About the Newport Folk Festival

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The Newport Folk Festival first began in 1959. Its founder is George Wein, who also created the famed Newport Jazz Festival. Over the years, Newport Folk Festival has become an iconic event in the music world. It is the festival where Bob Dylan went electric in 1965, a historical moment that stirred controversy and dramatically altered the course of popular music.

Fast forward to today, the festival is still known for its spirit of musical innovation and discovery. While the event's roots are in folk music, you'll find artists across genres, including country, blues, folk-rock, and indie folk, showcasing big names and emerging talent.

The waterfront festival occurs at Fort Adams State Park with Narragansett Bay and sailboats drifting by as music fills the summer air.
Each of the festival's four stages comes with its unique vibe. The Fort Stage is the main one, set against the backdrop of the bay. Then there's the Harbor Stage, which is a bit more intimate, perfect for more mellow performances. The Quad Stage is inside a building within the fort itself, while the Museum Stage, as the name suggests, is inside the Museum of Yachting.

The Newport Folk Festival features an element of surprise. The festival often keeps a handful of slots secret until the last minute, which has led to surprise performances from big names like Mumford & Sons and Dolly Parton. The atmosphere is relaxed, and there's a real shared love for music. Food trucks and stalls supply sustenance from local seafood to gourmet burgers. Those craving a cold one gather in the beer garden.
Tickets sell out months in advance, so this is an event you must plan to visit rather than show up.