ANN ARBOR – As we get ready to roll out the full details of the 49th Ann Arbor Folk Festival next month, we’re excited to announce that Bank of Ann Arbor will once again join The Ark as Folk Fest 2026’s Presenting Sponsor.
“This never gets old,” says Tim Marshall, Executive Chairman of the Board and CEO of Bank of Ann Arbor. “We’ve been the presenting sponsor of this amazing festival for four straight years now, and it gets more exciting every year. That’s what great traditions do: They get better with age. As always, Bank of Ann Arbor is proud to be a partner with Marianne and her great team, and to once again bring an exceptional lineup of performers to the town we love.”
“The Ark and the Ann Arbor Folk Festival continue to bring great music to the region thanks to the deep support from members, volunteers, audiences, and community partners.” says Ark Executive Director, Marianne James. “Bank of Ann Arbor is a fantastic partner and true champion of live music. In a time when community support of the arts is more important than ever, Bank of Ann Arbor leads the way in amplifying the vital programming of organizations like The Ark. With their support, Folk Fest continues to expand and evolve as a celebrated showcase for musical tradition and innovation.”
The Ann Arbor Folk Festival is the largest annual fundraising effort for The Ark, Ann Arbor’s non-profit home for folk, roots, and acoustic music. Featuring a blend of renowned and up-and-coming performers, the program provides audience members with the opportunity to hear artists they know and love while discovering great new talent.
In 2026, Folk Fest will return to Hill Auditorium with a modified format. Based on audience feedback, opening night of the Festival on Friday, January 30 will have a slightly later start time for a shortened evening featuring a full concert from a headlining artist. On Saturday, January 31, attendees can expect the familiar festival format with several emerging and well-known artists. As always, the festival delivers the full spectrum of “Ark music,” presenting a taste of what’s happening on the leading edge of acoustic music while delving into the very heart of folk and roots traditions. Watch for The Ark to reveal this year’s Saturday lineup on Tuesday, November 11 and announce Friday night’s headliner on Monday, November 17.
About The Ark Considered one of the top music clubs in the world, The Ark is renowned for the quality and breadth of its programming. The Ark is an intimate 400-seat club presenting performers who fall into the wide-ranging genres of folk and roots music. The Ark, now in its 60th year, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the enrichment of the human spirit through the presentation, preservation and encouragement of folk, roots and ethnic music and related arts. The Ark provides a welcoming atmosphere for all people to listen to, learn about, perform and share music. Visit theark.org for more information.
