Ben Folds Five Reunion Tour: 2027 US Dates Announced

Ben Folds Five—piano-driven alt-rock pioneers from Chapel Hill, North Carolina—will reunite for their first full US tour in 14 years. The trio, consisting of Ben Folds, Robert Sledge, and Darren Jessee, announced nine April 2027 dates, with more shows expected to follow later in the year. Tickets go on sale Friday, October 23 at 10 a.m. local time via the band’s official website, officialbenfoldsfive.com.

The reunion comes on the heels of the band’s 30th anniversary reissue of their 1995 self-titled debut album. The expanded edition includes remastered tracks alongside previously unreleased sessions from their first recording attempt, offering fans a rare glimpse into the band’s early creative process. Highlights include alternate versions of fan favorites like Underground and Philosophy, as well as an early take on Evaporated, which later appeared on their 1997 breakthrough album, Whatever And Ever Amen.

For longtime fans, the tour marks a long-awaited return. Ben Folds Five originally formed in 1993 and released three studio albums before disbanding in 2000. Though they reunited briefly in 2012 to release The Sound Of The Life Of The Mind and toured the following year, their last full US tour was in 2013. A one-off reunion performance took place in August 2023 at Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, North Carolina, as part of a memorial for producer Caleb Southern, but 2027 will be the first time the band hits the road in over a decade.

Tour Dates & Venues

The initial leg of the tour kicks off April 12 at Knoxville’s historic Tennessee Theatre, followed by a night at Chattanooga’s Tivoli Theatre. Florida gets three stops—Jacksonville, Pompano Beach, and Clearwater—before the band heads to Texas for shows in Austin, Houston, and Irving. The run concludes April 24 at Birmingham’s Avondale Brewing Company, a smaller, intimate venue compared to the theaters and amphitheaters on the rest of the itinerary.

Here’s the full list of confirmed dates: - April 12 – Knoxville, TN – Tennessee Theatre - April 13 – Chattanooga, TN – Tivoli Theatre - April 15 – Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theatre - April 16 – Pompano Beach, FL – Pompano Beach Amphitheater - April 17 – Clearwater, FL – The BayCare Sound - April 20 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at The Moody Theater - April 21 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall - April 22 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory - April 24 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company

What to Expect

Ben Folds Five’s sound—a mix of power pop, jazz-inflected piano rock, and wry lyricism—helped define the alt-rock landscape of the 1990s. Their music, often described as “punk rock for sissies,” blends catchy melodies with sharp, self-deprecating humor. Hits like Brick, Army, and Battle of Who Could Care Less remain live staples, and the band’s dynamic stage presence has made their concerts a must-see for fans of intelligent, genre-blurring rock.

Given the band’s history of high-energy performances, the 2027 tour is likely to feature deep cuts alongside their biggest hits. The inclusion of smaller venues like Avondale Brewing Company suggests a mix of larger, arena-style shows and more intimate settings, catering to both casual listeners and die-hard fans.

Ticket Information

Tickets for all announced dates go on sale Friday, October 23 at 10 a.m. local time. Fans can purchase them through the band’s official website, officialbenfoldsfive.com, which also offers exclusive tour merchandise. Given the band’s dedicated fanbase and the length of time since their last tour, early ticket purchases are recommended to secure seats.

For those unable to attend the April dates, additional shows—including potential festival appearances—are expected to be announced in the coming months. The tour follows Ben Folds’ recent solo work, including his 2023 album What Matters Most and a 2024 holiday release, Sleigher, as well as orchestral performances in Australia early next year.