Hayley Williams brings stars to Newport Folk Fest

The 2026 Newport Folk Festival didn’t just host a gathering of folk legends; it became a vibrant collision point where indie icons and pop royalty intersected with the raw, beautiful sound of Hayley Williams. On Friday, July 24th, Williams took center stage at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, R.I., leading a spectacular lineup of guests who turned the festival into an unforgettable celebration of modern music.

Joining Williams for her headlining slot was a stellar collection of collaborators, including Jack Antonoff, Lucy Dacus, and Jenny Lewis. The mood quickly shifted from a traditional folk setting to a dazzling showcase of contemporary musical chemistry, proving that the spirit of the festival thrives on unexpected alliances.

Williams’ setlist was a masterclass in dynamic performance. She kicked off the evening with her 2025 album title track, “Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party”, setting an immediate high-energy tone. The performance featured playful nods to classic music, culminating in a group cover of Bill Withers’ timeless anthem, “Lean on Me.”

The evening was filled with high-octane collaborations. Williams shared an energetic moment with Jack Antonoff, performing “I Wanna Get Better”, a track from his band Bleachers’ debut single. The connection was palpable as they harmonized on vocals, delivering a sweet moment that resonated with the audience.

Further surprising the crowd were Williams’ live explorations of new material alongside her guests. She performed “Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris” for the first time, accompanied by Lucy Dacus, one-third of the acclaimed group Boygenius. This performance was a highlight, showcasing how seamlessly modern indie sounds blend with folk sensibilities.

In a truly spontaneous moment that captured the essence of the event, Williams welcomed Jenny Lewis onstage to cover “Silver Lining” by Rilo Kiley. Their duet was filled with shared emotion as they delivered the lyrics, offering an intimate counterpoint to the high-energy performances.

The stage was also packed with a diverse group of supporting musicians, including Karly Hartzman, This Is Lorelei, Joy Oladokun, Liam Benzvi, Annie DiRusso, Kelsey Lu, Remi Wolf, Phoenix Rousiamanis, and Madi Diaz. This ensemble added rich texture and depth to Williams’ performance.

Beyond the collaborative acts, the Newport Folk Festival continued its trajectory with other major headliners, including Ms. Lauryn Hill. The festival successfully managed a remarkable blend of classic Americana and cutting-edge contemporary sounds, offering an experience that was both nostalgic and electrifying.

The entire event demonstrated the enduring power of live music to forge connections across generations and genres. It proved that whether you are singing about love, struggle, or simply celebrating life, a shared musical moment can bring everyone together in a blaze of creative joy.