2026 Singer-Songwriter Competition Finals
Saturday, Jul. 18 | 7:00pm ET (6:00pm CT)
Perennial Acorn fan favorite Singer-Songwriter Competition Finals returns for its 14th consecutive year to The Acorn.
A panel of esteemed judges and our beloved Acorn audience will participate as six finalists take the stage for this thrilling performance, with the field narrowing to the 'top three' artists over the course of two rounds. Come discover your new favorite artist!
Acorn favorite and last year’s Runner-Up Christopher Gold will co-host and emcee for the evening, along with our own Artistic & Creative Director, Nikki Gauthier.
The final vote and ultimate champion is audience choice, so be prepared to be dazzled, choose a favorite and cast your vote.
Finalists will be announced on June 18th. Check back here then for information on our contestants, guest performers and judges!
Friday night before the Finals, the Runner-Up from last year will face off against the Runner-Up from 2024. You won’t want to miss this songwriter round like no other: Andy Sydow v. Christopher Gold. We’ll find out who’s the ‘second placiest’ once and for all, and one of these guys will finally get his crown!
Save on your tickets!
Support live, original music (and good fun!) and come out both Friday and Saturday nights. Through June 30th, your ticket to Friday night’s songwriter showdown is “Pay What You Wish” when you also purchase your ticket to the Acorn Singer-Songwriter Competition Finals (there is a very reasonable $5 minimum on the PWYW portion of your combined ticket).
Please note Week of Show price increases by $5 per ticket.
RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $30 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $30 Donation per ticket holder in your group.
All ticket purchases are non-refundable, non-exchangeable.
The Acorn is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Box Office opens at 4:00pm ET
Starts 7:00pm, doors open 6:00pm
