Las Vegas debuts inaugural Songwriter’s Festival at Mandalay Bay this August
Four-day event brings Nashville’s legendary songwriter culture to the Strip
Las Vegas is set to host its first-ever Songwriter’s Festival this August, marking a significant addition to the city’s diverse entertainment landscape. The inaugural event, running August 21-24 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, promises to deliver an intimate musical experience unlike anything currently offered on the Strip.
A celebration of the stories behind the songs
The Las Vegas Songwriter’s Festival will feature more than 50 award-winning songwriters performing 100 live sets across five stages throughout Mandalay Bay. These performances will represent over 300 number-one hits, offering attendees a rare opportunity to hear the stories behind some of music’s most beloved songs directly from the people who wrote them.
Event founder Rob Hatch of Entersong Entertainment and host Matt Warren, who has penned hits for artists like Darius Rucker and Gary Allan, have designed the festival to spotlight the often-overlooked craft of songwriting.
“The Las Vegas Songwriters Festival brings together some of the most prolific songwriters of our time — artists whose words and melodies have shaped the soundtrack of our lives,” Hatch explained. “It’s an intimate opportunity to hear the stories behind the songs, straight from the voices that wrote them.”
Star-studded lineup announced
The festival has already announced an impressive roster of Nashville’s elite songwriters, including:
- Bob DiPiero (writer for Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brooks & Dunn)
- Dean Dillon (George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Chris Stapleton)
- Liz Rose (Taylor Swift’s early collaborator)
- Victoria Shaw (Garth Brooks, Lady A)
- Lee Brice (headlining the opening night with his “Stories and Songs” show)
Country music star Lee Brice will kick off the festival on Thursday, August 21, at House of Blues Las Vegas, performing alongside several co-writers of his nine number-one singles. With over ten billion career streams, Brice’s involvement adds significant star power to the inaugural event.
Bringing Nashville to Vegas
The festival represents a unique collaboration between Las Vegas and Nashville’s music communities. The legendary Bluebird Cafe, Nashville’s most famous songwriter venue, will partner with the festival to host its signature “in-the-round” showcases at House of Blues’ B-Side venue. This format, where songwriters sit in a circle and take turns performing, creates an intimate atmosphere that has launched countless careers in Music City.
“For years Mandalay Bay has been one of the leaders in delivering memorable entertainment experiences for its guests, and we believe the Las Vegas Songwriters Festival will continue this tradition,” said Paul Davis, Senior Vice President of Booking and Development at MGM Resorts International.
Festival format and experience
Daily performances begin at 11 a.m., with the festival offering various formats including:
- Unique collaborations between songwriters
- One-of-a-kind songwriter pairings
- Q&A sessions with audiences
- Traditional acoustic performances
- Full band showcases
The event transforms multiple venues within Mandalay Bay into intimate listening rooms, creating an experience similar to Nashville’s famous songwriter haunts but with Vegas-style production values.
Tickets and packages
The festival offers several ticket options:
- General Admission: Access to all shows across the four days
- VIP Packages: Enhanced experiences with premium seating and meet-and-greets
- Single-Day Tickets: Available for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
- Room and Ticket Packages: Combining accommodation at Mandalay Bay with festival access
MGM Rewards members receive early access to tickets, with general public sales beginning February 28. Given the intimate nature of the venues and the caliber of talent involved, organizers expect strong demand.
A new chapter for Vegas entertainment
The Las Vegas Songwriter’s Festival represents a strategic diversification of the city’s entertainment offerings, appealing to music lovers who appreciate the craft behind their favorite songs. It positions Las Vegas as a destination not just for headline acts and residencies, but for authentic musical experiences that celebrate the art of songwriting.
As the city continues to evolve beyond its traditional entertainment model, events like this showcase Las Vegas’s ability to import and adapt successful concepts from other music capitals while maintaining its unique flair for spectacle and hospitality.
For tickets and more information, visit vegassongwriters.com.
Image Sources: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/inaugural-las-vegas-songwriter-festival-231756225.html
Category: Nightlife
Subcategory: Entertainment, Events
Date: 08/06/2025
