March 27–28, 2026 marks more than the return of a beloved event—it signals the reawakening of one of New Jersey’s most vital live music ecosystems, where artistry, industry, and authenticity converge in a way few gatherings in the country can replicate. The Singer-Songwriter of Cape May arrives once again with an unmistakable sense of purpose, reestablishing itself as a premier destination for musicians, creators, and fans seeking something real, something intimate, and something built around the enduring power of the song itself.
For nearly a decade leading up to its pause, this event transformed Cape May into a living, breathing network of music. What began in 2008 as a focused singer-songwriter gathering quickly expanded into a full-scale creative summit, activating historic venues, drawing hundreds of performers, and bringing together dozens of industry leaders under one coastal skyline. At its height, the event featured more than 130 artists performing across over 15 venues while upwards of 80 music professionals contributed to panels, mentoring sessions, and artist development opportunities that were as practical as they were inspiring.
That momentum was halted in 2020, leaving behind not just a gap in scheduling but a void in the independent music community. The absence of Singer-Songwriter of Cape May was felt deeply because it had become something rare—a place where emerging voices could meet opportunity without barriers, where seasoned professionals could engage directly with rising talent, and where audiences could experience music in its most stripped-down and emotionally direct form. Its return in 2026 is not simply a continuation; it is a recalibrated, sharpened, and more relevant version of itself.
This year’s edition is anchored once again at Congress Hall’s Grand Ballroom and the Harrison Conference Center, two spaces that have become synonymous with the event’s identity. During the day, these venues will host a dynamic conference program featuring more than 50 industry professionals participating as speakers, mentors, and panelists. These sessions are designed with precision, focusing on real-world application—songwriting craft, touring logistics, branding strategy, publishing frameworks, and the evolving economics of music in a digital-first landscape. This is not passive listening; it is an active exchange of knowledge, where artists gain tools they can immediately apply to their careers.
The evening transforms Cape May into an unplugged circuit of discovery. Beginning after 7:00 PM each night, more than 15 venues—including the Brown Room, The Rusty Nail, The Inn of Cape May, Elaine’s, The Chalfonte, and Fins Bar & Grille—become stages for live performances that emphasize connection over spectacle. These are not distant concerts; they are close-range, immersive experiences where audiences are part of the performance environment, and where the line between artist and listener dissolves into something communal.
The 2026 event is led by two standout headliners who embody the spirit of modern songwriting while carrying deep roots in the craft. Pete Mroz, a Nashville-based artist recognized for his national exposure and emotionally resonant songwriting, takes the stage on Friday night at 7:30 PM in the Congress Hall Ballroom, delivering a performance that blends storytelling with melodic precision. On Saturday, Maya de Vitry—an acclaimed multi-instrumentalist and former member of The Stray Birds—brings her distinctive voice and lyrical depth to the same stage, offering a performance that reflects the evolving landscape of contemporary folk and Americana.
Surrounding these headliners is an expansive showcase lineup featuring artists performing 40-minute sets across the city. Friday night includes Geoff Moran at 7:00 PM, Jo Wymer at 7:45 PM, the Mike Montrey Trio at 8:30 PM, Norm McDonald at 9:15 PM, Dan Strauss at 10:00 PM, Maintenance at 10:45 PM, and Vicki Gagliardi closing out the night at 11:30 PM. Saturday continues with DellaValla Trio at 7:00 PM, Rebecca Lang at 7:45 PM, Steven Lemon at 8:30 PM, The Arcane Insignia at 9:15 PM, Jenna Ivey at 10:00 PM, and Sarah Teti alongside Al Reynolds at 10:45 PM. Additional performers such as Laura McDonald, Caleb Stine, Seth Adam, Brody Bond, Mikki Zip, Jenn DeSantis, and Chip Greene further expand the musical landscape, ensuring that every venue offers a distinct sonic identity. Click here for schedule and more information.
Complementing the live performances is real-time radio integration, with WCFA 101.5 FM broadcasting interviews, performances, and behind-the-scenes conversations throughout the weekend. This element extends the reach of the event beyond physical attendance, capturing the immediacy of the experience while preserving it for a wider audience.
Access to the event is structured to maintain both exclusivity and openness. Two-day conference passes are available at $135, providing full access to panels, workshops, and networking opportunities. Headliner performances are ticketed at accessible price points, with Pete Mroz at $24 and Maya de Vitry at $30. Meanwhile, the majority of showcase performances remain free and open to the public, reinforcing the event’s commitment to accessibility and community engagement.
What distinguishes Singer-Songwriter of Cape May is not just its scale, but its philosophy. It operates on the principle that music, at its core, is about connection—between artist and audience, between creator and craft, and between individuals who share a belief in the power of storytelling through sound. In an industry often dominated by production and spectacle, this event strips everything back to the essentials, creating an environment where authenticity is not just encouraged but required.
The return of this event also reflects a broader resurgence across New Jersey’s live music landscape, where independent venues, artist-driven initiatives, and community-focused programming are reclaiming their place at the center of cultural life. Explore New Jersey continues to spotlight this movement through its comprehensive music coverage, documenting the venues, artists, and events that define the state’s evolving sound.
As the weekend unfolds, Cape May will once again become a hub of creative energy, where songs are not just performed but lived, shared, and discovered. The 2026 Singer-Songwriter of Cape May stands as both a return and a reinvention—a reminder that even in a rapidly changing industry, there is still immense power in a voice, a guitar, and a story worth telling.