SML Songwriters Festival: An Insider’s Guide (2026)
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The SML Songwriters Festival returns to Smith Mountain Lake June 12–14, bringing three days of live, original music to venues around the lake.
Featuring rising singer-songwriters, including many notable Nashville artists, this popular SML music festival offers a full weekend of performances for locals and visitors alike.
Hosted by the nonprofit Hook, Lines & Singers, the festival not only celebrates emerging talent, it’s also a fundraiser for several critical local organizations.
2026 SML Songwriters Festival Guide
Photos courtesy of SML Songwriters Festival
Performances will take place at six local venues, three in Bedford County and three in Franklin County, creating an intimate, up-close experience where audiences can connect with the stories behind the songs.
- Coasters
- Drifter’s
- Fraternal Order of Eagles #4344
- Hot Shots Bar & Grill
- Mango’s Bar & Grill
- Portside Grill & Bar
The vast majority of SML Songwriters Festival shows are FREE.
The only ticketed show of the weekend is headliner Brady Seals’ performance on June 13 at Mango’s. A former member of Little Texas and a Nashville hitmaker, Seals brings decades of country music experience to the stage.
All concerts are free except for the headline performance by Brady Seals on June 13 at Mango’s.
Friday, June 12
Portside
4–4:45 p.m.
Megan Conner
Mark Lonsway
Grace Maher
5–5:45 p.m.
Jacob Rice
Justin Klump
Jeff Middleton
Drifters
5–5:45 p.m.
Erik Halbig
Collins Horton
Lauren Mascitti
6–6:45 p.m.
J4
Soul Sirens
Krystal King
7–7:45 p.m.
Robinson Treacher
Justin Love
Ryan Neely
Hot Shots
5–6 p.m.
Martin & Kelly
Annalyse Marie
Drew Freeland
6:15–7:15 p.m.
Megan Conner
Mark Lonsway
Payton Rae
Jessi Pugh
7:30–8:30 p.m.
Justin Klump
Jeff Middleton
J4
Krystal King
8:45–9:45 p.m.
Jacob Rice
Erik Halbig
Grace Maher
Ryan Neely
10–11 p.m.
Johnny & Heidi
Justin Love
Robinson Treacher
Saturday, June 13
Mango’s
12–1 p.m.
Justin Love
Ryan Neely
Martin & Kelly
1:15–2:15 p.m.
J4
Annalyse Marie
Soul Sirens
7–7:45 p.m.
Collins Horton
Lauren Mascitti
Payton Rae
8–8:45 p.m.
Rum Strummers
Jacob Rice
Justin Klump
Jeff Middleton
Headliner Concert
9–11 p.m.
Brady Seals
Purchase tickets
Coasters
2–2:45 p.m.
Johnny & Heidi
Christian Q.
Karlee Raye
3–3:45 p.m.
Collins Horton
Lauren Mascitti
Erik Halbig
Payton Rae
4–4:45 p.m.
Megan Conner
Krystal King
Mark Lonsway
Grace Maher
Fraternal Order of Eagles
4–4:45 p.m.
Johnny & Heidi
Jessi Pugh
5–5:45 p.m.
Martin & Kelly
Annalyse Marie
Soul Sirens
6–6:45 p.m.
Robinson Treacher
Drew Freeland
Christian Q.
Karlee Raye
Sunday, June 14
Mango’s
1–2 p.m.
Jessi Pugh
Megan Conner
Mark Lonsway
Grace Maher
2:45–3:30 p.m.
Open Mic Winner
Drew Freeland
Christian Q.
Karlee Raye
The Songwriters Festival is part of a larger effort by Hook, Lines & Singers, which also organizes the SML Poker Run in May, the SML Wine Festival in September and a six-week Open Mic Competition each spring.
All proceeds benefit local charities, including SML Good Neighbors, American Legion Post 62, Healing Strides, Lake Christian Ministries, SML YMCA and SML Marine Fire and Rescue.
Use our powerful interactive map to quickly find and compare Smith Mountain Lake hotels and vacation rental homes and condos. Filter searches for your preferred dates and budget then explore available properties.
The official SML Songwriters Festival website has information on the 2026 artists, including clips of songs so you can preview the music before you go.
Andie Gibson
CO-PUBLISHER & EDITOR
Andie has been covering Smith Mountain Lake since 2000 for a variety of publications, including the SML Visitor and Newcomer Guide, SML HOME Magazine, The Roanoker and Life Outside. As a partner in G&C Ventures, LLC, she oversees all content for our suite of websites, including Smith-Mountain-Lake.com and LakeLubbers.com.
