The Newport Festivals Foundation is enhancing the family experience at its Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals with a revamped Family Tent featuring local nonprofits and hands-on activities for children.
Dan Swain, Director of Development and Programs for the Newport Festivals Foundation, says the idea for the new format emerged about two or three years ago when a previous partner moved on from managing the tent.
The foundation reached out to local organizations already experienced in children’s programming, including Norman Bird Sanctuary, Aquidneck Community Table, Fab Newport, and Jamestown Arts Center.
One of the tent’s most popular features is the instrument petting zoo, where children and adults can try various instruments without fear of damaging them.
Parents appreciate the Family Tent as a respite from the festival crowds. “Parents see it as like a godsend because they actually get to have their kid be distracted for 35, 40 minutes,” Swain noted.
The foundation continues to improve the Family Tent experience each year, adding amenities like water fountains and sunscreen stations.
The Family Tent is available at both the Newport Folk and Newport Jazz Festivals, offering a family-friendly space within the larger event at Fort Adams State Park.
