Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Returns

You cannot go wrong with the beauty of Southwest Florida and the allure of more than a week of live music. That’s exactly what’s coming with the 10-day long Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, which promotes itself as bigger and more impressive than ever before.

The Island Hopper Songwriter Fest returns this year starting September 20 on Captiva Island. It then transitions to Fort Myers and ends in Fort Myers Beach on September 29.

Put on in conjunction with the Lee County Tourist Development Council, the multi-day festival is said to be the largest songwriter festival in all of Southwest Florida. Country songwriters use the festival to perform some of their most popular songs.

Featured artists this year include those who’ve written songs for the likes of Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton and Lady Antebellum. Festivalgoers can also choose from a special performance paired with the Gulf Coast Symphony at the Florida Repertory Theatre.

Headliner Gone West is also performing. The rock-country quartet plays at The Marina at Edison Ford during the event. Yet another artist playing during the festival is Sam Williams, grandson of none other than country legend Hank Williams Jr.

Now in its sixth year, the event includes more than 100 shows and dozens of artists, with locations in such destinations as Downtown Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach and Captiva Island. Some of the events are free too, and located in smaller venues, making for a more intimate experience for festivalgoers.

There are also, of course, some ticketed events, which vary in price and are said to be selling out fast. To learn more about some of the individual artists performing during this year’s festival, plus to gain access to schedules, venue information, maps, and to receive festival coupons and hotel deals, it’s recommended you download the official Island Hopper mobile app before you go.