BY AUDREY KENT
FOR THE OBSERVER
AUBURN —
The Opelika Songwriters Festival (OSF) will return for its fourth year, Thursday, Oct. 5 through Sunday, Oct. 8.
The OSF will be held throughout six venues in downtown Opelika, hosting more than 30 world-class songwriters.
Headline artists include Toad the Wet Sprocket, 10,000 Maniacs and Drivin N Cryin.
Many artists at the Opelika Songwriters Festival are multi-platinum-selling artists, and over 80 shows will be played.
“The headliner lineup is pretty stacked,” said the festival’s Founder, Rob Slocumb. “It’s going to be a great weekend downtown.”
Additionally, there will be a student songwriting showcase where students of varying ages will play on stage.
“It’s a huge experience for the students,” Slocumb said. “We always love seeing who gets selected to be a part of that showcase.”
Various passes are available for purchase, including a VIP weekend pass.
“Being a music fan, I encourage you to come experience the whole weekend,” Slocumb said. “There’s just so much music starting Friday evening through Sunday.”
The VIP weekend pass includes brunch on Sunday morning, Oct. 8.
According to Slocumb, the brunch event is a fan favorite.
The festival will kick off with a cocktail dinner at John Emerald Distillery, Thursday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m.
The music will begin with 10,000 Maniacs, Friday, Oct. 6, at 6 p.m.
“We’re hitting it big at six o’clock Friday, ” Slocomb said. “We want people to fill the streets at six o’clock on Friday. If you’re a music fan, or even if you’re not a music fan, you just like to get out; it’s just being downtown with the number of people here — being able to stroll around between venues. You’re going to hear incredible music no matter what venue you go to. Every artist is going to impress you.”
For more information on tickets, artists, concert times and venues, visit the Opelika Songwriters Festival’s website at www.opelikasongwritersfestival.com.