Where songwriters rise and stories take flight. Write it. Sing it. Bring your song to the mountains.
🎵 Tennessee Songwriters Week 2026.
Official Qualifying Round in Mountain City!
1:00–4:00 PM | Performer Check-In at 12:00 PM
Location: Doe Valley Farm | 313 Stagecoach Loop | Mountain City, TN
Doe Valley Farm and the Johnson County Tourism Office are proud to serve as an official qualifying host for Tennessee Songwriters Week 2026—a statewide celebration of the craft, soul, and stories of songwriters across Tennessee. Join us as emerging and established artists take the stage to share original music that reflects the heart of our region.
Tennessee Songwriters Week was established by state statute in 2019 to support local music venues, uplift songwriters, inspire travel during the winter season, and spotlight the places where Tennessee music lives.
🌟 About Our Qualifying Round
Our qualifying event will feature up to 16 pre-registered contestants, each performing one original song. Please note that you must be 18 years of age or older to enter the contest!
From these performers, a panel of judges will select three songwriters to advance to the Tennessee Songwriters Week Showcase rounds, held February 22–28, 2026, at the Kingsport Showcase Round! All genres welcome.
Showcase winners will then move on to a once-in-a-lifetime performance at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville on March 29, 2026, along with additional prizes such as a one-year membership to NSAI and a commemorative guitar.
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🎤 Performer Registration
We will accept no more than 16 performers, first-come, first-served, through pre-registration only.
All entries must meet official Tennessee Songwriters Week eligibility requirements, including:
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Song must be original and written by the performer.
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Artists may perform solo, with up to two accompanists, or with light percussion.
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No backing tracks unless the track is original.
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Performers may only compete in one qualifying round statewide.
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Lyrics must be submitted ahead of the event.
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Song content may not include disparaging or inflammatory language.
ONLY 16 CONTESTANTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. NO SAME-DAY REGISTRATION.
If you are unable to attend the competition, please contact us immediately so we may invite someone from the wait list.
Download FAQ for Songwriter Contestant
📝 Judging Criteria
Performances are judged in two categories:
1. Quality of Song (scored 1–10)
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Originality of lyrics and melody
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Narrative clarity
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Avoidance of clichés
2. Performance (scored 1–6)
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Vocal clarity and connection
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Instrumentation quality and tuning
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Stage presence and audience engagement
🗓 Event Schedule – Saturday, January 31
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12:00 PM – Performer Check-In & Lyric Submission
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1:00 PM – Qualifying Round Begins
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4:00 PM – Judges’ Final Deliberation & Announcement of Top Three
Audience members are welcome—come cheer on incredible local and regional songwriters!
🎶 What Is Tennessee Songwriters Week?
This annual celebration takes place the last full week of February, highlighting the state’s unmatched musical heritage with live performances in venues across Tennessee. It encourages travel, supports local music economies, and honors the songwriters who keep Tennessee’s stories alive.
Learn more at the official website:
👉 https://classic.tnvacation.com/songwriters-week
📍 Join Us in Mountain City!
Whether you're a performer, music lover, or simply looking for an unforgettable experience, Tennessee Songwriters Week is a chance to discover the voices shaping tomorrow’s music—right here in the mountains of Northeast Tennessee.
Get to Know Us
Embrace our great outdoors . . .
Breathe in our fresh clean air . . .
Revel in the sound of an aviary symphony each morning . . .
And gaze up at our beautiful starry sky!
You'll quickly come to love our way of life as you enjoy our spirit of adventure . . . rich musical heritage . . . and some of the most incredible scenery anywhere in the US.
Located in the Northeast tip of Tennessee, we have become a popular vacation destination offering exciting outdoor adventures, fun on the beautiful Watauga Lake, fine dining experiences and welcoming trademark festivals.
Situated at the highest valley in the area, you will want to make Mountain City in Johnson County an annual trip!
