General News
10 October, 2025
More artists unveiled for Folkie
THE Port Fairy Folk Festival committee last week announced a second wave of artists for the 2026 event.
These latest additions add an exciting and diverse collection of local and international talent to the 49th festival line up of the much-loved seaside celebration of traditional and contemporary music from across the glove.
Joining the Port Fairy Festival line up for 2026 will be the following:
Basset (Canadian)
Delivering warm harmonies and finely-crafted songs, this Canadian folk duo brings storytelling to life through lush instrumentation and heartfelt performances.
The Cartridge Family
Melbourne’s favourite all-country outfit known for their sharp wit, clever lyricism and classic country twang.
Chloe Foy (England)
A mesmerising singer-songwriter whose rich, emotive voice and delicate arrangements have won critical acclaim across the UK and beyond.
Dan Webster and Emily Lawler (England)
A dynamic pairing blending Americana, folk and fiddle-led arrangements into stirring performances.
Darren Hanlon
Beloved troubadour and lyrical craftsman, Hanlon’s songs brim with charm, wit and timeless storytelling.
The Gathering
A collaborative project uniting diverse musical voices to celebrate connection, culture and community.
GK
A rising voice in contemporary, folk, hip hop and R&B weaving soulful melodies with raw honesty.
Inn Echo (Canadian)
A powerhouse trio from Prince Edward Island whose fiddle-driven sound blends traditional Celtic with modern energy.
Jeffrey Martin (USA)
An acclaimed American songwriter known for his poetic lyricism, rugged folk sound and captivating live shows.
Kankawa Nagarra
Esteemed First Nations artist whose songs carry stories of Country, culture and resilience.
Kasey Chambers
One of Australia’s most treasured voices, bringing her genre-defining blend of country and folk to the festival stage.
Kris Mizzi
An award-winning songwriter with a reputation for heartfelt, finely wrought ballads.
Lloyd Spiegel Trio
A commanding blues ensemble led by one of the country’s most respected guitarists and storytellers.
Rainbow Girls (USA)
An eclectic Californian trio serving up infectious harmonies, playful energy and genre-bending folk.
Robbie Cavanagh (Eng)
A captivating singer-songwriter with a knack for soulful Americana and beautiful, tender ballads.
Willie Watson (USA)
Folk icon and founding member of Old Crow Medicine Show, revered for his authentic voice and deep reverence for traditional song.
More than 100 artists will perform across four major stages on the Port Fairy Folk Festival arena, as well as within venues and halls around the Port Fairy village.
Program director Justin Rudge said the four-day weekend promises to be filled with unmissable moments of world-class music.
“For the 49th festival, we’re excited to be presenting a program of wishlist artists from all around the world,” Mr Rudge said.
“From international stars Iron & Wine, Willie Watson, Rainbow Girls and The Swell Season to local legends Kasey Chambers, Emma Donovan and Darren Hanlon, there really is something for every folk music lover.
“We encourage fans and folkies to secure their tickets and accommodation early as tens of thousands of music lovers will descend on Port Fairy come Labour Day long weekend.”
The Port Fairy Folk Festival is one of Australia’s longest running and most beloved music festivals, drawing audiences from around the country and around the world for almost five decades.
In 2027 the festival will celebrate its 50th anniversary, celebrating the major event that has driven awareness and economic impact for the town.
The 2026 festival will run from March 6-9.
Early bird tickets are available now at portfairyfolkfestival.com.
