NEWPORT FOLK FEST DAY 2
Newport Folk Fest Day 2, Newport, RI. 7/25/26
Day 2: Saturday
After an incredible opening day, excitement was even higher for a star-studded Day 2 at Newport Folk Festival.
The Harbor Stage kicked things off with California trio Trousdale, whose flawless three-part harmonies immediately won over the early crowd. On the Main Stage, Newport's own Princess June opened the day to a warm hometown welcome, with enthusiastic fans bringing plenty of energy and cheering after every song.
Over at the Bike Stage, Illiterate Light's Jeff Gorman welcomed everyone before introducing Morgan Nagler. Nagler joked that she was about to sing a song about the West Coast while wearing an East Coast-inspired Cheers shirt. Throughout the set, Gorman encouraged fans powering the pedal-powered stage with signs reading "Pedal Harder" and "Slow Down," making the audience an active part of the performance.
Canadian singer-songwriter Leif Vollebekk then took the Quad Stage, opening his set at the piano before welcoming fellow Canadian Brad Barr on guitar. After performing his fan favorite "Long Blue Light," Vollebekk told the audience that Newport's fans; both inside and outside the tent, are his favorite anywhere.
At the Fort Stage, Evan Honer mixed his heartfelt songwriting with a more upbeat tune that got the crowd dancing, giving fans a chance to move along with the music.
Back at the Bike Stage, Connecticut native Madi Diaz opened her set with a song inspired by an ex-boyfriend reaching out unexpectedly. She also delivered one of the day's biggest surprises by bringing out Lizzy McAlpine, drawing one of the largest crowds the Bike Stage saw all weekend.
New York indie band This Is Lorelei packed the Quad Stage and energized the audience with a performance of their breakout song "I'm All F**** Up."
Devon Gilfillian hosted the Harbor Stage's "Sea to Shining Sea" set, beginning with an impressive performance from R&B trio Oakland Rising, whose powerful harmonies captivated the audience. Gilfillian then welcomed Leif Vollebekk back to the stage for a moving rendition of Bill Withers' "Lean on Me." Additional guests included Taylor Hollingsworth and BJ Barham, making it one of the day's standout collaborative performances.
Nashville's Medium Build followed on the Quad Stage, drawing another large audience with his charismatic and creative performance. He asked the crowd “who arrived to the festival by boat?” and then joked, "Okay, tax these people," earning one of the biggest laughs of the afternoon.
Lizzy McAlpine returned to the Fort Stage for her own set, showcasing the classically trained vocals that have made her one of folk music's rising stars.
The Barr Brothers delivered one of the festival's most unique entrances on the Harbor Stage. Andrew Barr theatrically "pulled" brother Brad Barr onto the stage with an invisible rope before the duo spent much of the set sharing a single microphone, creating an intimate atmosphere that perfectly matched their music.
The Main Stage welcomed Gillian Welch and David Rawlings for a Grateful Dead cover set that had the audience dancing and singing throughout, celebrating the timeless music that has become a staple of the festival.
Back on the Harbor Stage, Dawes delivered one of the day's most emotional performances. The band reflected on the difficult year they've endured after the devastating Los Angeles fires impacted both their home and their lives. When they launched into "Million Dollar Bill," the crowd enthusiastically sang every word back to them.
Next came funk supergroup Vulfpeck, featuring an all-star lineup that included Cory Wong. Their infectious grooves immediately had the audience dancing, while Antwaun Stanley's powerhouse vocals elevated an already electric performance.
Day 2 concluded with headliners The Lumineers, who once again proved why they remain one of folk music's premier live acts. The night's defining moment came during "Ophelia," as thousands of fans sang the chorus back to the band at full volume, creating a memorable festival finale.
It was another unforgettable day at Newport Folk Festival, leaving fans eager to see what surprises the festival's final day would bring.
Shot and Written by Jonah van Bemmelen.
