Orkney Folk Festival has announced the first wave of artists appearing at the 2026 event, taking place 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. View the full line up.
This year’s furthest travelled acts are crossing the Atlantic. California’s Kenneth Pattengale, one half of The Milk Carton Kids, 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.
The Highlands will be further represented by the duo of Gary Innes and Ewen Henderson, who are celebrating 20 years of touring and performing together. They’ll be joined by special guest Rory Matheson, who is also performing as part of his new Scottish dance band, featuring Orkney’s own Kristan Harvey.
The festival is set to welcome two Irish acts: fiddle and piano duo, Fergal Scahill, known for his work with We Banjo 3, and Ryan Molloy; alongside acclaimed singer-songwriter Gráinne Hunt.
English singer-songwriters, John Smith, and Katie Spencer, also join the festival’s 2026 line up.
This year’s BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year, and the youngest ever recipient of the Scots Trad Music Awards’ Scots Singer of the Year, Ellie Beaton will feature in events.
The 2015 recipient of the Young Trad award, Scots singer, Claire Hastings, also makes a welcome return to the festival to lead her popular Claire’s Music Club workshops, offering interactive fun for under fives and their families.
Old Blind Dogs, who have received recognition as part of the Scots Trad Music Awards Hall of Fame also join the line up, alongside two newer acts: harp and fiddle duo, Rebecca Hill and Charlie Stewart; and Scottish group, Meallan, featuring Orkney fiddler, Kirsty Harrison.
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. These are just some of the Orcadian acts due to take to the stage, with more artists performing at the festival to be announced in 2026.
Next year’s event follows the 42nd edition of the festival in May 2025. It was another record-breaking year, with almost 9,000 tickets sold.
Orkney Folk Festival Producer, Craig Corse said: “At the halfway point between festivals — with six months having already passed since our record-breaking 2025 edition, and just six to go until the 43rd festival — it’s exciting to share what’s in store next year.
“Our 2026 line-up celebrates the diversity and connections within the ever-evolving folk genre, with Orkney very much at the heart of the festival. From leading transatlantic artists — encompassing Americana, Old Time, Creole, Cajun and Cape Breton traditions — to quite a few titans of the Scottish folk scene, we’ve also got exciting artists from Ireland, Finland and England making their Orkney debuts.
“We’re once again thrilled to be welcoming acclaimed and award-winning artists to the islands, as well as newer artists who I’m sure will be firm favourites. We’re also looking forward to announcing a great many more homegrown Orcadian artists in the new year, all of whom provide the festival’s legendary, heartfelt welcome to visiting audiences and artists alike.
“The countdown is officially on – and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to Stromness and across Orkney in May, for another fantastic festival weekend!”
Festival fans can play a part in the event’s continued success by joining the Orkney Friends supporter scheme from 1 December 2025.
For £60 per two adults, support for the volunteer-run charity offers great benefits in return, including: exclusive festival events; early ticket sale access; discounts on festival merchandise; and discounts on travel to Orkney, subject to annual sponsorship. Each Orkney Friends membership also offers early access to unlimited tickets for children.
Orkney Friends memberships will be on sale via the Orkney Folk Festival website between 1 December 2025 and 28 February 2026.