2025 EVENT INFO

July 25-27, 2025

TRAVEL

FAQs & General Policies

All are welcome at Newport Folk Festival and expected to be treated with respect and dignity regardless of protected categories like race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, body size, disability, appearance, citizenship or pregnancy. Discrimination, hate speech or harassment of any kind is prohibited.

WHAT TIME DOES EVERYTHING OPEN?

Box Office: 9:00 AM
Parking: 8:00 AM
Parking shuttles: 9:00 AM
Gates: 10:00 AM
Food, crafts and merchandise: 10:00 AM
Music: 11:00 AM
Beer and wine gardens: 12:00 PM

Times subject to change. Sign up for our email list to be notified of any changes.

IS THERE CAMPING ON-SITE?

There is no camping at Fort Adams State Park, but there are campgrounds nearby. Visit visitrhodeisland.com/hotels-more/campgrounds for more information.

IF I LEAVE THE EVENT GROUNDS, CAN I GET BACK IN?

There is no re-entry to the festival grounds. The Fort Adams Visitors Center is located inside the gates, providing permanent bathrooms and an ATM. Please pack accordingly for the day.

WHAT IS ALLOWED?

Kindness
Sunscreen
Empty refillable water bottles to use at refillable water stations
Soft-sided coolers
Bags under 20”x20”x10”
Blankets 6’x8’ or smaller
Strollers
Chairs under 34” high
- Chairs under 30″ high are allowed outside of the no-chair zones. Chairs 30-34” high should be set up farthest from the stage or in designated shade areas. No recliners or footrests are allowed. If your chair has a shade cover, it must be left in the down position.
Personal shade tents will be allowed. Please use your personal judgement to make sure your tent does not impede on others. Space is first come first serve at the back of the performance areas.
Canes and similar mobility assistance devices like trekking sticks are permitted as long as there are no metal points protruding from bottom, or concealed.
Personal umbrellas in the event of rain, but must be closed during performances
Point-and-shoot cameras are permitted, but cannot be used to reproduce the event and must not interfere with other fans’ enjoyment of the event. Be present!
Medications and prescriptions
- Over the counter medications are allowed. If you bring prescription medication, please bring a valid photo ID that matches the name printed on your prescription.

WHAT IS PROHIBITED?

Discrimination or harassment of any kind
Bags larger than 20” x 20” x 10”
Glass containers
Hard coolers
Beach umbrellas or beach balls
Un-sealed beverages
Alcoholic beverages
Illegal substances
Firearms
Tools including knives, box cutters and Leathermen
Pepper spray, mace, or any item that could be used as a weapon
Flag poles
Professional audio, photography (with detachable lenses) and video equipment are PROHIBITED
Laser pointers
Chairs over 34″ high, recliners and chairs with foot rests
Chairs are prohibited in “no chair zones”
Chairs with roofs and shade covers outside of designated shade areas
Pets
Plastic bags
Plastic straws
Selfie sticks
Canes and Trekking Sticks with metal points protruding from bottom (or concealed)
Drones: use of drones/UAS in the vicinity of any public open air event violates Rhode Island’s Uniform Aeronautical Regulator Act (UAR) and Aeronautics Regulations, constituting a misdemeanor.

DIGITAL TICKETS

Newport Folk Festival and Newport Jazz Festival tickets are now all digital. Tickets will only be delivered via the DICE mobile app and your smartphone will be scanned at the gate. No PDF or paper tickets will be issued. Tickets will be delivered to your mobile phone closer to the event. Only the live ticket QR code from your DICE app on your mobile phone will be accepted at the gate. Screenshots, email confirmation and printouts are not valid.

Important Safety Info

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

In the event of an emergency, please follow the directions of the event staff and listen for stage announcements. If you are in your car, please tune into WMVY at 96.5FM.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

If severe weather is observed in the area, we will make announcements from stage including the severity of the storm, evacuation and/or event suspension procedures.

RAIN OR SHINE

Newport Folk Festival happens rain or shine. Newport weather in the summer can range from 50 degrees and raining to over 90 degrees and humid. Be prepared with sunscreen, sunglasses and raingear. Please stay hydrated by filling up your reusable water bottle at one of our complimentary refillable water stations.

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING

If you experience odd behavior or see something you know shouldn’t be somewhere, say something. Report suspicious behavior to any security, staff, or medical team member.

