About Newport Jazz Festival
The grandfather of all music festivals. Newport has been running since 1954 and has lost none of its magic — Fort Adams State Park on Narragansett Bay is one of the most beautiful festival settings in the world, and the programming remains committed to jazz in all its forms.
Newport is where jazz festivals were invented and it remains the gold standard for the genre. The setting — Fort Adams on the water — is genuinely breathtaking, and the programming balances legends with emerging artists better than any other jazz festival. It's smaller and more intimate than the major rock festivals, which is entirely the point. If you love jazz, this is a pilgrimage. If you're curious about jazz, this is the best possible introduction.
Festival Info
- Location
- Newport, RI
- Dates
- Jul 31 – Aug 2, 2026
- Type
- Multi-day
- Price Range
- Moderate
Genres
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Newport is where jazz festivals were invented and it remains the gold standard for the genre. The setting — Fort Adams on the water — is genuinely breathtaking, and the programming balances legends with emerging artists better than any other jazz festival.
Eat the clam cakes and chowder — this is Rhode Island. Bring a cooler with snacks and drinks if you want to save money. The fort grounds allow outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. The beer and wine garden has local selections.
Eat at a downtown café. The Corner Cafe or Belle's are local favourites. Grab a Del's Frozen Lemonade for the road.
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