Newport Folk Festival 2026

By Steve Klamkin

The Newport Folk Festival observed its 65th anniversary with the 2026 edition; leaving folk and alternative rock fans thrilled with musical favorites along with some new artists.

Sold out within minutes of tickets going on sale, the Festival’s three days, July 24-26 was packed with music, culminating in what’s become a tradition of ending with surprise guests, and this year was no different. Dave Matthews performed a solo set of some of his hits, he was joined by Festival favorites Joan Baez and Mavis Staples and others.

Brandi Carlile, Cat Power, Courtney Barnet and The Lumineers were among the top names, but there was a long list of other, notable artists. Father John Misty was on-call and filled in when Tedeschi Trucks Band leader Susan Tedeschi was sidelined by appendix surgery.

Rapper Lauryn Hill made her Newport Folk Festival debut; Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave roared with a high-powered, politically tinged hour; The Killers’ leader Brandon Flowers led his own band; Academy Award – nominated actor Michael Shannon joined with Jason Narducy and friends to perform music of R.E.M. and brothers Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith performed as Dawes Duo.

Rhode Island – based artists included Deer Tick, Mark Cutler and “Honest” Charlie Shea.

At the conclusion, the Festival announced dates for its next gathering, from July 23-25, 2027.

Leif Vollebekk

Leif Vollebekk is a Canadian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, who returned to the Newport Folk Festival for the second time. He performed his own solo set, then collaborated with the Barr Brothers.  He spoke with Steve Klamkin.

1 Leif Vollebekk at the 2026 Newport Folk Festival.mp3