Call for Submissions: 2027 Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival
Updated: 3 days ago
We're excited to announce that official artist submissions for the 2027 Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival open Sunday, October 11, 2026, and will run until 11:59 p.m. CST on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Since our inception in 2018, over a hundred songwriters have taken our stages—including Mary Gauthier, Terri Hendrix, Ben Kweller, Walt Wilkins, Jaimee Harris, Ian Moore, Susan Gibson, Adam & Chris Carroll, Tony Scalzo, and so many more.
Here is your chance to join that roster for a one-of-a-kind weekend where original music is front and center—always!
Eligibility & Selection Policies
To keep our lineup vibrant, fair, and transparent, please review our core policies before submitting:
Community-Funded & Non-Profit: Corpus Christi Songwriters is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit operated by an unpaid volunteer team. Your $25 submission fee directly funds the festival—helping us guarantee artist payouts, secure venues, and keep our workshops open. The fee covers our administrative review process and does not guarantee selection or a performance slot.
Artist Rotation Policy: To keep our stage open to fresh voices and give everyone an opportunity to perform, songwriters who performed in BOTH the 2025 and 2026 festival lineups are ineligible to apply for 2027. (If you played only one or neither of those years, we'd love to review your application!)
Original Songs Only: We are seeking singer-songwriters showcasing their own original music. No covers, period.
Genre & Setup: No music genre is off-limits! We’re just looking for folks with a song to sing and a story to share. Think "MTV Unplugged" rather than the NFL Halftime Show—keep it simple, genuine, and centered on the song.
Stage Presence: On-stage charisma and audience engagement/rapport are a must!
How CCSW Festival Submissions Work
To complete your submission, you will be required to provide:
Basic Contact Info: Legal name, Stage/Performer Name, phone number, email, and location.
Music & Performance Samples:
1 Original Song File/Link (MP3, WAV, Spotify, SoundCloud, Bandcamp, etc.)
1 Live Performance Video File/Link (YouTube, Vimeo, Instagram/FB video showcasing a live performance)(BOTH an audio sample and a live performance video link are mandatory to complete your submission.)
Online & Social Media Presence: Links to active platform pages (Instagram, Facebook, website, etc.) where you highlight your music and engage with listeners.
Requirements for Festival Performers
If selected to play the 2027 Festival, you’ll be responsible for:
Festival Availability: Holding the official festival dates (February 12-14, 2027) on your calendar and making no outside performance commitments during the festival weekend without prior organizer approval.
Travel & Expenses: Securing your own travel, transportation, and food (outside of meals/vouchers provided by the festival).
Gear & Equipment: Providing your own instrument(s), cable(s), tuner, and amp(s) required for your rig. Main sound systems, microphones, and sound technicians will be provided by the festival and venue partners.
Promotion: Using your social media presence and online platforms to help promote and share the festival leading up to the event.
Perks and Payment for Festival Performers
Selected 2027 CCSW Festival Performers will receive:
Guaranteed Flat Fee: Payment for your performance(s).
VIP All-Access Pass: At check-in, performers receive an official wristband that grants free entry to ALL festival events including the VIP/Songwriter Dinner, Workshops, Afternoon Song Swaps, Evening Showcases, and the Sunday Brunch & Awards.
No-Cost Lodging Option: For out-of-town performers, the festival offers a limited number of rooms/beds available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please indicate on your application if you will need lodging. (Lodging is NOT guaranteed unless confirmed in writing via email by CCSW).
Awards Eligibility: Every songwriter who submits to the festival is eligible to be nominated for awards presented during the Sunday Brunch & Awards.
Hospitality Access: Access to the Songwriter Hospitality area with snacks, drinks, and meals throughout the festival weekend.
Meal Vouchers: Vouchers/tickets redeemable at participating venues during the festival.
Media & Promotional Assets: Access to download high-resolution photos and video captured by official festival media teams for your own music promotion.
Social Cross-Promotion: Tagging and linking to your social media platforms across CCSW official posts and marketing materials.