The final day of the sold-out Newport Folk Festival 2025 arrived with a mix of sunshine and clouds—but the energy, community, and music never dimmed. As fans spread across Fort Adams State Park, Sunday delivered a perfect blend of discovery, reverence, and celebration, closing out an unforgettable weekend with five active stages and one unified spirit.

The Harbor Stage opened with The Union, featuring the ever-soulful Phil Cook, followed by a fiery and rhythmic set from BCUC (Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness) at the Quad, whose Afro-psychedelic energy turned heads and stirred souls. Meanwhile, local favorites Nova One kicked off the Fort Stage with dreamy harmonies and a heartfelt hometown vibe.

Sammy Rae & The Friends lit up the Quad Stage, radiating joy and infectious grooves, while folk icon Mary Chapin Carpenter drew a devoted crowd to the Fort, reminding everyone why she remains a pillar of the genre. It was a sprint between stages—but worth every step.

Over on the Harbor, DEHD delivered a dazzling set, winning over newcomers with their hazy, lo-fi rock—fans were delighted to learn they’d be returning next weekend for Newport Jazz. Then came Margo Price, who poured her heart out on the Fort Stage, turning the field into a dance floor and singalong all at once.

A last-minute surprise came when The Swell Season (Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová) joined the Fort lineup. Their emotional, harmony-rich set was a highlight for longtime fans and a perfect fit for Newport’s legacy of serendipity.

The Harbor Stage reached peak capacity for Lucius, who lit up the crowd and then upped the ante by inviting friends to join them onstage—SG Goodman, Jeff Tweedy, Nathaniel Rateliff, and the legendary Mavis Staples each took a turn, turning an already magical set into a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration.

At the Bike Stage, Lake Street Dive’s Bridget Kearney stepped out solo, showcasing her smart songwriting and undeniable bass grooves to a delighted crowd.

Jeff Tweedy brought his signature warmth and wit to the Quad Stage, closing it out with a blend of reflection and levity that only he can deliver.

And then, as golden hour gave way to twilight, the final curtain fell on the Fort Stage with a special set titled “Songs For the People,” hosted by actor, singer, and beloved Newport emcee John C. Reilly. Reilly led an ever-evolving cast of Newport artists including Bonny Light Horseman, SG Goodman, Amy Helm, Trombone Shorty, and more through a communal, soul-stirring songbook—covering classics like “Eyes of the World,” “God Only Knows,” and ending with a festival-wide singalong of “Goodnight Irene.”

As the sun set on Fort Adams, the message was clear: Newport is not just a music festival—it’s a living, breathing community of artists and fans, bound by a shared love of music, inclusion, and surprise.

We’ll see you at the fort in 2026.