Blast on the Bay 2026: 40 Songwriters, Port St. Joe

  Port St. Joe Songwriters Festival

   Blast on the Bay returns to Port St. Joe October 15–18, 2026, for four days of songwriter rounds in the most intimate venues on the Forgotten Coast — 40+ Nashville writers telling the stories behind the songs.                                        

Quick facts

• Date: Thursday–Sunday, October 15–18, 2026 (16th annual)

•  Where: Intimate venues across Port St. Joe and Gulf County — pubs, waterfront patios, parks; opening night at George Core Park, Port St. Joe
• Admission: General admission $35, VIP $125, Super VIP for two $500 (via Eventbrite; wristband required at venues)
• Last verified: October 11, 2026

What is Blast on the Bay?

Blast on the Bay is the Forgotten Coast’s boutique songwriters festival — four days, around 40 songwriters, and some of the best little listening rooms, restaurants, bars, parks, and waterfront spots in Port St. Joe. Each October, writers from Nashville and beyond come to the Gulf to do the thing arenas can’t offer: sit a few feet away from the audience and tell the stories behind the songs before playing them.

The 2026 lineup includes Kendell Marvel, Tim Buppert, Jason Byrd, Brian White, Jesse Rice, Karen Waldrup, Jimmy Miller, Jeff Silvey, Lauren Spring, and Lee Newton, with more artists still being announced. These are the writers behind hits recorded by artists like Garth Brooks, Faith Hill, and Jason Aldean — and at Blast, you hear the version of the song that existed before the rest of the world ever did.

How the weekend works

It all starts Thursday night, October 15, with the VIP Welcome Party and Opening Show at George Core Park in Port St. Joe — artists arriving in town and old friends reconnecting to kick off the weekend. Friday through Sunday, performances run across intimate venues all over town. A wristband is required for entry to scheduled performances, so buy tickets ahead — check the official Blast on the Bay site for the venue schedule as it firms up.

Where to stay for Blast on the Bay

Make it a long weekend on the coast. A Collins Vacation Rental on SGI puts you about 30 minutes from Port St. Joe’s venues — festival days on the mainland, quiet beach mornings on St. George Island. Book direct with the local island team and beat the October crowds.

FAQ

When is Blast on the Bay 2026?
October 15–18, 2026, across venues in Port St. Joe and Gulf County, Florida.

How much are Blast on the Bay tickets?
General admission is $35, VIP is $125, and Super VIP for two is $500, sold through Eventbrite. A wristband is required for venue entry during scheduled performances.

Who performs at Blast on the Bay?
Around 40 songwriters, mostly from Nashville — the 2026 lineup includes Kendell Marvel, Tim Buppert, Jason Byrd, Brian White, Jesse Rice, and Karen Waldrup, with more being announced.