The Port Fairy Folk Festival returns for its 49th year in 2026, and has today announced the first wave of artists in the lineup.
The event will take place in the picturesque coastal village of Port Fairy over the Labour Day long weekend which falls on 6-9 March in 2026. The beloved festival is one of Australia’s longest running festivals and is known for its unique blend of traditional and contemporary music from around the world, celebrating music and storytelling as well as art and culture.
The first line-up announcement includes headline acts such as American singer-songwriter Iron & Wine, making his Port Fairy Folk Festival debut. He’s joined by Academy Award-winning duo The Swell Season, beloved for their iconic track “Falling Slowly” from the film Once. There’s also Irish quintet Beoga, renowned for their vibrant fusion of traditional and modern folk, and Scotland’s Elephant Sessions, whose high-energy folk-fusion sound is sure to keep festivalgoers dancing well into the night.
Homegrown highlights include powerhouse soul and country singer Emma Donovan, Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham, and energetic Melbourne duo the Pierce Brothers.
More than 100 artists are slated to 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 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