SECURITY

Please be prepared for heightened security. Safety is of the utmost importance to us. All attendees will be searched upon entering the festival grounds. You will need to empty your pockets, and have all your items examined. If you have an approved-size bag or purse (see Allowed Items), security will examine that as well. If you bring any of the items on the above prohibited items list into the festival, such items will be confiscated and discarded. Under no circumstances will festival management hold any prohibited items for you.

MEDICAL

There is a First Aid Care Station staffed by Rhode Island DMAT, located outside of the East Gate. It is staffed each day from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Do not hesitate to visit our medical tents if you need medical attention. Please stay hydrated by filling up your reusable water bottle at one of our complimentary refillable water stations.

Official Policies

All sales are final; no refunds or exchanges for any reason.
All artists, set times and stages are subject to change. All advertised acts have confirmed their appearance at the Festival. However, acts are subject to change without notice and refunds will not be issued due to artist cancellations.
Events take place rain or shine. If severe weather becomes a threat and we need to interrupt programming, stage announcements will be made regarding safety procedures. Programming will resume when deemed safe.
All persons, bags and personal items are subject to inspection before entering the event. Please review accepted and prohibited items.
Any ticket holder that directly or indirectly interferes with the enjoyment of the event may be asked to leave the venue and may be subject to arrest and prosecution by State/Local Authorities.
The event will continue to make every effort to ensure socially responsible behavior in order to allow ticket holders to enjoy the event.
The festivals encourage a smoke-free environment and ask that you respect the health of your neighbors at the event and refrain from smoking in any area where it may affect someone else. Smoking is prohibited under all tents and inside buildings. Please find an isolated area if you must smoke, and dispose of your butts properly.
Newport Folk Festival allows ADA* recognized service animals trained specifically to assist a person with disabilities at all events. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and are not permitted at the festivals. If you have a certified service animal, you will be required to have your service animal with you at all times. Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices.

*Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the definition of “service animal” is limited to a dog (or pony) that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability who is in attendance. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability. Under the ADA, “comfort,” “therapy” or “emotional support animals” do not meet the definition of a service animal. – U.S. Dept. of Justice

Questions?

Tickets: folktickets@newportfestivals.org
Artist Submissions: info@newportfestivals.org
Partnerships: info@newportfestivals.org
Volunteers: 2025 application coming soon
Vendors: popupmarket@newportfestivals.org
More Info: info@newportfestivals.org

2025 Press applications are not yet open. If you are trying to obtain media tickets or credentials and are an accredited member of the media on assignment from a Media Outlet – please reach out to Meghan Helsel at Grandstand Media / meghanh@grandstandhq.com and Jessica Puchli at Grandstand Media / jessicap@grandstandhq.com.

All 2025 memberships are full. Visit the Foundation Tent at the festival to sign up for 2026 memberships.

COVID PROTOCOLS

We continue to monitor local COVID-19 trends to meet or exceed current protocols required by the Rhode Island Department of Health. Our health and safety protocols are subject to change.
If you are positive for COVID-19 and/or have symptoms of COVID-19, do not come to the Festival.
Self-testing before coming to the Festival is strongly encouraged.
Even though the Festival is outdoors, we suggest masking in crowds if you are immunocompromised.
Please follow Rhode Island Department of Health guidelines if you have tested positive for COVID-19 and/or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

GETTING TO FORT ADAMS STATE PARK

Newport Folk Festival is held rain or shine at Fort Adams State Park. Fort Adams is located at 90 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, RI, 02840, situated in Narragansett Bay with panoramic views of Newport Harbor. The park is a recreational area preserving Historic Fort Adams, the largest fortress in North America.

BY BICYCLE

For information on riding your bike to Fort Adams, please visit bikenewportri.org/bike-to-the-festivals

BY WATER SHUTTLE

Newport Harbor Shuttle runs continuous service during the Festival between Perotti Park and Fort Adams. It is a 15-minute ferry ride and reservations are not required. Allow extra time to wait in line during peak hours. In case of inclement weather, please check with the ferry company regarding service interruptions. More information can be found here: oldportmarine.com

The Jamestown Newport Ferry runs continuous service to Fort Adams with departures from One East Ferry Wharf in Jamestown. In case of inclement weather, please check with the ferry company regarding service interruptions. More information can be found here: jamestownnewportferry.com/express-events/newport-folk-festival

SeaStreak offers a ferry service between Providence and Newport. Regular service runs from India Point in Providence to the Seastreak Ferry Terminal at 39 America’s Cup Avenue in Newport. In case of inclement weather, please check with the ferry company regarding service interruptions. More information can be found here: seastreak.com/ferry-routes-and-schedules/between-providence-newport-ri/

BY CAR

Fort Adams State Park is approximately 1.5 hours from Boston and 3.5 hours from New York City. Use the following address in your GPS: 90 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, RI, 02840.

