The Orkney Folk Festival will return in 2026 with another packed programme.
Leading international and Scottish artists set to appear alongside home-grown Orcadian talent between 21 and 24 May 2026.
Audiences can look forward to enjoying performances from artists from the USA, Canada, Finland, Ireland, England and Scotland in the festival’s 43rd year.
This year’s furthest travelled acts are crossing the Atlantic. California’s Kenneth Pattengale returns to the stage solo for the first time in 16 years, and will make his debut Orkney appearances. Louisiana’s Dirk Powell and Cedric Watson join forces with Dirk’s daughter, Amelia Powell, to bring their Cajun, Creole and Old Time Appalachian influenced sound. Meanwhile, Damn Tall Buildings, will be bringing their seamless harmonies and captivating solos to Orkney from Brooklyn for the first time.
Canada is also represented at the festival by three quarters of the legendary Cape Breton band Beòlach. Wendy MacIsaac, Mairi Rankin and Mac Morin are combining forces having all played at the festival as part of different line ups over the last 20 years. Finnish group, Polenta, are bringing their Fenno-Scandinavian influenced music to this year’s event, as they prepare to launch their third album in the spring.
Closer to home, audiences can look forward to seeing both of Scotland’s acclaimed fiddle supergroups, Blazin’ Fiddles and Session A9, in the same weekend. The Scottish electronica group Elephant Sessions will also return to the festival for some high energy performances. The event will also welcome virtuoso musicians from the Scottish Highlands. Duncan Chisholm will appear in a four-piece line up alongside Ross Ainslie, Hamish Napier and Sorren Maclean. Anna Massie will also appear in solo sets alongside her performances with Blazin’ Fiddles, following the release of her second album in 2024.
Orcadian teenagers Auskerry will return to the festival for the third time, while The Chair will bring their unique Viking berserker spirit to their regular Saturday stomp slot. Audiences can also look forward to performances from Orkney’s Stoatfinger and festival regulars, Saltfishforty.
More artists set to perform at the festival in 2026 will be announced in the New Year. Keep up to date on with programme and ticket information on the official Orkney Folk Festival website.
The Orkney Folk Festival has become one of the most popular events on the Orkney calendar, bringing four days of the finest folk music to the islands.
In a typical year, the festival will incorporate around 35 ticketed events across its four days, as well as countless pub sessions and free events in its hometown of Stromness. Around two thirds of the festival’s programme takes place in its west mainland base, with other events dotted around other Orcadian parishes and a few outer islands.
Since its inception in 1982, one of the festival’s most important characteristics is the balance of visiting and local artistes. Whilst the festival has become a sought-after stage amongst artists worldwide – and has been a four-day home for many, over the years – it is equally, if not more so, the local, Orcadian acts that make the festival what it is and keep the crowds coming.
Many folk enjoy the festival, and the atmosphere it creates, so much that they return year after year to experience the fine mixture of music and hospitality - with accommodation booked long before the line-up has been announced.
You can also keep up to date with the Orkney Folk Festival on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.