2026 PROGRAM
Planning is well underway for the next Festival, 2-6 April 2026, and our team are excited to bring together an exceptional program to celebrate 60 Years of the National Folk Festival in 2026. Secure your tickets to see over 120 amazing artists from across Australia and the world in the unique setting of the National Folk Festival, where special collaborations and audience participation opportunities result in unique experiences you won't find anywhere else.
The Festival transforms Exhibition Park in Canberra into a village, with numerous venues spread across the site dedicated to music, dance, poetry, circus, workshops, sessions, family friendly and community arts activities, plus spontaneous street performances.
Read on for highlights of each day and check out our Artists page to see who's been announced so far! The full program grid will be available early in 2026 so you can begin planning your ultimate Festival itinerary.
DAY-BY-DAY HIGHLIGHTS
Most artists will appear over at least three days, but here’s a glimpse of what’s on each day:
Thursday: Welcome to Country begins our gathering, then Natalie & Brittany Haas, T3HO., The Inadequates, and Mandy Connell Trio on the stage; Phil Jamison, Bortier Okoe and Shane Lestideau on the dance floor; with Special Events including the Opening Concert, and Folk Family Singalong with Mandy Connell.
Friday: Spooky Men's Chorale, Grace Petrie, Nancy Kerr & James Fagan, Suga Cane Mamas and Tuck Shop Ladies on the stage; Grand Bal and Late Night Ceili on the dance floor; with Special Events including Songs of Protest, AFMA Showcase Concert, and the Festival Guitars Round Robin.
Saturday: Karen Lee Andrews, The Fagans, Windborne, Tony McManus, Wiradjuri Echoes, Warren Fahey and Liz Frencham on the stage; Queer Céilí, Ghanaian Dance Workshop, and Trad Rave on the dance floor; with Special Events including Concert for Peace, Dabke and Tatreez, and 60 Years of Festival Memories with Warren Fahey.
Sunday: Ruth Hazleton, Riccardo Tesi & Giua, Steve Poltz, Yulugi, Elias Alexander, and Shark & Fox on the stage; Bushranger's Ball and Appalachian Flatfooting and Clogging on the dance floor; with Special Events including The Great Poetry Debate, Festival Islanders Round Robin, Charley Castle's Big Newgrass Jam, and the Adults-Only Cabaret.
Monday: Dallahan, Kris Mizzi, San Miguel Fraser, Fred Smith, Maatakitj, and Apolline on the stage; Family Folk Rave, and Calling Round Australia on the dance floor; with Special Events including the Infinite Song Contest Final, Mickey & Michelle's Restrung, 60 Years of Queer, and the Farewell Concert and Farewell Dance closing out the evening.
Each day offers so much more, including Live at the National Variety Shows, Festival Made collaborative concerts, Circus Hokum daily shows, FolKwiz, Young Folk concerts, Festival ensembles, plus oodles of sessions, workshops, and captivating street performances.