2025 Sandy Lee Watkins Songwriters Fest in Henderson

Here's everything you need to know about the annual event coming to Henderson this July.

What is the Sandy Lee Watkins Songwriters Fest?

The event brings in over 20 songwriters from the region and some from Nashville, some of them Grammy Award winners, for four nights of performances at two different venues in downtown Henderson to play several songs acoustically, they've either written for themselves or for others. Before performing, they'll share the stories behind how those songs came to be. This year's lineup will once again feature Don Sampson, who wrote "Waitin' on Woman" for Brad Paisley, and Tony Arata, the writer behind "The Dance" from Garth Brooks. You'll also hear and see some songwriters of more current hits that you know and love at the Songwriters Fest. It's always a great time to hear some of the stories behind the songs you know and love. A lot of times, it gives you a different perspective on these songs.

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When is the Sandy Lee Watkins Songwriters Fest?

This year's festival will happen Wednesday, July 23rd through Saturday, July 26th, with each session giving you a fun and unique experience. You'll even get to hear local songwriters show off their talents on Wednesday. Once again, the Sandy Lee Watkins Songwriters Fest is going to be bringing in some amazing songwriters of hit songs that you know and love, including Tony Arata, Don Sampson, Lance Carpenter, Johnny and Heidi Bullford, Jason Duke, and more. You can take a look at the full lineup below:

How to Get Tickets for the Sandy Lee Watkins Songwriters Festival

Tickets for the event go on sale on June 16th at 8 a.m., and are only available through the Songwriters Festival website. You can buy single-day tickets or even a Sandy Bundle Pass that will get you entry into the shows each day.

If you've never attended the Songfest, I can't recommend it enough. It's such an entertaining time in Henderson. You are going to hear some funny stories and some amazing songs from the people who wrote these hits. I was there hosting a stage last year, and I loved it! Proceeds from the event will be given to Henderson area non-profits and high school students interested in pursuing a career in the arts.