It’s that time again — Songwriters Festival is returning to Dripping Springs! Every October, our town becomes a stage for 40 incredible songwriters from across the country. For three days, the streets and venues of Dripping Springs fill with music, stories, and community spirit - and it’s all free.
This year, the Dripping Springs Art League (DSAL) is thrilled to once again bring the visual arts into the mix, adding brushstrokes and color to the rhythms and lyrics that make this festival so special. After debuting at the festival’s tenth anniversary last year, DSAL is back October 1719 with an even bigger presence. More than 20 volunteers have been working since May to prepare art experiences that celebrate creativity in every form.
Live Art!
One of last year’s crowd favorites is back—live art at the outdoor stages. Five local artists will set up their easels at the outdoor stages on Mercer Friday and Saturday, painting in real time as musicians perform. What begins as a blank canvas transforms over the course of the afternoon into a vibrant expression of sound and energy.
Festivalgoers can watch the process unfold brushstroke by brushstroke, then find the completed works available for purchase inside the DSAL Art Lounge. It’s a rare chance to witness music and art collide in the moment.
Artists Supporting Artists
DSAL’s “Artists Supporting Artists” program also returns for a second year. Over the summer, several local artists paired with performing songwriters, creating new works inspired by their lyrics, voices, and stories. These pieces will be on display in the Art Lounge throughout the weekend. A portion of all proceeds go to the songwriter.
On Saturday, many of the songwriter-artist pairs will share the stories behind their collaborations. As one participant said last year, “Seeing my story reflected in a painting gave me chills— I felt truly seen.” This cross-disciplinary exchange is what the Songwriters Festival is all about: artists inspiring one another and deepening connections with audiences.
Step Inside the Art Lounge
The heart of DSAL’s presence is the Art Lounge, a 60’x20’ tent on the field next to the Songbird Stage. Step inside and you’ll discover more than 600 works of art—paintings, glass, ceramics, photography, fiber art, hats, metal art, and more—created by the talented artists of Dripping Springs.
The Art Lounge is part gallery, part gathering place. It’s the perfect spot to browse, relax between sets, or find that one-of-a-kind piece to take home. Commemorative Songwriters Festival turret tiles and DSAL’s popular songwriter shirts will also be available for purchase inside.
Interactive Fun
Just outside the lounge, festivalgoers can add their voices to DSAL’s “Community Music Wall,” leaving behind favorite song lyric or cherished musical memory and hang it on the wall. It’s a chance to celebrate the power of music, connect with neighbors, and discover the songs and stories that inspire our community.
And for a lighthearted keepsake, don’t miss the playful, life-sized “Just Hanging in the Drip” photo backdrop. Both interactive experiences offer creative ways to mark the weekend and carry it forward.
Join the Celebration
Whether you’re a longtime Songwriters Festival fan or a first-timer, make sure October 17–19 is circled on your calendar. Wander Mercer Street and Old Fitzhugh, soak up the sounds, and step into the Art Lounge to discover the visual side of our creative community.
Music and art belong together, and in Dripping Springs, they do. Come celebrate with us, meet the artists, and take home a piece of the weekend. We can’t wait to say “Howdy!”

Songwriter S.J. McDonald celebrates the inspiring art of Artist Erin Hounsel.

DSAL’s Songwriters Shirts for Sale in the Lounge

Image from the DSAL’s Art Lounge at Songwriters Festival 2024


Image from the DSAL’s Art Lounge at Songwriters Festival 2024

Image from the DSAL’s Art Lounge at Songwriters Festival 2024