After the success if this year's event, The Port Fairy Folk Festival has announced its dates for 2026;
Four stages, 500 artists, and thousands of folkies—Port Fairy Folk Festival lit up the coast with a long weekend of tunes and unforgettable seaside energy. What a lively long weekend of folk music and unforgettable beach energy the 48th Port Fairy Folk Festival was! An annual event that, perhaps, doesn’t get any better than this — this year’s event attracted crowds of over 10,000 people each day, filling the south-west Victorian coastal town in celebration of the fusion of culture and music.
“Thousands of families and Folkie fans in the region explored the beaches, walks, bike trails, and restaurants in addition to what the festival had to offer. We are so proud of our not-for-profit event that puts so much into this wonderful community for everyone to enjoy,” said Port Fairy Folk Festival Programme Director Justin Rudge.
Read all the latest product & music industry news here.
This year, the Port Fairy Folk Festival ran from the 7th to 10th of March and saw over 500 musicians from around the world perform on four massive stages at the Festival Arena, as well as in small halls and venues around Port Fairy.
Featuring world-renowned artists Peter Garrett, Todd Rundgren, Bonny Light Horseman, Cat Power, Vika & Linda, Troy Cassar-Daley, Don Walker, Ruthie Foster, The East Pointers and many more, the festival’s energy couldn’t have been more electric. Fans of all generations jammed and bonded together to the sounds of outstanding music.
The seaside village was packed with music lovers heading to the area over the long weekend, with more than 20,000 people experiencing the activities, live music and markets taking place in the main streets and around Port Fairy.
This is truly a huge success — and a meaningful contribution to folk music and the broader music industry — inspiring music lovers from all over the world.
“The festival is a massive boost for the health and well-being of all ages. We are a strong organisation, and our event will continue to benefit regional Victoria and become a mecca for all forms of music. Thank you to EVERYONE!” said Port Fairy Folk Festival Chairman Bruce Leishman.
For almost 50 years, the beautiful coastal village of Port Fairy — just three hours from Melbourne — has been a tourist destination, an annual pilgrimage for fans looking to combine the sun and surf of Port Fairy with their favourite or soon-to-be-discovered artist.
Still feeling the festival spirit, or missed out this time? The 49th Port Fairy Folk Festival will take place in Port Fairy, Victoria, from 6–9 March 2026. Tickets to the annual event will go on sale in mid-2025 at portfairyfolkfestival.com.
