The Ultimate Guide to the 2024 Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival

Every year, singer/songwriters from across the country descend on downtown Corpus Christi for an unforgettable weekend of amazing performances.  Add the 2024 Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival to your February calendar when the best intimate venues in the city showcase an incredible line-up on February 16th, 17th and 18th.  Get your tickets here. 

Who’s Playing?

With 42 artists, 7 venues, workshops and awards, the eclectic mix of songwriting styles represented will delight music lovers of all walks.  In its fifth year, the festival has consistently brought incredible headliners and the 2024 festival promises another incredible listening experience.  

Friday night’s headliner features the International Folk Music Awards-winning duo, Ordinary Elephant.  On Saturday, you won’t want to miss Tony Scalzo (of power pop band Fastball) on the iconic Executive Surf Club stage.   Sunday closes out the festival with Buddy Mondlock and Michael McNevin at renowned music venue – House of Rock.

Check out the full 2024 Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival Line-Up here.  

Tickets

With a variety a tickets to meet your budget and budget, Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival offers something for everyone.  Advance tickets are currently on sale and tickets will be available at the door. But grab yours before it sells out. Purchase 2024 Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival here.

• All-Access VIP Pass
  • Full access to every music performance and workshop all weekend
    *PLUS* 2 exclusive VIP events: Friday VIP + Songwriter Mixer & Sunday Awards Brunch hosted by the Corpus Christi Downtown Management District
• All-Access Music Event Pass
  Access to all five ticketed music performances all weekend
  • Friday Night Opening Showcase presented by the Corpus Christi Music Commission at Frida’s
  • Saturday Afternoon SongSwaps at Executive Surf Club
  • Saturday Night Showcase at Executive Surf Club
  • Sunday Afternoon SongSwaps at House of Rock
  • Sunday Night Showcase at House of Rock
• All-Access Workshop Pass
  Access to all four of this year’s CCSW Workshops
  • Inside the Music Industry with Fastball lead singer and Festival headliner Tony Scalzo 
  • Integrating a Looper Pedal with Josh Glenn; San Antonio, TX
  • Turning the Movie in Your Head Into a Song with Michael McNevin; Niles, CA
  • The Shape of Words in a Song with George Ensle; San Marcos, TX
• One Day Pass
  Pick a single day and enjoy music events and workshops all day long
• Single Music Event Pass
• Single Workshop Pass

Free Events

There are plenty of no-cost events throughout the festival to spread live, free music throughout downtown Corpus Christi.

• The Texas Music Office presents Saturday Afternoon SongSwaps at Executive Surf Club from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
• Friday Late-Nite Songwriter Open Mic – BUS (Bar Under the Sun) from 10:30 pm – 1:00 am 
• Saturday Late-Nite Songwriter Open Mic – The Exchange from 11:00 pm – 1:00 am 

What are SongSwaps?

The festival’s Saturday and Sunday SongSwaps invite songwriters onstage in groups to come together, share and perform songs. The first artist’s song inspires the next artist in song choice, tone, humor or melancholy.   A collaborative and interactive way for musicians to showcase their work, exchange ideas, and appreciate each other’s musical talents, the festival’s SongSwaps are a great way to discover amazing talent in a unique performance setting.

I’m a songwriter – how can I perform?

Yes! Our five music showcase bills are locked, but Friday and Saturday nights bring Late-Nite Songwriter Open Mics that are free to attend and open to everyone.

The Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival Late-Nite Songwriter Open Mics on Friday and Saturday bring a palpable sense of support and camaraderie within the songwriting community.  Fostering an environment of collaboration and connection with other songwriters and music fans, audiences will discover a kaleidoscope of musical styles and stories.  Seasoned songwriters and first-time performers are invited to perform their original songs during these free events. 

Friday Late-Nite Songwriter Open Mic – BUS (Bar Under the Sun)
Hosted by: CC Songwriters Hall-of-Famer Rick Hoefel; 10:30 pm – 1:00 pm
Saturday Late-Nite Songwriter Open Mic – The Exchange
Hosted by: CC Songwriters Hall-of-Famer Tom Whitehurst; 10:30 pm – 1:00 pm

Do I have to be a musician to attend the workshops?

Songwriter workshops, where aspiring and seasoned musicians come together to share ideas, refine their skills, and create new music, have become invaluable hubs for creativity and community.  But they are not exclusive to songwriters alone.  Anyone interested in learning more about the entertainment industry, the creative process or just looking to connect with a great group of storytellers should definitely attend!  You can find more details about the Corpus Christi Songwriter Festival Workshop sessions here.  The 2024 Corpus Christi Songwriters Workshops are presented by Texas State Representative Todd Hunter, Pecan Grove Store and the Rockport Songwriter Association and Dawson Recycling & Disposal, Inc.

This sounds like a great time! Anything else I should know?

With amazing venues, a stellar line-up and an incredible music experience, the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival is the best weekend of music in Corpus Christi.   There’s only one rule:  Be Respectful.  This is an ‘open your ears and shut your mouth’ listening experience.   Corpus Christi Songwriters has curated the festival as a testament to the talent of the songwriters and the venues chosen honor the intimacy of the performances.  All songwriters festivals are designed as a listening room experience and Corpus Christi Songwriters adheres to that standard.  Learn more about a listening room experience here. 

This festival would not exist without our incredible sponsors.   Much appreciation and love goes to: 
Texas Music Office
Corpus Christi Downtown Management District
Corpus Christi Music Commission
Texas State Representative Todd Hunter
Pecan Grove Store
Rockport Songwriter Association
Dawson Recycling and Disposal
Rockport Center for the Arts
BUS

Discover more about the featured artists at the 2024 CC Songwriters Festival!  Download our official Spotify playlist.   Check out some live performances for each music blog on our YouTube playlists: Friday Night, Saturday Afternoon, Saturday Night, Sunday Afternoon and Sunday Night.

CC Songwriters Podcast

Take a deep dive in to some great conversations with some of the headliners at the 2024 CC Songwriters Festival. Find the podcast on Spotify, Amazon and YouTube.