Third Annual
The Queen City Songwriters Invitational
September 25 – 26, 2026
Two days of original music. Intimate songwriter rounds by day. Headliner showcases at The Matthews Opera House by night. Downtown Spearfish, South Dakota.
Lineup & tickets announced soon
How It Works
The Invitational is a curated experience designed for deep listening — not a typical festival.
Daytime Rounds
Starting at noon, groups of three songwriters take turns sharing original songs and the stories behind them. Rounds stagger every 30 minutes across downtown venues, so you can walk from one intimate listening room to the next.
This is the heart of the Invitational — up close, acoustic, and personal. You'll hear the verse that almost didn't make the cut and the story that inspired it.
Evening Showcases
As the sun sets, everyone gathers at The Matthews Opera House & Arts Center. Every participating songwriter performs one original song on the historic stage before the evening's headliner takes over.
It's the moment where the whole community comes together — local voices on the same stage as nationally recognized artists.
Past Invitationals
2024 — Inaugural
Where It All Began
- 27 participating songwriters
- 18 rounds across 6 downtown venues
- Headliners: Jonathan Byrd & Jami Lynn
- Two sold-out evenings at The Matthews
2025 — Second Annual
Raising the Bar
- 20+ participating songwriters
- Rounds across 6 downtown venues
- Headliners: Andrea von Kampen & John Fullbright
- Grammy-nominated talent meets Black Hills community
The Venues
The Invitational transforms downtown Spearfish into a walkable music circuit. Every venue is within a few blocks.
The Matthews Opera House & Arts Center
Historic downtown venue for evening headliner showcases. Every participating songwriter performs one original song before the headliner takes the stage.
Blackbird Espresso
Intimate coffee shop setting for morning and early afternoon songwriter rounds.
Studio 621
Creative studio space hosting afternoon listening-room rounds.
Spearfish Creek Wine Bar
Cozy wine bar with an atmosphere perfect for acoustic storytelling.
False Bottom Bar
Local craft beer spot featuring lively afternoon rounds.
Spearfish Public House
Downtown gathering place for late afternoon songwriter sessions.
Don't Miss the 2026 Invitational
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