Auckland Folk Festival is returning in 2026, with headliner Mel Parsons, Old Man Luedecke, Cassie and Maggie, and more on the lineup.
The festival is returning to Kumeu Showgrounds over Auckland Anniversary Weekend, January 23rd-26th, 2026. The massive programme showcases both local and international acts from across the musical spectrum, marking the perfect end to summer.
New Zealand indie-folk favourite Mel Parsons is set to headline the event, bringing her beguiling voice, razor sharp wit, and deft hand to the festival stage. Her live shows and exquisitely crafted music have won her a dedicated fan base across six records and countless national and international tours. Parsons was also a 2025 Taite Music Prize finalist and a finalist in the Album of the Year and Best Folk Artist categories at the 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards.
Two-time Juno Award winner Old Man Leudecke joins her on the lineup. One of Canada’s most intriguing roots singer-songwriter, he is known for his masterful banjo playing and narrative-driven songs. Cassie and Maggie will join, hailing from Nova Scotia, showcasing their thrilling blend of fiddle, piano, guitar, and harmonies in both English and Gaelic.
Nordic groups Dragkroka and Marine/Simonson/Wiskari are also on the bill, as well as British folk-punk singer Jennifer Reid, and singing trio Culverake.
Aotearoa talent on the lineup includes internationally acclaimed musician Rob Thorne, Turkey the Bird, Hot Diggity, and Bazurka. Meanwhile, Hinekoia Tomlinson will be running workshops throughout the festival.
The three-day festival is complete with marquees, onsite camping, food and market stalls, five stages (including a dedicated kids stage), and various arts and music workshops.
Love Music?
Get your daily dose of everything happening in Australian/New Zealand music and globally.
Tickets are now available here.
2026 AUCKLAND FOLK FESTIVAL LINEUP
Adam & Marika
Bazurka
Butter Wouldn’t Melt
Cassie & Maggie (CAN)
Celtic Ferret
Culverake (UK)
Dragkroka (SWE)
Hinekoia Tomlinson
Hot Diggity
Jeff Davis
Jennifer Reid (UK)
Marine/Simonson/Wiskari (SWE)
Mel Parsons
Mice on Stilts
Miriam McCombe
Old Man Luedecke (CAN)
Olive Mortimer
Parrot in the Pocket
Petty Grass
Sammy Leary
Simon Stanley
Tom Cunliffe
Turkey the Bird
& much more!
