The Whitsundays Songwriter Festival Returns in 2026
The Whitsundays Songwriter Festival will return from 3–7 June 2026, once again bringing world-class songwriters to Airlie Beach.
Supported by the Whitsundays Arts Festival, the festival has been a cultural drawcard for the region since its launch in 2022 and was nominated this year in the Queensland Music Awards for Festival of the Year (People’s Choice Award).
Each year, leading Australian songwriters travel to the Whitsundays to take part in a collaborative residency, mentoring emerging local artists, co-writing new songs, and sharing their experiences with the community.
Across several days, professional songwriters participate in an intensive creative residency, developing new work inspired by place, collaboration, and culture. The Songwriting Summit invites local and interstate writers to be inspired and mentored by the resident artists, exploring the craft of songwriting through immersive masterclasses, skill-building workshops, and a Summit showcase where participants can share their work.
The festival culminates in the intimate Concert & Conversation on Saturday 6 June at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, where the resident songwriters perform and reveal the stories behind the works created during the residency.
Co-founded by Queensland songwriters Karen Jacobsen and Francesca de Valence, the festival was created to provide regional songwriters with professional development opportunities often only available in major cities.
Since its inception, the festival has hosted an impressive roster of artists including Wendy Matthews, Toni Childs, Vika and Linda, and Graeme Connors.
The 2026 festival songwriters will be announced soon. Sign up to the Whitsundays Arts Festival newsletter for updates.