Sing Your Song on a Legendary Contest Stage.

The Songwriter Showcase honors emerging, independent songwriters at the 36th Rocky Mountain Folks Festival (August 7-9). This contest is open to artists who write and perform original music and are not currently signed to a major recording or publishing deal. Ten finalists will be selected to perform on the Festival’s main stage and take part in an intimate in-the-round session at the Wildflower Pavilion. All finalists receive festival tickets with camping, a cash prize, and the chance to share their music with the Festivarian community. The winner will receive a brand-new Taylor Guitar and a featured spot on the 2027 Folks Festival lineup. Past winners include: Liz Longley, Megan Burtt, Korby Lenker, and Martin Gilmore. Explore the Contest Rules and Scoring Criteria for more details.

For the 33rd year, the Telluride Troubadour Competition celebrates the world’s finest independent songwriters in the stunning mountains of Telluride, with the chance to perform before 10,000 Festivarians at the 53rd Telluride Bluegrass Festival (June 18-21). An expert panel of judges selects ten finalists based on their song’s composition, vocals, and overall delivery. Finalists perform in two contest rounds on stage, as well as an in-the-round session with fellow Troubadours and an interview on KOTO radio. Finalists receive festival tickets with camping, cash, and other prizes; the winning Troubadour earns a new guitar and a featured Main Stage performance. Past winners include Gregory Alan Isakov, Anna Tivel, Robby Hecht, and Deb Talan. View the Contest Rules and Scoring Criteria for more details.