WOODFORD Folk Festival is set to deliver an economic boost of more than $28 million to the local region when it opens later this week, with more than 165,000 visitor nights expected to transform Woodfordia into a vibrant hub of creativity, arts and culture.
Running from December 27 to January 1, the iconic six-day and six-night festival will once again take over the 500-acre Woodfordia site, drawing tens of thousands of visitors to one of Queensland’s most significant cultural and tourism events.
This year’s festival carries special significance following the recent passing of founder Bill Hauritz AM, marking the first event without him. Festival Director Amanda Jackes said the Woodfordia community accepted with “great pride” the responsibility of carrying his vision forward.
“As we move through to this year’s festival, the lore Bill instilled in us rings in our hearts as clearly as the Bell at the 3 Minutes of Silence,” Ms Jackes said.
Leading the 2025–26 line-up is Electric Fields, the award-winning duo who represented Australia at Eurovision 2024, blending electronic soul with Anangu language. Country music icon Troy Cassar-Daley brings his 45 Golden Guitars and renowned storytelling, while three-time ARIA winner Sarah Blasko delivers her acclaimed indie sound.
The program also features ARIA-winning soul artist Budjerah, powerful Indigenous rapper BARKAA, singer-songwriter Lior, and returning favourites Hollow Coves, whose co-founder Ryan Henderson first discovered his love of acoustic music at Woodford.
The Australian line-up is rounded out by KUČKA, Birdz and Fred Leone, San Cisco, Briggs, Mama Kin Spender, Gordi, Beddy Rays and C.W. Stoneking. International acts include South Africa’s Msaki, Canadian artist Richard Wood, Kenyan performer Kasiva Matua and Scotland’s Talisk. Beyond music, festivalgoers can experience circus, theatre and comedy, including the Stunned Mullets’ triple trapeze performances, Papua New Guinea’s Ambum Cultural Group, Otto & Astrid, and comedians Oliver Clarke and Meg Jäger. The festival also offers six days and nights of workshops, dance parties, music camps, meditation in motion and a live-action game for teenagers. Younger audiences are catered for at the Tinlids Children’s Festival, featuring a packed program of creative and educational activities.
The festival culminates on New Year’s Eve before continuing through January 1 with the Renewal Ceremony, officially closing that evening. For tickets, visit woodfordfolkfestival.com.au.
