We’re back in Newport, Rhode Island! One of our favorite summer traditions kicked off this past weekend, and we were met with an abundance of talent, warmth, and unforgettable music. The Newport Folk Festival is a beloved annual celebration of music and community, rooted in kindness and generosity. Founded in 1959 by George Wein as a companion to the Newport Jazz Festival (which began in 1954), the festival has become a historic gathering, creating lasting memories and moments across decades.
From hosting alternative and sustainable ways to get to the festival all the way to hosting spaces and places for learning, both Newport Folk Festival and the Newport Festivals Foundation go beyond the music. They don’t just support artists on stage—they invest in students and communities through donations and grants. Yes, we come for the music. BUT we also come because behind every curated lineup is a long-standing commitment to getting their hands dirty and giving back to the community that lifts them up.
Every year we return, we’re met with countless bands, artists, and vendors who bring genuine care and passion to their craft. We kicked off the weekend jamming to a mix of folk, indie, and alternative sounds. Even when a thunderstorm paused the festival for an hour, nothing could dampen the spirit of the crowd. Cheers echoed through the grounds as the rain cleared and fans rushed back in to claim their spots at the barricade. Here’s our recap of everything that went down on Day One!
SNACKTIME
Starting off strong, we caught SNACKTIME’s set—and what a way to kick off Newport Folk Festival 2025. One of the jazziest, most vibrant groups of the weekend, they brought unmatched energy to the stage. If you’re a fan of Sammy Rae & Friends, Tom Misch, or Vulfpeck, their big brass jams and genre-bending sound will hit all the right notes. The crowd went wild during their jam sessions and, at times, fell completely speechless—rightfully so. After their set, we had the chance to chat and snap portraits with them, and it was clear: they’re just as genuine off stage as they are electric on it. Their joy was contagious—you could feel their laughs and energy echo for miles, long after the music stopped. If you want to impress your friends and dance like nobody’s watching, check them out.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SNACKTIME:
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Dogwood Tales
Playing a on stage hosted by the band Illiterate Light, the Bike Stage always brings the gems to look out for—and Dogwood Tales was top on the list for us. Their set felt like an autumn day, driving through streets filled with foliage. We were completely wrapped up in their soft, weathered, and melancholic sound. With tones that gave off a quiet, autumnal warmth, they offered a moment of stillness and peace before the rest of the day kicked into high gear.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DOGWOOD TALES:
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Big Freedia
One of our favorite sets of the day—Big Freedia came, saw, and absolutely conquered. A legendary figure in both the drag and queer communities, as well as the music industry at large, Big Freedia’s impact is undeniable. Their vocals were sampled on Beyonce’s ‘Break My Soul’ and ‘Formation’ back in 2016 alongside Drake’s ‘Nice for What’ in 2018 amongst others. Wearing a striped two-piece, their presence on stage felt nothing short of iconic. We weren’t just watching a performance—we were witnessing history in motion.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BIG FREEDIA:
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Alex G
If you were part of the TikTok community during the pandemic, you might recognize this artist from his viral tracks ‘Treehouse’ and ‘Sarah.’ But make no mistake—Alex G has been making music since 2010 and has long held his own as a fiercely independent voice in the scene. With a sound that blurs the lines between intimate and experimental, he created a quiet sense of community both on and off the stage. Newport welcomed him with open arms, and the connection felt mutual.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ALEX G:
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Maggie Rose
Taking the Harbor Stage in a flow-y white dress and classic white cowboy boots, Maggie Rose eased into her set with confidence. Even though the crowd was starting their day, her stage presence lit up the festival, like upbeat folk-pop was stitched into her very being. Maggie has been releasing music since she was signed in 2009 marking her ever-expanding music and touring career. She fit right into the vibe which is Newport Folk Festival by bringing bright and bold moves from her set list.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MAGGIE ROSE:
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GEESE
Geese was easily one of the best surprises of the festival. They hit the stage like an explosion—raw, chaotic, and completely magnetic. Each member brought their own distinct energy, but together, it felt seamless. Whether it was the sharp guitar riffs or the lead singer’s electrifying presence, their performance kept everyone locked in. Something really resonated with the crowd, like we were all witnessing a band on the edge of something bigger (or bringing back a certain feel).
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GEESE:
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MJ Lenderman
Is it indie chillout or folk-forward? Regardless of how you’d define MJ Lenderman, one thing’s clear—this singer-songwriter is seriously talented. Bringing his guitar and bandmates to the Fort Stage, he crafted a sound that echoed through the entire venue. The crowd was fully engaged, soaking in every moment. After his set, fans were buzzing, sharing how much they loved him and pulling up his music on their phones right then and there—eager to keep the connection going.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MJ LENDERMAN:
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BLEACHERS
Blending the best parts of summer and nostalgia, Jack Antonoff closed out day one by bringing back his beloved band, Bleachers. If you’re not familiar with Jack by name, you might recognize his earlier work with the band FUN—or his behind-the-scenes producing and writing for artists like Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, Clairo, and Lorde. His set was full of moments that made us stop and reflect on everything we’d already experienced—and everything still to come.
Bringing out friends Hayley Williams, Jeff Tweedy, Waxahatchee, and more, Bleachers held together a blend of talent showcasing work and covers that meant so much to everyone attending. Jack had the crowd at the tip of his finger, and we were happy to be right there with him, singing along like it was 2012 all over again.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BLEACHERS:
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Check out our gallery from day one below!
Did you attend Newport Folk day one? See any bands on the lineup we should look forward to? Let us know by commenting down below or by tweeting us @TheHoneyPOP! We are also on Facebook, Instagram, and Discord. We would love to hear from you!