PARKING

There is limited car parking available at Fort Adams State Park. We strongly encourage you to purchase a parking pass in advance. We accept CASH ONLY if you purchase a parking pass day-of at Fort Adams the day of the festival. Please consider the environment and carpool with your friends.

Parking for patrons with disabilities is located within a designated lot. The standard parking fee applies. When entering Fort Adams State Park, vehicles with patrons needing access to this lot must show their handicapped license plate, placard or other state-issued identification. The holder of the placard or identification must be a passenger in the vehicle. There will be a shuttle bus fitted with a wheelchair accessible lift to bring patrons from the parking lot directly to the event entrance, running from 9am until the end of the day. Violation of any ADA placard or license carries a fine of up to $500.

RIDESHARING

If you use a ridesharing service such as UBER or LYFT, please follow the signs for designated dropoff and pickup locations. Look for “Ridesharing” signs posted at the entrance to Fort Adams State Park on Harrison Avenue.

LODGING OPTIONS

For a complete list of Newport lodging properties and general travel information, visit Discover Newport.

NEWPORT HARBOR ISLAND RESORT
1 Goat Island Rd
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 849-2600
newportharborisland.com

HAMMETTS HOTEL
4 Commercial Wharf
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 324-7500
hammettshotel.com

NEWPORT MARRIOTT
25 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport, RI
(401) 849-1000
newportmarriott.com

THE NEWPORT HARBOR HOTEL AND MARINA
49 Americas Cup Avenue, Newport, RI
(401) 847-9000
newporthotel.com

CAMPING OPTIONS
No camping is offered through the festival, but there are several campgrounds in the area. To see a map of those closest to Fort Adams, click here.

DISCOVER NEWPORT
Insightful information to help plan, explore, and experience Newport and our coastal communities.
discovernewport.org

We Are Committed to Accessibility

The Newport Festival Foundation welcomes attendees with all kinds of accommodations to our family. As part of this work, we commit to learning and growing alongside other festivals on how to create more inclusive experiences that demonstrate in action (and don’t just say) we want you to feel comfortable to enjoy our incredible artists and extended community.

A Note On Eligibility

We will **never** ask for proof of a disability or accommodation request. That being said, it is not acceptable to fake or exaggerate a disability to receive an accommodation. We are a small team run by volunteers and the magic of Newport is our ability to show up as our most supportive, present, and kind selves. This extends to our Accessibility work too.

Accessibility Wristbands

To gain access to the Accessibility Services at the festival you will be required to register for a specific wristband. Patrons can be accompanied by a plus one companion if needed (Festival ticket needed for entry). You can either register in advance to get this wristband using this REGISTRATION FORM LINK or sign up on site at the Accessibility Hub located at the festival. Once you arrive at the festival, you may pick up your wristband at the Accessibility Hub. Registering for a wristband also allows you to add one additional person in your party to have a wristband during your time at the festival.

REGISTRATION FORM

Accessibility-Specific Areas

The Accessibility Hub – New to the Festivals in 2024, this hub will be a specific tent that offers shade, water, bathroom access, charging for mobility devices, and Accessibility-specific volunteers to assist with anything you might otherwise need.

Harbor and Quad stages – As in previous years, we will have chairs specific to people in need of accommodations. The only way a patron may enter these areas is with a wristband. We cannot guarantee that there will always be seats available. Additionally, please do not “save” chairs so that other guests may come and go like any other part of the festival.

Fort Stage – An area at the Fort Stage is reserved for our patrons with accessibility needs. Seating is located in a roped off area to the side of the sound board. This area is accessible by a paved road from the event entrance. Because space is limited, each patron is allowed one guest to accompany. Seating is not provided in this area so guests should bring lawn chairs.

Note: The wristband does not guarantee a spot in these areas. Please note that viewing areas have a limited capacity and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once it’s determined that an accessible viewing area is filled to capacity (including adequate aisle space for entering and exiting the area), the area will not be available for additional entry.

