The Port Fairy Folk Festival is back for its 49th year in 2026 and today unveiled the first wave of artists set to descend on the stunning coastal village of Port Fairy in regional Victoria over the Labour Day long weekend, 6-9 March 2026.
Renowned for its unique blend of traditional and contemporary music from across the globe, the Festival continues to bring together artists and community, creating an unparalleled celebration of music and storytelling, art and culture.
Leading the first line-up announcement:
ÅKERVINDA (SWE)
Swedish vocal quartet blending ancient Nordic folk songs with contemporary harmonies.
BLAIR DUNLOP (ENG)
The award-winning troubadour brings his heartfelt lyricism and artistry.
BEOGA (IRE)
Ireland’s genre-bending quintet, celebrated for their fiery live shows and their electrifying blend of traditional and contemporary folk.
ELEPHANT SESSIONS (SCO)
Scotland’s exhilarating folk-fusion band will have audiences dancing into the night.
EMMA DONOVAN – TAKE ME TO THE RIVER
The powerhouse of Australian soul and country presents her new project, fusing deep emotion and electrifying energy.
FELICITY URQUHART & JOSH CUNNINGHAM
Two of Australia’s finest songwriters join forces for an unforgettable set.
GRÁINNE HUNT (IRE)
A rising Irish singer-songwriter with a voice of rare beauty.
IRON & WINE (USA)
The revered singer-songwriter brings his soulful, poetic storytelling to Port Fairy for the first time.
MARY COUGHLAN (IRE)
Due to popular demand, Ireland’s iconic voice of jazz, blues and folk returns to the Folkie for the fourth time.
MIA KELLY (CAN)
A young Canadian talent blending folk, blues and soul.
NICO PAULO (PRT/CAN)
Delivering delicate melodies inspired by her Portuguese roots and Canadian home.
NORTHERN RESONANCE (SWE)
A modern Scandinavian string trio reimagining traditional Nordic sounds.
PIERCE BROTHERS
The energetic Melbourne duo renowned for their dynamic live performances return to Port Fairy.
STEVE POLTZ (CAN)
The charismatic, unpredictable performer and songwriter behind chart-topping hits.
SVAVAR KNÚTUR (ICE)
Iceland’s folk poet, weaving humour and heart into every performance.
THE SWELL SEASON (IRE/CZC)
Markéta Irglová and Glen Hansard’s and beloved folk-fuelled collaboration, known for their Academy Award-winning song “Falling Slowly,” from the film Once, return for a rare and special appearance.
WINDBORNE (USA)
Stunning vocal group steeped in rich folk traditions from around the world.
More than 100 artists will perform across four major stages on the Port Fairy Folk Festival arena, as well as within small venues and halls around the Port Fairy village. The four-day event promises to be an unmissable weekend of discovery, connection and world-class music.
“This first line-up truly reflects the spirit of Port Fairy – global, diverse, and deeply rooted in the joy of live music,” said Justin Rudge, Port Fairy Folk Festival Program Director.
“We can’t wait to welcome these incredible artists and music lovers from near and far to Port Fairy. They’ll be joined by hundreds more come March in a gathering of artists spanning genres from traditional to contemporary – and enticing audiences of all ages to enjoy the Folkie and the many activities we have planned for music lovers.”
Port Fairy Folk Festival is one of Australia’s longest running and most beloved music festivals, drawing audiences from across the country and around the world for nearly five decades. In 2027 the Port Fairy Folk Festival will celebrate its 50th anniversary, a celebration that has driven awareness and economic impact for the regional township of Port Fairy.
Port Fairy Folk Festival takes place in Port Fairy, Victoria over the Labour Day long weekend, 6-9 March 2026. Early Bird Tickets for the 2026 Port Fairy Folk Festival are available now at portfairyfolkfestival.com