Day three of Newport Folk Fest truly left us with nostalgic, zeal, and hazy feelings rolled all in. Whether you were groggy-eyed with iced coffee in hand or dancing through the gates with friends, the excitement was unmistakable. Despite our sore feet and sun-burnt shoulders from the weekend, there was something fresh in the air—like we all knew we were about to witness something memorable.
From hometown acts like Nova One to artists making their Newport debut like Jensen McRae and Richy Mitch and the Coalminers, the day unfolded with a mix of surprises. Each performance offered its own little world, and fans moved from stage to stage collecting new favorites, singing along to old ones, and holding onto the joy of the weekend. If anything, day three reminded us that music has a way of pulling people back in—even after two full days of sun, rain, and sound. While we were sad the weekend was ending, we were excited to present this recap for you all that might’ve missed it. So, look no further, day three is here just for you.
Nova One
Opening up day three, Nova One—our very own Rhode Island locals—set the tone with warmth and wonder. Their sound, a dreamy blend of surfy indie and gentle alt-pop, feels like it’s breaking trends while still grounded in something tender and familiar. Though they’re no strangers to Providence’s local scene, it was clear this Newport crowd showed up early for them—fans pressed to the barricade, mouthing every lyric, while Nova One played with huge smiles across their faces.
Their set felt intimate, honest, and incredibly nostalgic. You could feel how much this moment meant—not just to them, but to all of us who’ve watched them bloom. A milestone performance for a band that’s only going up from here.
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Jensen McRae
Did we cry in the pit? Yes. Yes, we did.
Did we savor every second of Jensen McRae’s set? Absolutely.
Currently (and rightfully) getting her flowers, Jensen is an emerging singer-songwriter with a rare ability to break your heart and stitch it back together in the same breath. Her voice, her lyrics, her presence—everything about her felt magnetic. We couldn’t walk away, even after the usual three-song limit. It was Jensen‘s very first time performing at Newport Folk Fest, and it truly felt like we were witnessing history. A stunning and soul-stirring performance from an artist who’s only just getting started.
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Sammy Rae & The Friends
If you’ve been following along with our live exclusives, you already know how much we adore Sammy Rae & The Friends. With unmatched warmth and magnetism, Sammy radiates a comforting presence that makes every show feel like a celebration. Opening with ‘Jackie Onassis,’ the band hit the ground dancing—and never stopped. Their energy was infectious, drawing smiles from every corner of the crowd. Watching them take over a major stage felt like a full-circle moment, and we couldn’t be prouder to witness their steady rise. Sammy Rae & The Friends are firmly locked into our playlists and our forever show wishlist. Throughout the grounds, fans were buzzing all day about how their set kicked off day three with joy, soul, and unforgettable spirit.
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DEHD
Reminding us of the best of early 2000s alt-rock, Dehd brought a distinctive, magnetic energy to the stage. Each band member had their own presence—one fully immersed in the drums, another pouring emotion into the lyrics, and the third radiating bursts of dance and unfiltered joy. It was captivating to watch them move independently yet stay so rhythmically locked in. More than once during their set, we found ourselves wishing we could catch them at a small, gritty venue with history in the walls. Their sound feels like a pillar of indie-alternative roots—timeless, raw, and made for fans old and new to sway along together.
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Tom Odell
One thing Tom Odell will always do is transcend generations. Creating heartfelt, emotional music long before ‘Another Love’ went viral in 2013, Tom has carved out a sound that’s unmistakably his—just him, his piano, and his band. His voice, raspy yet clear, only adds to his raw, magnetic charm. From the moment he sat down at the keys, he and his guitarist locked in with a chemistry that carried through the entire set. It was powerful, stirring, and surprisingly intimate for a crowd that big. If you’re someone who lives in your feels, his music will meet you there—and we promise, a good cry might just follow.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TOM ODELL:
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Richy Mitch & The Coalminers
Richy Mitch and the Coalminers brought a vibrant, grounding energy to the festival lineup. Their chemistry on stage made us want to set up camp and just stay a while—watching them felt like being let into something sacred. Despite the rain falling steadily over the Quad Stage, the band played beneath a tent that somehow made the set feel even more intimate, like a cozy backyard show. At one point, lead singer Richy Mitch paused mid-set to take it all in: “We don’t really get a chance to take it all in—so thank you all for being here,” he said with gratitude. By the end, we weren’t just watching—we were fully fans. Their set didn’t just pass the vibe check, it refilled us.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RICHY MITCH & THE COALMINERS:
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Maren Morris
Our ‘90s queen, Maren Morris, lit up the stage with a presence that was equal parts alluring, confident, and joyfully nostalgic. Her set was a perfect mix of powerhouse vocals and crowd-pleasing hits, from the infectious ‘The Middle’ to the emotional pull of ‘People Still Show Up’ and the free-spirited ’80s Mercedes.’ As soon as the first chords hit, fans rushed from their seats to the barricade, dancing and singing along like it was second nature. Dressed in a shimmering gold top, straight-cut jeans, and the most stylish black boots, Maren was effortlessly radiant. We were full-on fangirling—and honestly, we’re still not over it. If we could hit rewind and relive it, we would in a heartbeat.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MAREN MORRIS:
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Mt. Joy
Mt. Joy brought a bubbly, infectious energy to the stage, blending the best of folk and indie into a feel-good set we won’t forget. We were reminded that Jesus drives an Astrovan—and that fans really love this band. People lined up at the gates before 8 a.m., racing to the barricade just to be front row. Their set lit up day three with pure joy and anticipation, making the whole day feel even more special. With every note, Mt. Joy delivered. If you haven’t already, queue up your favorite strand and press play—nothing beats the vibe.
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HURRAY FOR THE RIFF RAFF
Hurray for the Riff Raff delivered the perfect blend of tenderness and forward-thinking folk. Between Alynda Segarra’s heartfelt reflections on navigating hard times and the band’s effortless authenticity on stage, their set felt like a breath of fresh air. As they closed out the Harbor Stage until next year, it was clear— Newport wouldn’t be the same without them.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HURRAY FOR THE RIFF RAFF:
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Songs for the People
To close out the weekend, artists came together to give back to the crowd in the most Newport way possible. With John C. Reilly narrating each intro, and performances from legends like Mavis Staples, Lukas Nelson, Snacktime, and more, the atmosphere was electric. From anthems of freedom to ‘America’ by Simon & Garfunkel, it was a celebration of unity, resilience, and purpose—everything Newport Folk and Jazz stand for. From the pit to the far edges of the crowd, you could feel something immeasurable as the sun set behind the Newport Pell Bridge.
Check out our gallery from day three below!
As the weekend came to a close, Newport Folk Festival 2025 reminded us why live music is so much more than just sound—it’s connection, community, and the joy of discovery. Whether it was the quiet magic of a stripped-down set or the full-throttle chaos of a brass-fueled jams, every performance carried something unforgettable. We danced, we cried, we made such new and amazing friends. And more than anything, we left with our hearts a little fuller and our playlists a whole lot longer. Until next time, Newport.
Day Three was epic. What part of the weekend did you like the most? Anyone you would want to see next year at the fort? 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!
