If you chose to spend your chapters of life along the Delaware coast, you already know our beach towns offer much more than beautiful sunrises and low taxes. They offer a community that loves to gather, enjoy great food, and dive deep into unique experiences.
This September, our coastal backyard is getting a little more magical. The inaugural Delaware Beaches Songwriters Festival (DBSF) is launching right here from September 10 to 13, promising four days of world-class music and storytelling that you won’t want to miss.
More Than a Concert: The Story Behind the Song
Created by Lewes residents Steve and Dani Jawn of The 10:10 Creative, alongside neighbors Kelly and Pat O’Connor, this festival isn’t your typical loud stadium concert. Instead, it is designed around the tradition of “intimate listening rooms.”
Acclaimed songwriters from Nashville, New York, Los Angeles, and our own local talent are coming together to play their music and share the deeply personal journeys behind their art. You will get to hear the inspiration, the trials, and the exact moments some of your favorite songs were born.
Your Festival Itinerary
Whether you want to catch a single afternoon show or fully immerse yourself in the four-day weekend, there is a venue and a vibe for everyone:
- Thursday, Sept. 10 (6 p.m.) – Lewes: Kick things off close to home at the Dogfish INN. Enjoy a cozy, fireside songwriters’ chat hosted by Dogfish Head founder Sam Calagione.
- Friday, Sept. 11 – Milton & Beyond: Start with a “Writers Round” Happy Hour at the Dogfish Head Milton Brewery (4–6 p.m.). Later, choose between Nashville rising stars Shawn Lacy and Crystal Rose at The Room at Cedar Grove, or the Davisson Brothers Band & Friends at the Rockin’ the Docks Stage (opening acts at 7 p.m., with local bus service available). An afterparty follows at the Coastal Taproom at 9:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 12 – Afternoon Tunes & Evening Soul: Spend a relaxed afternoon at Milton Brewery for two writers’ rounds between 2 and 5 p.m. In the evening, head to The Room at Cedar Grove to see the powerhouse Adam Weiner (of Low Cut Connie), with doors opening at 6 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 13 – A Live Podcast & Performance: Wrap up the weekend back at the Rockin’ the Docks Stage for a live recording of Rolling Stone’s Nashville Now podcast. Hosts Joseph Hudak and Steve Jawn will interview a surprise guest artist, followed by a full live performance.
A True Community Effort
This festival is a passion project born right here in Sussex County. “I’ve always dreamed of bringing a little bit of the Nashville songwriting experience to the Delaware coast,” says co-founder Steve Jawn.
The event is heavily supported by local favorites, with Dogfish Head Beer serving as the main sponsor, alongside beloved names like Nicola Pizza, The Room at Cedar Grove, and several local businesses.
How to Grab Your Seat
Because these venues emphasize cozy, up-close-and-personal settings, tickets are limited. Gather a few friends, plan a special weekend out, and come discover the stories behind the soundtracks of our lives.
- Tickets & Information: Secure your spot at DelawareBeachesSongwritersFest.com
- Social Media: Follow along for artist reveals on Facebook (/delawarebeachessongfest) and Instagram (@delawarebeachessongfest).
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