General News
30 August, 2026
Next wave of artists released
FOR almost 50 years like-minded music lovers and listeners have made their annual trek to the seaside town of Port Fairy for ‘the Folkie.’
Next March the festival will celebrate its golden anniversary, welcoming generations of music lovers back to the village for four days of music, fun and entertainment.
The Port Fairy Folk Festival organisers have this week released another wave of artists for its 50th anniversary line-up, bringing together much-loved favourites, international stars, and emerging artists from across the globe.
Announcing the first 38 artists coming to Port Fairy in March, festival program director Justin Ridge said the community was working hard to put together an amazing event to honour the milestone, as well as set the event up for the next 50 festivals.
“Additions to the line-up include previous Artists of the Year, festival favourites new and old, and performers travelling to our town from all over the world,” Mr Ridge said.
“As we enter our final ticketing tier we encourage all folkies, whether regular goers or those considering their first visit, to make sure they secure a ticket to what will be a very special moment in Australian music history.”
Included in this week’s release of artists were America’s Alice How and Freebo, The Milk Carton Kids, Ordinary Elephant and Sixpence None the Richer; Ireland’s Eleanor McEvoy, Joshua Burnside, and Luke Bloom; England’s Kate Rusby, and artists Sue Ray, Steph Strings, John Butler, Mia Dyson and more.
The Folkie will be a celebration of the deeply connected, nurturing community that Port Fairy is renowned for.
This special event will celebrate the music lovers who have gathered in the township for five decades; the old friends returning to familiar stages, the new generations discovering the festival for the first time, and those countless songs shared ‘en masse’ in the Shebeen.
With more artists still to be revealed, the 50th festival is shaping up to be one of the biggest and most memorable yet.
“For more than 30 years I’ve been involved with the Folkie and during that time I’ve seen the festival grow from a little gig on the back of a big red truck in the Botanic Gardens to a large-scale celebration that draws music fans and artists from all over the world,” festival committee president Bruce Leishman said.
“Fifty years is such a feat for our seaside village and we’re proud to be a part of this community-led event.
“We thank all our sponsors, friends and family, and most of all the Port Fairy community for getting behind this great event for 50 years.”
Gates will be open for the 50th Port Fairy Folk Festival at 12 noon on Friday, March 5.
