Newport Folk Festival is known for its surprises. In 1965, Bob Dylan went electric. In 2005, The Pixies went acoustic. And last year, Joni Mitchell made a surprise appearance for her first full-length live performance in 20 years. Since Newport Folk got its start in 1959, it has earned the reputation of “the music fan’s music festival.” You may not find curated Instagrammable moments (see: Coachella), but you will be wrapped up in a long tradition of sonic experimentation and countercultural spirit.
Along the deep blue of Newport Harbor, the open air setting of the festival has been described as “unbelievable.” Grab your picnic blankets and sprawl out across the grass as you listen to the music and, in the words of past performer Sheryl Crow, “soak up the sun.” The festival has “folk” in the title, but it embraces a wide range of sounds and styles. Last year, The Backseat Lovers, The Linda Lindas and Japanese Breakfast were among the rising artists at the Newport Folk Festival. Though the lineup is released on a rolling basis, Indigo De Souza, Maggie Rogers, Madison Cunningham and Orville Peck have been confirmed at the time of writing. Newport Folk is known to sell out before the lineup is announced, and that is true for this year as well; you can join the waitlist for tickets here.
The Specs
- Newport Folk Festival has a capacity of 10,000 people per day.
- 3-Day tickets start at $272.95, though they are sold out at the time of writing. Find the full price breakdown or join the waitlist here.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s guide to Rhode Island here.
FAQs
How will I receive my tickets?
Tickets can be accessed on your smartphone via the festival’s ticketing partner DICE. If you don’t have a smartphone or it has been lost or damaged, contact [email protected] for assistance.
Can I return my ticket after I’ve purchased it?
Yes, tickets can be returned as long as there are people on the waitlist willing to purchase them (and there pretty much always are). Access your tickets on the DICE app and you will see a Return Tickets option.
What time do the festival grounds open?
The festival grounds open at 10 am each day. Parking opens at 8 am and shuttles start running at 9 am.
Here’s Joni Mitchell’s surprise performance of “Both Sides Now” from last year: