for the sunsets, the songs, or the spirit—this is Key West's can’t-miss event of the year.

See you under the palm trees, strumming into paradise! 🎸✨

Until next time, keep your flip-flops sandy and your cooler full,

Brian
Florida Keys Road Trip Team