Newport Jazz Festival Day 2: Jonathan Batiste, "Sonny Miles on a Trane" headline a standout Saturday at Fort Adams

Day 2 of the sold-out 2026 Newport Jazz Festival delivered another full and memorable Saturday at Fort Adams State Park, with Jonathan Batiste Trios and the closing “Sonny Miles on a Trane” set featuring Kamasi Washington and Chief Adjuah drawing some of the weekend’s biggest reactions from the crowd.

Batiste’s Trios set on the Quad Stage in the early evening built anticipation for the night’s closing act, while “Sonny Miles on a Trane” — the festival’s most anticipated collaborative performance of the weekend — closed the Fort Stage to a packed crowd.

The afternoon was equally strong. Gary Clark Jr. electrified the Fort Stage, with Cory Wong and Joshua Redman and Nate Smith filling out a deep bill earlier in the day. Snarky Puppy and Atomic Habitz featuring Marcus King, Chris Dave, and Mononeon anchored the Quad Stage through the afternoon. The Harbor Stage featured Terri Lyne Carrington, Linda May Han Oh Trio, Gotts Street Park, and Maya Delilah, while the Foundation Stage opened with a conversation between Marcus J Moore and Terri Lyne Carrington.

The festival wraps up today with Herbie Hancock closing the Fort Stage, joined by Thundercat, Flea and the Honora Band, and Celeste. Lake Street Dive and Arlo Parks anchor the Quad Stage, while The Bad Plus Farewell Tour, Charlie Hunter and Ella Feingold, and the Sullivan Fortner Trio headline the Harbor Stage.

Photos by What’sUpNewp photographers Rick Farrell and Justin Walker. Here’s a look at Day 2. Look for full Day 3 coverage from Rick and Justin later today.

Photos by Rick Farrell