The atmosphere at the 2025 Newport Folk Festival was by all accounts eclectic, filled with unforgettable performances, enthusiastic audiences, and artists thrilled to join the festival's storied legacy.
"There is such an obvious magic happening here," SNACKTIME told GRAMMY.com backstage, summing up the feeling shared by many performers at Newport. Actor-musician John C. Reilly declared it "the best music festival in America," highlighting the festival's unique and intimate vibe.
Artists expressed excitement and humility over becoming part of Newport's long history. "I'm so excited we got to become a little tiny part of the history this year," Ken Pomeroy shared. Meanwhile, South African group BCUC said performing at Newport "feels like a dream."
Below, hear more of these heartfelt sentiments and check out some performance highlights by Mt. Joy and Ritchy Mitch & The Coalminers from the 2025 iteration of Newport Folk Festival.