From a truck-bed stage on a summer’s day in 1977 to one of Australia’s most loved and enduring cultural events, the Port Fairy Folk Festival is a remarkable regional success story – and a proud member of Regional Arts Victoria.
Held each year over the Victorian Labour Day long weekend in March, the Festival transforms the picturesque, historic seaside township of Port Fairy into a vibrant four-day celebration of music, culture and community. Audiences flock from across Australia and beyond to experience a rich and diverse program featuring world-class artists, multi-venue performances in the main arena, free entertainment throughout the town, exhibitions, community markets, interactive workshops, forums, themed concerts and showcases, theatre, film, a writer’s program, roving performances, handmade crafts, exceptional food and family-friendly activities.
Program Director, Justin Rudge says,
“We program local talent alongside internationally famous acts, and honestly the crowd goes wild for both! Whether it’s Find Your Voice Collective’s all abilities choir getting hundreds of people dancing and singing along, Lian Husi Timor sharing their Timorese heritage with the region, or homegrown acts like the Southern Ocean Sea Band teaching sea shanties, our program is jam-packed with diverse acts”
Since 2020, the festival has offered the Future Folk program, a unique artist development and performance opportunity for young musicians from southwest Victoria.
The program provides musicians with paid performance opportunities including a 20-minute live set, a spot in the Festival Arena program and the chance to do a follow-up performance at Queenscliff Music Festival. They also get mentoring sessions with music industry professionals and artists, such as producers, songwriters, booking agents and many others to help them at the start of their careers. Justin explains,
“2026 is the sixth year Folkie is collaborating with Moyne Shire Council and friends in the regional events sector to run FutureFolk, our artist development and performance program for young musicians. It’s one of the most impactful ways we give local emerging artists a leg-up, with genuine performance pathways often leading back to the Port Fairy Folk Festival.”
Previous participants include Evie Mae, who was also mentored through RAV’s Creative Leaders Program. Evie told us,
“Being part of the Future Folk program has opened more doors and given me more opportunities than I could have ever imagined. From playing on some of the biggest stages in the folk scene as an artist to meeting so many industry people and gaining industry experience behind the scenes, I’ve been so lucky to have both the Folkie and RAV supporting me all the way. We have such a tight arts community in the southwest and I feel very privileged to be a part of it!”
Other Future Folk alumni are also kicking goals. Gunditjmara rapper, Hundo Milli became the first indigenous rapper to perform at Parliament House, and the 2022 participant, Flynn Gurry, has been signed by ABC Music, gone on to tour Australia and perform at Triple J’s One Night Stand!
Each year musicians from southwest Victoria build their skills, networks and experience through Future Folk and other programs delivered by RAV, Councils and others passionate about helping communities to thrive. Living in regional Victoria can be a powerful gateway — not a barrier — offering with close-knit networks, supportive organisations and passionate locals willing to help you achieve your dreams!
Port Fairy Folk Festival stands as a powerful example of what is possible when community, culture and creativity come together. As a RAV member, the festival continues to inspire artists, audiences and regional communities alike – celebrating music, nurturing connection and proving that world-class cultural experiences can thrive far from the city lights. As Justin says,
“We love working with RAV across the state and also within the southwest region. Supporting the arts across regional areas is a priority of the Port Fairy Folk Festival, and as one of the largest musical events in regional Australia, we rely strongly on the support, advice and collaboration with the RAV across many different areas of the organisation”
The Port Fairy Folk Festival will take place from 6 to 9 March in 2026 and will celebrate its 50-year anniversary in 2027, so stay tuned for big things!
Main image courtesy of Port Fairy Folk Festival
Posted 4 February 2026