Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  The 42nd annual Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival kicks off this evening along the Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast. The event draws songwriters and music fans from across the country to hear original songs performed by their authors. It is one of the largest gatherings of its kind in the Southeast. Songwriters take the stage at more than two dozen venues from Gulf Shores to Perdido Key and Pensacola.

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The festival runs from Thursday, Nov. 5, through Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026. 

More than 200 songwriters are scheduled to perform during the 11-day event. The festival will feature more than 600 performances. Many shows are open to the public at no charge, while select venues require a cover or a wristband for some shows.

Venues across the region are hosting performances throughout the festival. For example, LuLu's in Gulf Shores, Tacky Jack's in both Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, and Perdido Beach Resort and the Woodside Restaurant at Gulf State Park all have shows scheduled. The Flora-Bama Lounge on the Alabama-Florida state line serves as the festival's main hub. Click here for a full list of venues.

The Frank Brown Foundation for Music oversees the festival and uses proceeds to fund scholarships and school-based music programs. According to the foundation, its mission includes reaching into schools to foster creativity through music. Sponsor support and tax-deductible donations help fund those efforts.

The festival has been held annually since 1984. Attendees can download the official Frank Brown Songwriters Festival mobile app for real-time schedule updates and performer reminders. The full schedule is also available on FrankBrownSongwriters.com.