The Swell Season, Iron & Wine & Emma Donovan Lead 2026 Port Fairy Folk Festival Line Up

Fresh off the back of a massive year in 2025, the revered Port Fairy Folk Festival is back for another outing, announcing the first line up for its 2026 event.

Taking place in the Victorian seaside village of Port Fairy, the long-running affair returns for a four-day event next year, running across the Labour Day weekend from March 6th to March 9th.

Kicking off the bill is a selection of fine Aussie artists, including the likes of the Pierce Brothers, Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham, and Emma Donovan, who reimagines beloved classics as part of her Take Me To The River show.

The first line up is rounded out by myriad internationals this year, including the likes of revered singer-songwriter Iron & Wine for the first time, the elusive Academy Award-winning duo of Markéta Irglová and Glen Hansard’s The Swell Season, and Iceland’s folk poet Svavar Knútur.

But it doesn’t end there, with the likes of Åkervinda, Gráinne Hunt, Beoga, Northern Resonance, Windborne, Nico Paulo, Steve Poltz, and Elephant Sessions also joining the festivities.

“This first line up truly reflects the spirit of Port Fairy – global, diverse, and deeply rooted in the joy of live music,” said Festival Program Director Justin Rudge.

“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.”

The Port Fairy Folk Festival has an extensive history, tracing all the way back to 1977, with a long list of famed local and international artists gracing its stages over the years. The 2025 edition of the festival boasted the likes of Todd Rundgren, Missy Higgins, and Elsy Wameyo, just to name a few.

Early bird tickets to the 2026 Port Fairy Folk Festival are on sale now, with further additions to the line up expected over the coming months.

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Port Fairy Folk Festival 2026

Friday, 6th March-Sunday, 9th March – Port Fairy, VIC

Åkervinda
Blair Dunlop
Beoga
Elephant Sessions
Emma Donovan – Take Me To The River
Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham
Gráinne Hunt
Iron & Wine
Mary Coughlan
Mia Kelly
Nico Paulo
Northern Resonance
Pierce Brothers
Steve Poltz
Svavar Knútur
The Swell Season
Windborne