Hayley Williams is the first confirmed performer for the 2026 Newport Folk Festival, and the announcement already has people talking. Williams will take the stage Friday, July 24, in a set billed as “Hayley Williams & Friends,” a format that practically guarantees something special. Newport Folk has a long history of turning collaborative sets into genuinely unforgettable moments, and this one carries serious potential.
This won’t be Williams’ first time at Newport. She appeared at the 2025 festival as a surprise guest, joining Jack Antonoff onstage during his headlining set. Returning in 2026 with her own dedicated slot is a significant step up, and the “& Friends” billing leaves plenty of room for the unexpected.
The Newport appearance follows a busy stretch for Williams. Her spring and summer tour supporting her 2025 solo album ‘Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party’ keeps her active leading into the festival, with a Kilby Block Party headlining slot in Salt Lake City at the Utah State Fairpark also on the schedule.
The 2026 Newport Folk Festival lineup is just getting started. More announcements are coming, but Williams landing the first confirmed slot signals that this year’s edition means business. July 24 is already one to circle.
Hayley Williams and Friends are headed to Newport Folk Festival this July, and tickets are available now at newportfolk.org.