Just when you thought the Port Fairy Folk Festival line-up couldn’t get any richer, the beloved coastal gathering has dropped another generous handful of names ahead of its 49th outing this March. The latest announcement brings together international trailblazers, powerhouse First Nations voices, community collectives and genre-hopping favourites, all bound for Port Fairy across the Labour Day long weekend.
This fourth artist reveal deepens the festival’s reputation as one of Australia’s most adventurous and welcoming music celebrations. From soul and gospel that lifts the rafters, to intimate folk confessionals, Celtic stomp-alongs, indie dreamscapes and moments where audiences are invited to join in, this is a program built on connection as much as sound.
Annahstasia (USA)
Annie & The Caldwells (USA)
Bumpy
Charley Castle & the Boys in the Well
Claymore
The Deserters
Ella Ion
Emily Wurramara
Gabby Steel
Grigoryan Brothers
Hassall
Irish Mythen (IRE/CAN)
Kaitrock (USA)
Kaurna Cronin
Lian Husi Timor
Liz Stringer
Maddie Jackway
Maggie Carty
Nick Charles
Queenie & Hank
Sam Evian (USA)
Shane O’Mara & Jac Tonks
Sons of the East
Tin Shed Singers
Brian Nankervis
Find Your Voice Collective Showcase
Festival Choir
Yoga & Live Music
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Among the new additions are rising US soul force Annahstasia, Mississippi gospel royalty Annie & The Caldwells, and Florida-based Irish dancer Kaitrock, fresh from touring with Beyoncé. Much-loved Australian voices also feature strongly, including ARIA-nominated Bumpy, Emily Wurramara, Liz Stringer and Kaurna Cronin, alongside harmony-heavy favourites Sons of the East and guitar masters the Grigoryan Brothers.
There’s plenty of colour in the details too. Expect bluegrass heat from Charley Castle & the Boys in the Well, Celtic fire from returning favourites Claymore, folk noir atmospheres from The Deserters, and joyful community energy courtesy of the Tin Shed Singers. Queenie & Hank promise a modern spin on classic country duets, while Shane O’Mara and Jac Tonks stretch genres into new, curious shapes. There’s also a bunch of local flavour on there from regional Victoria including Hassall, Gabby Steel, and Maddie Jackway.
Port Fairy’s heart for participation also shines through, with the return of the Festival Choir, the uplifting Find Your Voice Collective Showcase, and the always-popular Yoga & Live Music sessions to ease into the day by the sea. Beloved broadcaster Brian Nankervis will once again be on hand, championing Australian music culture and keeping the good stories flowing.
Program Director Justin Rudge says this announcement captures exactly what makes Port Fairy Folk Festival so special. It is about world-class artists sharing space with emerging voices, community choirs and shared experiences, celebrating music as something that connects people across cultures, generations and stories.
Now just two months away, the 49th Port Fairy Folk Festival is shaping up as another unforgettable long weekend of music, creativity and togetherness in one of Victoria’s most cherished coastal towns.
Port Fairy Folk Festival runs from 6 to 9 March 2026. Tickets and full program details are available at portfairyfolkfestival.com.