Ben Folds Five is back. The piano-driven alt-rock trio has announced its first full U.S. tour in roughly 15 years, with an initial run of nine April 2027 shows across the South. The reunion brings together Ben Folds (piano and vocals), Robert Sledge (bass), and Darren Jessee (drums) for the first sustained stretch of live dates since their last tour wrapped in 2013. More headline shows and festival appearances are expected later in 2027.
Tickets for the announced dates went on sale Friday, October 23, 2026, at 10 a.m. local time, following a Live Nation presale the day before. Fans can find official information and ticket links at officialbenfoldsfive.com and on Ben Folds’ site at benfolds.com/tour. Listings are also available on Ticketmaster.
Why This Reunion Matters
Formed in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in 1993, Ben Folds Five built a devoted following with sharp songwriting, energetic live shows, and a guitar-free sound they once described as “punk rock for sissies.” After splitting in 2000, the band reunited for the 2012 album The Sound of the Life of the Mind and a subsequent tour. A brief 2023 appearance at a memorial for longtime producer Caleb Southern kept the spark alive, but this 2027 run marks the proper return to the road.
The timing aligns with the recent 30th-anniversary expanded reissue of the band’s self-titled 1995 debut, which includes a remastered version plus a previously unreleased early recording of the album. For many longtime fans, the combination of the reissue and a real tour feels like a full-circle moment.
Full List of Announced Ben Folds Five 2027 Dates
Here are the nine shows currently on the books:
- April 12, 2027 – Knoxville, TN – Tennessee Theatre
- April 13, 2027 – Chattanooga, TN – Tivoli Theatre
- April 15, 2027 – Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theatre
- April 16, 2027 – Pompano Beach, FL – Pompano Beach Amphitheater
- April 17, 2027 – Clearwater, FL – The BayCare Sound
- April 20, 2027 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at The Moody Theater
- April 21, 2027 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall
- April 22, 2027 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
- April 24, 2027 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company
The band has stated that additional U.S. dates and festival appearances will be announced throughout 2027. Check the official sites regularly for updates.
How to Find the Best Ticket Deals Right Now
Because these are the first Ben Folds Five dates in well over a decade, demand is expected to be solid—especially in markets that haven’t seen the full trio in years. Here are practical ways to pursue better pricing:
- Start with official primary sellers. Ticketmaster and the band’s official site typically offer face-value tickets first. These are usually the safest option for mobile delivery and transfer policies.
- Compare secondary markets the same day. Platforms such as StubHub, SeatGeek, and Capital City Tickets often list inventory shortly after onsale. Prices can vary significantly between sites and even between sections on the same site.
- Prioritize smaller or historic rooms. Several stops (Tennessee Theatre, Tivoli Theatre, Florida Theatre, ACL Live) are more intimate venues. These may sell faster than larger rooms but can still yield reasonable prices if you act early.
- Watch for package or upgrade options. Some venues (including the Clearwater date) have mentioned limited elevated sound or upgrade packages. These are worth checking if available through the local box office.
- Set alerts and revisit closer to the shows. Inventory and pricing fluctuate. Last-minute drops are possible, though high-demand reunion dates can also tighten as the show approaches.
- Avoid sketchy resellers. Stick to established platforms that provide buyer guarantees. Mobile tickets are standard for most of these dates, so confirm transfer rules before purchasing on the secondary market.
For the Clearwater show specifically, some reports noted tickets starting in the $40 range through the local box office at the time of announcement, though availability changes quickly.
What to Expect from the Shows
Expect a mix of material from the band’s three studio albums, with strong emphasis on the 1995 debut given the anniversary reissue. Live, Ben Folds Five has always been known for tight interplay, unexpected arrangements, and Folds’ engaging stage presence. With the original rhythm section back in place, longtime fans are anticipating the energy that defined the group’s earlier tours.
Most of the announced venues are historic theaters or mid-sized rooms rather than large arenas, which should make for strong sightlines and sound. Florida and Texas stops in particular give the band a solid southern foothold before additional dates are added.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Ben Folds Five 2027 tickets go on sale?
General onsale was October 23, 2026, at 10 a.m. local time. A Live Nation presale ran the previous day.
Is this the full tour?
No. These nine April dates are the first announced leg. The band has indicated more headline shows and festival appearances will be added later in 2027.
Who is in the band for these shows?
The original trio: Ben Folds, Robert Sledge, and Darren Jessee.
Where can I buy official tickets?
officialbenfoldsfive.com, benfolds.com/tour, and Ticketmaster.
Will there be more dates outside the South?
Yes—additional U.S. shows are expected. No international dates have been announced yet for this run.
Final Thoughts
Ben Folds Five’s 2027 return is one of the more notable reunion announcements of the year. With only nine dates currently on the calendar and a long gap since the last full tour, early buyers will have the best shot at preferred seats and reasonable prices. Monitor the official sites for new dates, compare primary and secondary options carefully, and plan around the April window if you want to catch the first wave of shows.
Disclaimer: Tour dates, ticket availability, and pricing can change without notice. Always verify the latest information on the official artist or ticketing websites. This site is independent and is not affiliated with Ben Folds Five, Live Nation, Ticketmaster, venues, or any ticket sellers. Some links may be affiliate links, which means a commission may be earned at no extra cost to you.
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