A joyful, multi-generational celebration of music, memories and the magic on the Victorian South West coast, with more artists joining the 2027 50th Festival lineup.
For half a century, Port Fairy Folk Festival has given music lovers a reason to return to the seaside village on Victoria’s South West coast. For the music, the friendships, the unexpected discoveries and the memories that stay with you long after the last song.
Over the March long weekend, the much-loved Festival celebrates 50 years, inviting generations of Folkies to come together once again for four days of music and culture, with another 21 artists joining an already jam-packed milestone program.
The latest announcement spans folk, roots, indie-rock, contemporary pop and traditional music, with highlights including acclaimed American singer-songwriter Joan As Police Woman, US indie-folk favourites Midlake, Australian folk icons The Bushwackers, British guitar virtuoso Newton Faulkner and sea shanty sensations The Longest Johns.
They join an international and homegrown lineup featuring Canadian folk artist Kaïa Kater, Catalan-Spanish experimental vocalist Maria Arnal, Scottish Gaelic singer-songwriter Norrie Tago MacIver, Irish-English folk collection Ranagri, Canadian traditional music group Rum Ragged and Scottish-Australian act Good Guy Hank, alongside returning Australian favourites including The Little Stevies and Pierce Brothers.
The 21 new artists join the celebratory lineup which features The Waifs, John Butler Trio, Sixpence None The Richer, The Milk Carton Kids, Kate Rusby, Kutcha Edwards, Luka Bloom, Grace Petrie, Eleanor McEvoy, Skerryvore, Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, The Burning Hell, Steph Strings, Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission and many more.
The 50th anniversary is a milestone to celebrate what the heart of Port Fairy Folk Festival has always been – the experience itself. The familiar journey back to the coast, the salty air and windswept beaches, the historic streetscape surrounding the busking stage of Fiddlers Green.
In 2027, the Festival honours the audience and friends who meet here year after year, the families who have made the Festival a tradition and the next generation discovering the joyful event for the first time.
For some, Port Fairy Folk Festival means decades of memories; for others, 2027 will be the beginning of the next 50 years of story-making. Across generations, the Festival has built its reputation as a place where music creates connections between artists and audiences, drawing inspiration from cultures and traditions.
And there’s still more to come for 2027 with additional artists, special events and activities still to be announced as the Festival prepares to mark five decades of bringing good folk together for the love of music.
Port Fairy Folk Festival’s 50th anniversary event takes place in Port Fairy, Victoria across the Labour Day long weekend, Friday 5 to Monday 8 March 2027.
Gates open 12noon Friday 5 March. Adult and Youth Tickets are available now. Children aged 12 and under are free with a parent/guardian. Information at portfairyfolkfestival.com
ANNOUNCING 21 NEW ARTISTS…
A.C. Saunders Australian singer-songwriter bringing heartfelt storytelling and contemporary folk sensibilities.
The Bushwackers Australian folk-rock legends renowned for their bush ballads, country dances and rousing singalongs.
Daisy Kilbourne Singer-songwriter bringing warmth and thoughtful storytelling to the contemporary folk tradition.
Gina Williams-Ghouse and the Woolah Band A powerful celebration of Noongar language, culture and contemporary music.
Good Guy Hank (SCO/AUS) A Scottish-Australian band blending rootsy songwriting and folk influences.
Joan As Police Woman (USA) Acclaimed singer-songwriter Joan Wasser, celebrated for her soulful voice and expressive art-pop.
Joe H Henry (CAN) Canadian folk artist bringing a distinctive voice to the contemporary roots music scene.
Kaïa Kater (CAN) Award-winning Canadian musician blending Appalachian folk, banjo traditions and contemporary songwriting.
The Little Stevies Australian sibling duo delivering gorgeous harmonies, witty lyrics and feel-good acoustic pop.
The Longest Johns (ENG) British folk group known for rousing sea shanties, rich harmonies and communal singalongs.
Maria Arnal (CAT/ESP) Innovative vocalist and composer exploring traditional song, experimental electronics and contemporary pop.
Midlake (USA) American indie band known for richly layered arrangements and atmospheric melodies.
Newton Faulkner (ENG) British singer-songwriter and guitar virtuoso with a distinctive percussive playing style.
Norrie Tago MacIver (SCO) Scottish Gaelic singer-songwriter celebrating the language and musical traditions of the Hebrides.
Norwood Alt-folk group from Melbourne returning to the festival and bringing their full band.
Pierce Brothers Australian indie-folk duo known for intricate guitar work and energetic live performances.
Ranagri (IRE/ENG) Irish-English folk collective blending traditional instrumentation, soaring vocals and contemporary arrangements.
Rum Ragged (CAN) Award-winning Newfoundland folk band bringing the spirited musical traditions of Atlantic Canada to the stage.
Shackleton 3 A revived Australian holiday folk-rock project featuring Mick Thomas, Anna Burley (The Killjoys), and Olivia Bolmat (Norwood)
The Southern Ocean Sea Band Bringing maritime music and seafaring traditions into the Festival’s coastal setting.
Wilsn Australian soul and R&B artist known for their powerful vocals and emotionally rich songwriting.