Auckland Folk Festival 2026 Lineup Announced ft. Mel Parsons, Old Man Luedecke (CAN) + More

Truly Tāmaki Makaurau's longest running music and arts festival, Auckland Folk Festival embodies a local musical tradition stretching all the way back to the early 1970s, when "Auckland's original folkies gathered at Moller's farm to sing, dance and play together." A wide array of songwriters of all kinds of folk and adjacent styles are converging upon Kumeū Showgrounds for the festival this summer during Auckland Anniversary Weekend from 23rd to 26th January, including a number of special guests from beyond our shores.

Making her way northwards from Ōhinehou Lyttelton is headliner Mel Parsons, 2020 Best Folk Artist winner and twice recipient of the Tūī award for Best Folk Album, whose 2024 long player Sabotage earned a finalist placing for the prestigious Taite Music Prize. The sprawling four day programme also includes two-time Juno Award winning Canadian roots star Old Man Luedecke, fellow Canadians sibling folk duo Cassie and Maggie, Scott Cook & Pamela Mae also from Canada, Swedish artists Dragkroka and Marine / Simonson / Wiskari — performing in collaboration with Aotearoa taonga pūoro practitioner Rob Thorne (Ngāti Tumutumu, Tainui) — plus guests from the UK, folk-punk singer Jennifer Reid and Culverake.

Dive into the newly expanded list of local and international acts performing at the five-stage (including dedicated kids stage), whānau-friendly festival early next year, which will also feature accessible onsite camping, food and market stalls, flax weaving, pottery, music / dance workshops, and even more...

Auckland Folk Festival 2026
Friday 23rd January to Monday 26th January (Auckland Anniversary Weekend) - Kumeū Showgrounds, Auckland (all-ages)

Featuring... Adam & Marika, Bazurka, Butter Wouldn't Melt, Cassie & Maggie (CAN), Chelsea Prastiti, Celtic Ferret, Culverake (UK), Dragkroka (SWE), Hinekoia, Tomlinson, Hot Diggity, Jeff Davis (US), Jennifer Reid (UK), Marine / Simonson / Wiskari (SWE), Medena Ensemble, Mel Parsons, Mice on Stilts, Miriam McCombe, Old Man Luedecke (CAN), Olive Mortimer, Parrot in the Pocket, Petty Grass, Rob Thorne, Sammy Leary, Scott Cook & Pamela Mae (CAN), Simon Stanley, Tom Cunliffe, Turkey the Bird, ZORA + more

Full info at aucklandfolkfestival.co.nz
Tickets on sale at eventbrite.co.nz

Experience Mel Parsons' latest single 'Don't Leave the Light On'...

Here's Old Man Luedecke playing 'I Quit My Job' live at WAMU's Bluegrass Country...

Press release:

Auckland Folk Festival is set to make a roaring return in 2026! Delighting families and friends for over 50 years, and returning to Kumeu Showgrounds over Auckland Anniversary Weekend (23-26 January 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!

As New Zealand's largest folk festival, the 2026 Auckland Folk Festival, is the perfect end to the summer season, with a diverse selection of the best in contemporary and traditional folk music & dance, for music lovers of all ages. 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.