What is Tennessee Songwriters Week? 

Tennessee Songwriters Week is spearheaded by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) in partnership with Chattanooga Tourism. This event supports local music venues but also encourages songwriters to share their original work, fostering Tennessee's rich musical culture. Tennessee Songwriters Week is an annual statewide celebration established in 2019, designed to honor and elevate the art of songwriting, a craft that has significantly shaped Tennessee's musical legacy. 

This statewide celebration has several events in Chattanooga. Local songwriters can sign up to participate in qualifying rounds starting December 13th. Two musicians from each qualifying round will move on to the final showcase at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. They will then compete for a prize package and a chance to perform at the historic Bluebird Café.  

Songwriters: 

Sign-ups start December 13th Learn more about Tennessee Songwriters Week contest rules and find out how to sign up here.  

Music Fans: 

Come for a great show and support our talented Chattanooga musicians throughout the city.  

Graphic reads Tennessee Songwriters Week

Here’s our roundup of Tennessee Songwriter’s Week Events Happening in 2025

TENNESSEE SONGWRITERS WEEK – CHATTANOOGA QUALIFYING ROUNDS:  

January 29,2025 Davis Wayne's  
January 30, 2025 Gate 11 Distillery 
January 31, 2025 Barking Legs Theater 
February 1, 2025 Redbud Venue 
February 2, 2025 Puckett's Restaurant  
February 6, 2025 The Dragon's Roast 
  Barrelhouse Ballroom 

TENNESSEE SONGWRITERS WEEK - CHATTANOOGA SHOWCASE:  

Where: Bessie Smith Cultural Center 

When: February 27, 2025 – 6:30pm 

Open to the public