1959
since
~69
Editions
Overview
About
Founded in 1959, the Newport Folk Festival takes place at Fort Adams State Park, a former coastal fortification overlooking Narragansett Bay in Newport, Rhode Island. Run by the nonprofit Newport Festivals Foundation, it is known for a deliberately limited capacity, a lineup centered on folk and roots music, and surprise guests unveiled on stage without prior announcement.
On site
Practical info
Venue type
- Open air
Camping
- Camping on site
Getting there
Location
Fort Adams State Park, Newport, Rhode Island (Freebody Park in 1959–1964; Festival Field from 1965)
Get directionsArchive
Past editions
2026Jul 24–26, 2026
2025Jul 25–27, 202564 artists
Obongjayar
Big Freedia
Illiterate Light2024Jul 26–28, 202472 artists
Taj Mahal
John Craigie
Steve PoltzIlliterate Light
Tré Burt2023Jul 28–30, 202368 artists
2022Jul 22–24, 202251 artists
Taj MahalJohn CraigieIlliterate Light2021Jul 23 – Aug 1, 202180+ artists
Early JamesTré Burt2019Jul 26–28, 201967 artists
Phil Lesh & FriendsIlliterate Light2018Jul 27–29, 201863 artists
Daniel Norgren
Matt the Electrician2017Jul 28–30, 201756 artists
Ben Miller BandMatt the Electrician2016Jul 22–24, 201650 artists
Graham Nash
The Cactus Blossoms2015Jul 24–26, 201556 artists
José González2014Jul 25–27, 201452 artists
2013Jul 26–28, 201341 artists
Hey Marseilles2012Jul 28–29, 201230 artists
2011Jul 30–31, 201124 artists
Ellis Paul2010Jul 31 – Aug 1, 201018 artists
2009Aug 1–2, 200930 artists
2008Aug 2–3, 200819 artists
2007Aug 4–5, 200713 artists
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band2006Aug 5–6, 200613 artists
2005Aug 6–7, 200522 artists
Kasey Chambers2004Aug 7–8, 200413 artists
2003Aug 16–17, 200336 artists
Ellis Paul2002Aug 3, 20024 artists
2001Aug 11–12, 200110 artists
2000Aug 6, 20004 artists
1999Aug 7–8, 199925 artists
Ellis Paul1998Aug 8–9, 19989 artists
1997Jul 26–27, 199712 artists
1996Aug 10–11, 199611 artists
1995Aug 13, 19955 artists
1994Aug 6–7, 19949 artists
1992Aug 8–9, 199217 artists
1991Aug 10–11, 199111 artists
1990Aug 18–19, 199011 artists
1989Jul 29–30, 198915 artists
1988Aug 13–14, 198811 artists
1987Aug 8–9, 19879 artists
1986Aug 10, 19864 artists
1985Aug 3–4, 198513 artists
1969Jul 16–20, 196942 artists
1968Jul 24–28, 196849 artists
Taj Mahal1967Jul 11–16, 196736 artists
The Staple Singers1966Jul 20–24, 196652 artists
1965Jul 22–25, 196580+ artists
Odetta1964Jul 23–26, 196456 artists
José FelicianoOdettaThe Staple Singers1963Jul 26–28, 196355 artists
19622 artists
1960Jun 24–26, 196039 artists
Odetta1959Jul 11–12, 195929 artists
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