Newport Folk Festival 2025 Draws Thousands Across Diverse Performances

The 2025 Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island celebrated its 60th anniversary with a diverse lineup and memorable collaborations, including Jack Antonoff's Bleachers hosting a talent show featuring Hayley Williams, Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, Waxahatchee, Weyes Blood, Rufus Wainwright, and Maren Morris. The festival combined music with activism, as artists like Margo Price, Alynda Segarra, and Chuck D addressed political issues including ICE and the Palestinian crisis, while Public Enemy and Luke Combs paid tribute to Bob Dylan's enduring influence. The event also featured unique moments such as a benefit softball game supporting free local music lessons, a set by veteran musicians supported by the nonprofit Operation Encore, and surprise performances like The National's Matt Berninger. Despite some weather challenges, thousands gathered to enjoy the music and community spirit, with acts spanning genres from ’90s alt-rock covers to contemporary folk and hip-hop. Comedian James Austin Johnson entertained the crowd with impressions, adding to the festival's lively atmosphere. The festival underscored its continued relevance by blending tradition with modern expression and activism.