The 30A Songwriters Festival is just around the corner, and while having a ticket to the main event is undoubtedly thrilling, don't let the absence of one dampen your spirits. The pristine beaches and vibrant atmosphere of 30A offer a myriad of activities that promise an unforgettable weekend. Here's your guide to making the most of the festival even without a golden ticket.

Here are a few FREE 30A Song Writers Festival Concerts!

All Free 30A Song Writers Festival Events Below on Friday, January 12th are At:
Beach Happy Cafe
4 Watercolor Blvd S Unit 101C,
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459

The Krickets

When:
Friday, January 12
12:00 pm

The Tall Pines

When:
Friday, January 12
1:15 pm

 Humbird

When:
Friday, January 12
2:30 pm

Bryan White, Karyn Williams, Duncan Phillips

When:
Friday, January 12
3:45 pm

Wyatt Edmondson, Uncle Dave Griffin

When:
Friday, January 12
5:00 pm

Lilly Winwood & Okay Kenedi

When:
Friday, January 12
6:15 pm

The Water Kickers

When:
Friday, January 12
7:30 pm

Baylee Littrell, Kurtis John & Casey LeVassuer

When:
Friday, January 12
8:45 pm

30A Fest Late Checkout Parties!

Where:
North Beach Social
24200 US-331
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459

When:
Monday, January 15
10:00 am

Join us for an exciting Late Check Out Party at North Beach Social featuring live music on Monday, January 15th, kicking off at 10:00 am. Admission is free!

Performance Schedule:

10:00 am: Immerse yourself in the musical stylings of Wyatt Espalin and Sara Hells.
11:15 am: Enjoy the captivating performance by Larry Mitchell.
12:30 pm: Experience the musical journey led by Pete Muller.
1:45 pm: Delight in the tunes of Alice Peacock.
3:00 pm: Revel in the unique sounds brought to you by Dan Bern.
4:15 pm: Conclude the day with the distinctive sounds of Wildlife Specials.

Where:
The Bay
24215 S Hwy 331
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

When:
Monday, January 15
10:30 am

Description:

Join us for a vibrant Late Check Out Party at The Bay featuring live music on Monday, January 15th, starting at 10:30 am. Admission is free!

Performance Schedule:

10:30 am: Kick off the event with the Sand Ole’Opry featuring Mike Whitty & Friends.
11:45 am: Revel in the musical talents of Grant Lee Phillips.
1:00 pm: Experience the dynamic performances of Jack Barksdale and Cat Ridgeway.
2:15 pm: Enjoy the harmonious tunes of Robby Hecht and Grace Pettis.
3:30 pm: Be captivated by the soulful sounds of Dan Navarro.
4:45 pm: Conclude the day with an exceptional performance by Will Hoge.

Where:
Red Fish Taco
2052 West County Highway30A
Blue Mountain Beach, Florida 32459

When:
Monday, January 15
11:00 am

Description:

Join us for a lively Late Check Out Party at Red Fish Taco featuring live music on Monday, January 15th, beginning at 11 am. Admission is free!

Schedule:

11 am: Enjoy the soulful tunes of Eliot Bronson.
12:30 pm: Immerse yourself in the musical brilliance of Rodney Crowell.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic musical experience!

Swamp Writer Music Festival

When:
Friday, January 12
4:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Where:
Stinky's Bait Shack
5994 W. Co. Hwy 30A
Dune Allen, FL 32459

Stinky’s Bait Shack is hosting the 14th Annual Swamp Writer Music Festival January 11-14, 2024.

Featuring local and regional favorites, the music festival extends over four days with performances by more than a dozen musicians taking the stage at the famed Bait Shack on 30A. The Swamp Writer Music Festival is free and open to the public. The Swamp Writer Music Festival is part of a year round commitment of supporting local musicians and rallying a community of music lovers.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 12

4-6 pm: Dave Jordan

6-8 pm: Austin Moody

7-11 pm: Dread Clampitt

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13

5-7 pm: Sugarcane Jane with Lolly Lee

6-9 pm (Next door at Stinky’s Fish Camp): Big Daddy-O

7-9 pm: Boukou Groove

9:30 pm-12 am: Dave Jordan

SUNDAY, JANUARY 14

Sunday Brunch Live Music at Stinky’s Fish Camp

11 am-2 pm The Steenos with John Reinlie

4-6pm: Big Daddy-O

6:30-8 pm: Sugarcane Jane with Lolly Lee

8:30 pm-11:30 pm: The Pickled Pickers

Other Musical Events not to Miss on 30A!

Friday Night Late Live Music: DJ-Cole Trickle

When:
Friday, January 12
10:00 pm

Where:
Down Island Gulf Seafood Restaurant
2780 US-98
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Live music every Friday night. No cover. Full bar. Bar snacks 10pm-12am. Music 10pm-1am. Close 2am.

Beats & Brunch

When:
Saturday, January 13
11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Where:
Farm & Fire Southern Pizzeria
24200 US-331
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459

Beats & Brunch every Saturday & Sunday 11 am – 3 pm. Enjoy the best brunch on the bay with live music by local artists.

Forrest William (Full Band) At the Local Catch

When:
Saturday, January 13
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Where:
Local Catch Bar & Grill
3711 W County 30A
Blue Mountain Beach, FL 32459

Catch Forrest William with the Full Band live from 6-9pm!

DJ Boom at AJ's Grayton Beach

When:
Saturday, January 13
8:00 pm

Where:
AJ's Grayton Beach
63 Defuniak Street
Grayton Beach, FL 32459

DJ Boom will be performing live at AJ’s Grayton Beach every Saturday, taking the stage at 8 PM. Join us for dinner and drinks, and linger for the fantastic music!

Sunday Funday Brunch Featuring Steenos & John Reinlie at Stinky's Fish Camp

When:
Sunday, January 14
10:00 am - 3:30 pm

Where:
Stinky's Fish Camp
5994 County Road 30A
Dune Allen, FL 32459

Our brunch is ahhhh-mazing. Come enjoy our delicious brunch menu or choose our renown daily menu. We make it all about the fun everyday but especially Sunday Funday. Live music in the dining room sets the stage for an unforgettable brunch with family and friends.

Sunday Pickin’ with Mike Whitty and Friends

When:
Sunday, January 14
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Where:
The Bay
24215 S Hwy 331
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Sunday Pickin’ at The Bay with Mike Whitty and Friends is from 4-8PM every Sunday. Mike brings in new musicians to play every week. We always post who is playing by Saturday, so check The Bay’s Facebook or Instagram pages for details ahead of the event.

Red Bar Jazz Band

When:
Saturday, January 13
5:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Where:
Red Bar
70 Hotz Avenue
Grayton Beach, FL 32459

Catch the Red Bar Jazz Band performing live during dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, between 5:30 PM and 9:00 PM.

While a ticket to the 30A Songwriters Festival would undoubtedly be a prized possession, not having one doesn't mean missing out on the magic. Embrace the coastal charm, explore the local culture, and let the spirit of the festival surround you. Sometimes, the unplanned moments turn out to be the most memorable, making your 30A experience truly extraordinary. So, gear up for a weekend filled with sun, sand, and soulful sounds, creating your own unique story on 30A.