Newport Folk Festival closes out with Nathaniel Rateliff, Dave Matthews, Joan Baez, and Mavis Staples in unforgettable Sunday finale

The 2026 Newport Folk Festival went out in style Sunday at Fort Adams State Park, closing its sold-out three-day run with a finale that few in attendance will soon forget.

Nathaniel Rateliff & Friends headlined the Fort Stage to close the weekend, but it was the surprise guests that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Dave Matthews, Joan Baez, and Mavis Staples each joined Rateliff on stage during the final set of the festival — a moment that crystallized everything Newport Folk does best.

Earlier on the Fort Stage, Brandi Carlile delivered a set billed “Returning to Myself” in the late afternoon, with Father John Misty holding court in the early afternoon. Brandon Flowers brought his signature energy to the Quad Stage in the evening, joined earlier by Tom Morello and The Fearless Flyers. The Harbor Stage closed with a collaborative set featuring Peter Rowan, Sam Grisman, Sierra Hull, Larry Campbell, and Teresa Williams. Tim Bernardes and Kathleen Edwards rounded out the afternoon on the Harbor Stage.

The Foundation Stage featured Victoria Canal and Gwenifer Raymond, while the Bike Stage spotlighted Case Oats, Sally Rose, and Nabeel through the afternoon.

The 2026 Newport Folk Festival is in the books.

What’sUpNewp photographer Rick Farrell’s Day 3 gallery is below. See his gallery from Day 1 and Day 2.