As the vibrant city of Auckland looks ahead to the heart of summer in 2026, music lovers are already marking their calendars for two standout events that are set to define the region’s live music scene. The Auckland Folk Festival, returning with a star-studded lineup to the Kumeu Showgrounds from January 23rd to 26th, 2026, promises a celebration of roots, community, and artistic excellence. Meanwhile, the city is still buzzing from the electrifying performance by American soul sensation Teddy Swims, who turned Spark Arena into a haven of collective catharsis on October 9, 2025.
For fans of folk, the Auckland Folk Festival’s return is nothing short of a summer highlight. According to The Brag, this three-day extravaganza will transform the Kumeu Showgrounds into a musical wonderland, complete with marquees, onsite camping, food and market stalls, and five stages—including one dedicated entirely to children. The festival’s program is, as always, a blend of local and international talent, with headliners that span the folk spectrum and promise to draw crowds from across New Zealand and beyond.
Leading the charge is New Zealand’s own Mel Parsons, a beloved indie-folk artist whose “beguiling voice, razor sharp wit, and deft hand” (as described by The Brag) have earned her a loyal following. Parsons’ accolades continue to mount; she was a 2025 Taite Music Prize finalist and received nominations for Album of the Year and Best Folk Artist at the 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards. Her presence at the festival is expected to be a major draw, capping off a year of critical acclaim and extensive touring.
Joining Parsons on the main stage is Canadian roots singer-songwriter Old Man Luedecke, a two-time Juno Award winner renowned for his masterful banjo playing and storytelling prowess. His songs, often laced with wit and wisdom, have made him a favorite in folk circles both at home and abroad. Another international highlight is the Nova Scotian duo Cassie and Maggie, who bring a thrilling blend of fiddle, piano, guitar, and harmonies—performed in both English and Gaelic—to the festival’s diverse lineup.
The festival’s international flavor doesn’t stop there. Nordic groups Dragkroka and Marine/Simonson/Wiskari are set to deliver their unique sounds, while British folk-punk singer Jennifer Reid and the vocal trio Culverake add further depth to the bill. On the local front, Aotearoa’s own Rob Thorne, Turkey the Bird, Hot Diggity, and Bazurka will showcase the rich tapestry of New Zealand’s folk scene. Workshops led by Hinekoia Tomlinson will offer festival-goers a chance to engage with the music on a deeper level, ensuring that the event is as educational as it is entertaining.
The full festival lineup reads like a who’s who of contemporary folk: Adam & Marika, Butter Wouldn’t Melt, Celtic Ferret, Jeff Davis, Mice on Stilts, Miriam McCombe, Olive Mortimer, Parrot in the Pocket, Petty Grass, Sammy Leary, Simon Stanley, Tom Cunliffe, and many more are set to perform. With tickets already on sale as of October 9, 2025, anticipation is building for what promises to be a memorable edition of one of New Zealand’s most beloved music festivals.
While fans look forward to the folk festivities, Auckland has only just caught its breath after Teddy Swims’ unforgettable night at Spark Arena. According to Music & Gigs, the October 9 concert was more than just a show—it was “a collective emotional release,” with Swims’ powerful vocals and heartfelt storytelling creating an atmosphere that was both intimate and electric. The crowd of 12,000 was treated to a marathon setlist of 25 songs, spanning the full spectrum of love, loss, and healing.
Swims’ ability to connect with his audience was on full display from the outset. Early in the set, he paused to encourage fans to hydrate and look after themselves. “I want you to look after yourselves,” he said, gently reminding everyone that the ‘I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy’ tour was about more than just music. “This tour’s called I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy… and I have been to therapy. It’s great,” he joked, drawing laughter and applause.
Throughout the night, Swims shared deeply personal stories, including reflections on finding closure after heartbreak and the joys of fatherhood. He spoke candidly about his three-month-old son, who was with him in Auckland for his very first passport stamp, and paid tribute to his partner and mothers everywhere. “We should respect them more,” he said before launching into one of the evening’s most tender moments with “Need You More.”
The concert wasn’t without its unscripted moments. When a scuffle broke out in the crowd, Swims handled it with characteristic care: “Hey, there’s a fight going on over there… we don’t fight at a Teddy Swims concert.” The interruption, far from derailing the night, only underscored the sense of community and kindness that defined the event.
Humor was never far from the surface. In a now-legendary moment, Swims disappeared mid-show only to return seated on a “toilet throne,” launching into “Your Kind of Crazy” to the delight of the crowd. Later, he invited fans to pick a song from a stack of cards, resulting in a heartfelt cover of Shania Twain’s “Still the One.” He also paid homage to New Zealand’s own Six60 with a snippet of “Rivers,” a gesture that sent the audience into a frenzy.
Swims’ vocals were, by all accounts, flawless throughout the night. Tracks like “Guilty,” “The Door,” and “Small Hands” showcased his ability to move seamlessly from powerhouse anthems to moments of raw vulnerability. As he sang, he sometimes wiped away tears, the emotion in the room palpable. “It wasn’t staged or polished, it was raw and genuine,” Music & Gigs reported. “He wiped his eyes and kept singing, and the entire arena stayed with him.”
The show’s marathon setlist kept fans enthralled from start to finish, with no one checking the time or wishing for an early end. As the night drew to a close, Swims announced his next stop would be Australia, with tickets still available for those eager to catch the magic live.
With the Auckland Folk Festival on the horizon and memories of Teddy Swims’ emotional Spark Arena show still fresh, Auckland’s music scene is thriving. Whether it’s the communal spirit of a folk festival or the cathartic power of a soul concert, the city continues to prove that live music has a unique ability to bring people together—and, sometimes, to heal.
