This weekend, the seventh annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest kicks off in the tropical setting of Captiva Island, Sept. 17-19.

Then it moves to historic downtown Fort Myers, Sept. 20-23, and wraps up on Fort Myers Beach, Sept. 24-26.

Island Hopper is the largest songwriter fest in Southwest Florida and offers a unique experience to interact with songwriters. This year, nearly 80 singer-songwriters from around the country will perform more than 100 shows.

This year’s lineup includes:

• Hit-making headliners: Florida native, Michael Ray joins Island Hopper Songwriter Fest with three No. 1 songs, including “Kiss You in the Morning,” “Think a Little Less” and “One That Got Away.” He performs at Pinchers at The Marina at Edison Ford in downtown Fort Myers on Sept. 23

• Singer-songwriter, author and winner of this year’s Academy of Country Music Award for New Male Artist of the Year, Jimmie Allen, will perform at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on the final night of the festival, Sept. 26. Allen made history as the first Black artist to launch a career with two consecutive No. 1 songs on country radio with his hits, “Best Shot” and his second single, “Make Me Want To.” Allen is also slated to appear on this season of ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars.”

Tickets for both shows are available on the Island Hopper app and website. Tickets are limited.

Island Hopper app: While most of the festival performances are free, a few exclusive ticketed shows are available on the official festival app under the schedule tab. You can download the app in the App Store or on Google Play free of charge.

Island Hopper’s a winner: The 2019 Island Hopper Fest received four SunSational Awards through the Florida Festival & Events Association and the Southeast Tourism Society named Island Hopper one of its Top 20 events.

Island Hopper is produced by the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, iHeartMedia, Cat Country 107.1 and BMI, the largest music rights organization in the U.S. Visit IslandHopperFest.com. Follow the festival hashtag #islandhopperfest as well as the event’s Twitter, Instagram and Facebook feeds.