Port Fairy Folk Festival has turned up the volume on its 2026 program, unveiling a fresh wave of international and local artists that cements its reputation as one of the country’s most adventurous music gatherings. The seaside festival is already known for discovery, but this new announcement widens the lens even further, pulling in sounds from Oakland blues to Catalan folk and Moroccan trance.
The latest additions include Fantastic Negrito, the three-time Grammy-winning blues artist celebrated for his raw, shape-shifting sound, along with singer songwriter Hannah Cohen. Morocco’s all-female gnawa ensemble Asmâa Hamzaoui & Bnat Timbouktou join the bill, as do Scottish outfit Dallahan, Catalonia’s high-energy collective El Pony Pisador, and Americana favourite Jim Lauderdale.
They’re accompanied by Feelds, Caisha Sprout, Crest of Crows, The Ocelots, Mountain Grass Unit, Radical Son, The Southern Ocean Sea Band, The Lost Clog and English folk duo While & Matthews.
These artists sit alongside already announced acts such as Iron & Wine , Kasey Chambers, Emma Donovan’s Take Me To The River project, Willie Watson , Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham, Mary Coughlan, Åkervinda, Pierce Brothers, Rainbow Girls, Elephant Sessions and Beoga.
Festival Director Justin Rudge said “Every announcement adds a new chapter to the Port Fairy story — each one a celebration of connection through the shared culture of music and song.”
“This latest line-up brings together everything from Oakland blues to Moroccan trance, Appalachian string music and Catalan sea shanties, alongside the heart of Australian folk. Book your tickets and start planning your visit to Port Fairy. This is one festival you don’t want to miss!”
The Port Fairy Folk Festival returns over the Labour Day long weekend, 6-9 March 2026, with tickets and full details available at portfairyfolkfestival.com.
