Wire & Wood Songwriters Festival 2026 Sneak Peak

For two glorious evenings in October, the sun sets to the sound of guitars strumming, drums echoing, and vocalists crooning across downtown Alpharetta, and you’re invited to be part of the musical magic.

Wire and Wood Alpharetta Songwriters Festival brings more than 40 performances to seven stages across Alpharetta’s picturesque downtown area, and this year is set to be electric! This October 9 and 10, you’re in for a weekend of great times and even better tunes, featuring up-and-comers and renowned headliners.

Get ready to sing, dance, and savor this inside look at the lineup! Check out this interactive map to plan your weekend. 

FRIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

With performances starting at 6 pm on Friday, festivalgoers can arrive early, enjoy eating at Alpharetta’s abundant eateries, stroll with their favorite sips in hand, and take advantage of provided seating or bring their own to settle in for an evening of fabulous sounds. 

Friday’s lineup is the perfect mix of country and Americana with songwriter-driven roots.The lineup includes rising Americana and country singer-songwriter Kristina Murray, who brings a distinctly rootsy, old-school country sensibility to the festival. Her music blends traditional country storytelling with a contemporary edge, making her a natural fit for a festival centered on songcraft and original music.

Jackson County Line brings a bluegrass-infused Southern sound that fits perfectly with Wire & Wood’s celebration of regional songwriting. Their music draws on traditional roots influences while keeping the energy accessible for modern audiences.

Lily Grace is an up-and-coming Australian singer-songwriter. Her soulful vocals and contemporary songwriting make her an appealing discovery for fans who enjoy finding emerging artists before they become household names. Already building a strong fan base for herself in Australia, you’ll see that it’s no surprise she’ll soon be making waves in the U.S. as well! 

The evening culminates in a headliner performance from Corey Smith, known for his authentic Southern storytelling and fiercely independent approach to country music. A UGA graduate and briefly a high school teacher, he built his career outside the traditional system, developing a devoted following through self-released music and relentless touring. His songs connect with fans through their honesty, humor, and unmistakably Southern perspective. 

SATURDAY NOTABLES

Saturday’s vibes could be described as a broad mix of rock, folk, soul, indie and Americana. Starting at noon and rocking through the afternoon and into the evening, it’s the perfect opportunity to spend the day immersed in a variety of musical styles.

Crystal Bowersox brings one of the most recognizable stories to this year’s festival. The singer-songwriter became a national favorite as the runner-up on American Idol and has since carved out her own career as an Americana, folk and roots artist.

Formerly a member of acclaimed Southern indie-rock group Futurebirds, Spencer Thomas brings an established musical background and a distinctive blend of Americana, indie rock and roots influences to the festival. His performance offers fans the chance to see a familiar name from Atlanta’s broader music scene in a more intimate singer-songwriter setting. 

J.R. Moore gives fans a connection to early-2000s alternative and roots rock through his work with Ingram Hill. His songwriting combines beautiful melodies with a Southern sensibility, making his Wire & Wood performance a fun discovery for listeners who enjoy artists somewhere between Americana, rock, and singer-songwriter music. 

For an almost addicting blend of 1920s-style jazz, ragtime, and modern songwriting, Blair Crimmins and The Hookerscreates a lively sound that stands out from a traditional Americana lineup. They’re the kind of act that makes you tell your friends, “You have to see them in person!”

It’s not over until Sister Hazel sings! This band has spent nearly three decades blending Southern rock, alternative and country, with their 1997 breakout hit “All for You” becoming a defining song of the era. Their platinum-certified catalog and reputation for energetic live shows have earned them an especially loyal fan base, making their Wire & Wood appearance a chance to hear both longtime favorites and the band’s deeper catalog. 

WHAT’S NEW THIS YEAR?

In addition to the fabulous lineup of performers, visitors can look forward to performances at Truck & Tap, where the new SEVENTH stage will be located. The Truck & Tap stage will host performers both days, plus an awesome “after-party so the fun can keep on going even after the headliners’ last notes!

Beyond the music, visitors can explore the Music Makers Market, a music-themed marketplace featuring local artists and makers offering one-of-a-kind goods. The Live Art Lounge will transform the festival into an open-air art experience, with interactive activities and artists creating music-inspired works throughout the weekend. 

If you’re too excited to wait for the tunes, our Spotify “Wire & Wood 2026” Playlist has a blend of the best songs from each performer. Give it a listen and get ready for an amazing weekend! 

With so much to look forward to and so many things to do in Alpharetta, why not make it a weekend getaway?

Alpharetta is home to more than 270 eateries, 250+ retailers, and over 30 hotels. You can plan a morning-to-night itinerary filled with fun, including plenty of amazing options near the Wire & Wood action. Book your stay now to enjoy a music-filled mini vacation!