This, the first ever Singer-Songwriter Competition at the Central Ohio Folk Festival, was created to showcase songwriting and provide a venue for singer-songwriters to share their work.
The Columbus Folk Music Society Singer-Songwriter Competition is open to all amateur singer-songwriters (see point 5). There is no cost to enter. Entries are accepted from October 1st through November 30th, 2025. Six finalists will be selected by a panel of judges from all of the entrants, to perform at the festival in competition to be the winner. Finalists will be judged on the song’s originality and overall quality, as well as their performance, and general stage presence.
The winner will receive a $300 cash prize and solo set at the festival.
Competition Eligibility
To be eligible to compete, you must:
Submit an MP3 recording of you performing an original song of your composition that does not infringe on the copyrights of any third parties. A maximum of one cowriter is permitted. No AI may have been used in the creation of this song.
Submit a PDF lyric sheet of the song.
Fill out the form below between October 1st and November 30th.
Be available to perform the song and one other song of your choosing, live at the Central Ohio Folk Festival on June 6th, 2026, if you are selected as a finalist.
Not currently be under contract as a recording artist or professional songwriter.
Important Information
When you go to complete your entry form, please keep your form answers concise as they go into a spreadsheet.
Only one entry per person and your entry must include two (2) separate attachments: one (1) MP3 recording of you performing your entry song and one (1) lyric sheet PDF file of that song.
Songs may not exceed 5 minutes in length, either recorded or performed. 3 minutes is preferred.
Files may not exceed 10MB.
Please submit your recorded songs in MP3 format only.
Please submit your lyric sheets in PDF format only.
While CFMS does not endorse or warrant third party services, you may find this website, or others like it, helpful in converting files to the required format: https://www.online-convert.com
Lyrics should be family friendly.
Performers who do not play an instrument may have one instrument accompanist.
No electronic beats or looping are permitted.
Please note that a limit of 80 song entries has been set. If this limit has been met before your entry is received, you will be notified.
You will need to use a Google account to submit the form. If you do not have one, you can create one for free at google.com.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT YOUR INFORMATION FORM AND ATTACHMENTS IS MIDNIGHT EST NOVEMBER 30TH. NO EXCEPTIONS.
You will receive an email acknowledging receipt of your submission. If you do not receive a receipt of your submission entry or if you have any questions or concerns about your submission, contact the competition organizer at songcontest@columbusfolkmusicsociety.org.
We look forward to hearing your songs. Good luck with your entries!