Accessible Bathrooms – There will be accessible bathrooms as part of all Restroom areas stationed around the festival. Additionally, there will be one bathroom next to our Accessibility Hub with a restricted entrance.

Mobility Devices

The Newport Festival site is designed to be accessible to any mobility aids that a patron might require. It is also a Fort built over 175 years ago and so we hope like all attendees that you’ll have some grace and patience as you figure out how to navigate our unique layout. If you have specific needs that you would like to discuss prior to the festival, please reach out to us at accessibility@newportfestivals.org.

Routing – The bulk of the festival grounds is grass with some portions paved. We have volunteer ushers stationed around the festival to keep paved pathways as free for movement as possible. For the areas that require moving across grass, we use accessible pathing for wheelchairs. If you are having a particular issue navigating to a location, please let a member of our team know!

Charging – We will have a power bank at our Accessibility Hub if your mobility device needs to be recharged. Please bring your own charging devices and ensure that they are compatible with a 110-volt, 20-amp circuit.

Acceptable Devices – We do not restrict your mobility device if it is what you use to navigate your daily life. Please exercise caution though with patrons, particularly in crowded areas, as we do not want anyone to get hurt.

Parking

Parking for patrons with disabilities is located within a designated lot. The standard parking fee applies. When entering Fort Adams State Park, vehicles with patrons needing access to this lot must show their ADA license plate, placard or other state-issued identification. The holder of the placard or identification must be a passenger in the vehicle. There will be a shuttle bus fitted with a wheelchair accessible lift to bring patrons from the parking lot directly to the event entrance, running from 9am until the end of the day. Violation of any ADA placard or license carries a fine of up to $500.

Verification – In order to use these spaces, you must have a government-issued placard. If you are traveling from out-of-state, please bring your placard with you if you’ll be using a vehicle that is not your own.

Accessible Parking Shuttles – We will have Accessible-Parking specific shuttles to/from the festival entrance. These shuttles will be equipped with lifts and tie-downs for wheelchairs and our shuttle drivers will be trained on how to use them. We do not allow people to be dropped off at the entrance for security reasons.

Accessible Van Parking – In addition to our designated parking spaces, we will have available Accessible Van spaces for vans that come equipped with their own lifts.

Accommodations

Parking for patrons with disabilities is located within a designated lot. The standard parking fee applies. When entering Fort Adams State Park, vehicles with patrons needing access to this lot must show their ADA license plate, placard or other state-issued identification. The holder of the placard or identification must be a passenger in the vehicle. There will be a shuttle bus fitted with a wheelchair accessible lift to bring patrons from the parking lot directly to the event entrance, running from 9am until the end of the day. Violation of any ADA placard or license carries a fine of up to $500.

Service Animals – As animal lovers, we appreciate that many of our patrons think of their pets as members of their family. Despite this, we have to follow very strict rules when it comes to service animals at Newport Festivals in order to maintain a safe festival for all.

Newport Folk Festival allows ADA* recognized service animals trained specifically to assist a person with disabilities at all events. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and are not permitted at the festivals. You will be required to have your service animal with you at all times. Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. You are solely responsible for the safety of your service animal and the safety of others around your animal. You will be responsible for cleaning up any solid waste.

*Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the definition of “service animal” is limited to a dog (or pony) that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability who is in attendance. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability. Under the ADA, “comfort,” “therapy” or “emotional support animals” do not meet the definition of a service animal. – U.S. Dept. of Justice

Concessions: Our team has intentionally curated the available concessions to ensure that almost any dietary need can be met. If you have allergy concerns it is best to ask the individual vendor.

Medical: We have a first aid station with trained staff available at the festival. They will be marked on a map and our team members at our Accessibility Hub can direct/accompany you in case you need help. In the case of an emergency, it is best to simultaneously contact 911 and have someone nearby immediately alert a member of our festival staff.

ASL Interpreters/Assisted Listening Devices: Unfortunately at this time we do not offer this option for 2024 but hope to bring this service to you in the near future.

Additional Services/Feedback: The world of accommodation requests is constantly changing and so we are more than happy to consider any request you have either to be met this year or in future years. The best way for you to ensure someone hears your suggestions is either by emailing accessibility@newportfestivals.org or by talking to a member of our Accessibility team at the Accessibility Hub.