Your bumper guide to the National Folk Festival 2026

Posted on 27 March, 2026

 The heart and home of Australian folk culture is back for another year – here’s your guide to the National Folk Festival 2026.

When the Easter long weekend rolls around, there’s one event that lights up Canberra: The National Folk Festival. And this year promises to be their biggest and best yet.

Celebrating 60 years of highlighting the diversity of folk traditions in Australia, here’s everything you need to know about this year’s ‘Folkie’. Hold onto your hats, because it’s a bumper ride (and guide).

What is it?

The National Folk Festival is the longest-standing event of its kind in Australia – and if that doesn’t impress you, we don’t know what will.

First held in Melbourne in 1967 and calling Canberra home since 1992, for six decades, the National Folk Festival has been an annual gathering of the Australian folk community.

Bringing together world-class performers, established and emerging artists and music lovers across five days, it’s all about celebrating the world of folk.

When and where is it happening?

The 2026 National Folk Festival will be taking over Exhibition Park from Thursday 2 until Monday 6 April. That’s right – you now have plans for your Easter long weekend.

Kicking off from 5 pm on Thursday 2 April, events will be running from 8.30 am until 11 pm most days. For those who don’t want to head home between days, you can book a camping ticket to make the most of your time.

What’s happening?

This year, there will be everything from music to dance, poetry, cultural arts and even circus performances. And because it’s a five-day event, there will be a lot to see and do.

Make sure to check out the full program so you can plan your weekend, but to make your life a little bit easier we’ve found some highlights. For music lovers, don’t miss performances from Suga Cane Mamas, Irish Mythen, Maeve Grieve, T3HO and Elias Alexander.

For those who prefer spoken word, pop The Poet’s Breakfast into your diary to hear from Peter Pentland (AKA Hayseed), Tug Dumbly, and the Deelightfultales.

Dancers will have an abundance of workshops to choose from, including Appalachian, Ghanian and Indian dance. For those with two left feet, other workshops include the Ngunnawal Cultural Workshop, Yoga and Wild Georgian Yodelling (yes, really).

Looking for something family-friendly? Don’t miss Intro to Slam and Creative Writing, Sapling Sessions, Maypole and Circus Hokum. And that’s just the beginning. With 120 artists from around Australia performing, it will be a vibrant celebration.

What can I eat and drink?

Don’t worry, you won’t be going hungry. With a long tradition of hosting fantastic food and drink stalls, there is sure to be something yummy at The National Folk Festival. With stallholders still to be announced, keep an eye out!

How can I get there?

For those planning to drive, you have two routes to choose from: the Barton Highway and the Federal Highway. Make sure to check out the linked Google Maps for the best directions.

For those planning to catch public transport, the tram is the best way to go. There’s a stop right outside the Flemington Ticket Office – check out the map here. Coming from the south? Here’s something to help you plan your bus route. Make sure to leave extra travel time!

What else do I need to know?

April is when it starts to get chilly in Canberra, and there will be a cloakroom available at the festival, so you can store your coat for when the sun goes down. There will also be a festival shuttle bus running on site to help attendees get around.

The Festival Shop will also be running, so you’ll be able to grab yourself some National Folk Festival merchandise!

Otherwise, that’s about it. With lots of special events planned for the 60th anniversary, make sure to book your tickets now so you don’t miss out.

Feature image supplied.