Auckland Folk Festival 2026

Experience the magic that is the Auckland Folk Festival at Kumeu Showgrounds on Anniversary Weekend from Jan 23rd to 26th 2026. With a massive programme on offer showcasing both local and international acts from across the musical spectrum. No matter what age or stage, from the very young to the young at heart, bring the whole family – there is something here for everyone!

The three-day spectacular, complete with covered marquees, onsite camping & food and market stalls, delivers like no other. It’s a relaxed weekend away, yet at the same time you can pack in as much as you like – there are five stages (including a dedicated kids’ stage), running all weekend. Food trucks cater to every diet, alongside flax weaving, pottery, music & dance workshops. Wherever you look, there’s shade under a leafy tree, and space for all to come together, to enjoy friends, family, beautiful music and great food.

Headlining the festival this year is multi-award winning indie-folk favourite Mel Parsons. 

Two-time JUNO award winning artist Old Man Luedecke joins the lineup, one of Canada’s best loved and most intriguing roots singer-songwriters.  Multi-award winning Canadian Troubadours, Scott Cook & Pamela Mae, return to NZ, touring for the first time as a duo and ready to bring their hope and warmth filled show to the stages of this years folk festival!

Dragkroka and Marine/Simonson/Wiskari are two fantastic Nordic groups heading to Aotearoa to delight audiences at the 2026 festival, bridging both hemispheres and traditions.

Acclaimed British Folk-Punk Ballad singer Jennifer Reid returns to NZ post her hugely successful recent NZ tour, alongside the talented singing trio Culverake, rounding out the international lineup.

There’s loads of fun to be had with Aotearoa’s Turkey the Bird and Hot Diggity, all set to bring plenty of sparkle and pizzazz to this year’s Auckland Folk Festival. 

Butter Wouldn’t Melt, Tom Cunliffe, Mice on Stilts and Miriam McCombe provide a beautiful snapshot of the current New Zealand folk scene.

The Kids Stage will run with multi-award winning Simon Stanley and Parrot and the Pocket as featured guests.

If you’re the type to play a little guitar in your down time, join a workshop to hone your skills. It’s as low pressure, high value as you get, with educational workshops running all weekend. International tutors will bring their knowledge to you, all you have to do is say yes!