Newport Folk Festival Reveals Hayley Williams as First 2026 Performer

Hayley Williams has been announced as the first artist confirmed for the 2026 Newport Folk Festival. 

The festival revealed that Williams will perform on Friday, July 24, in a set billed as “Hayley Williams & Friends.” The performance will mark the singers return to Newport Folk Festival following a surprise appearance at the event in 2025 where she joined Jack Antonoff onstage during his headlining set.

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While additional details about the performance have not yet been released, the “& Friends” designation suggests a collaborative set, a format frequently associated with Newport Folk Festival’s programming. The appearance is expected to be one of the major performances of the weekend, though festival organizers have not officially designated the set as a headlining slot.

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Notably, Williams’ Newport appearance will take place after wrapping up  her spring and summer tour. The tour supports her 2025 solo album Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party. She is also slated to headline the Kilby Block Party, set to take place in Salt Lake City at the Utah State Fairpark. 

Additional lineup announcements for the 2026 festival are expected in the months ahead. To stay up-to-date on the latest details, festivalgoers can visit the official Newport Folk Festival website.

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