Highway 30A stretches for 28.5 miles through the Florida Panhandle, hugging the Gulf of Mexico as it intersects picturesque beach communities like Sandestin, WaterColor, Seaside and Rosemary Beach. In January, the sugary white beaches and 60-plus-degree weather of 30A make it an ideal respite from the harsh winter temperatures in the majority of the country. And for three days, more than 170 singer/songwriters get added to the not-so-wintry mix during the 30A Songwriters Festival.
For the ninth year, music lovers will pack more than 25 venues along the scenic highway from January 12–15 for intimate solo sessions, writers’ rounds and outdoor concerts on the Grand Boulevard. This year’s lineup includes Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, The Zombies, North Mississippi Allstars, Lee Ann Womack, Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley, Patty Griffin, Emily Saliers of Indigo Girls, Ann Wilson of Heart, Paul Thorn, Kathy Mattea, Aaron Lee Tasjan, James McMurtry, Hayes Carll and many more.
If the rowdy spring-break experience isn’t your cup of beer anymore, graduate to 30A this year for friendly songwriters’ sessions, artist Q&As, respectful listening rooms and outdoor shows where a picnic blanket and a nice bottle of wine are the norm. Tickets are on sale now.
