Fort Adams State Park
Fort Adams is located at 90 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, RI, 02840. One of the park system’s national treasures, Fort Adams is situated at the mouth of Newport Harbor with panoramic views of the Newport Bridge and the East Passage. The festival at the Fort features 4 stages of music, food & crafts, and a number of displays.
Fort Adams State Park’s Official Website
Getting There
By Bicycle
Ride your bike and reduce your carbon footprint! Bicycles are not allowed inside the festival grounds but can be locked in several areas of the park. We’re working with Bike Newport to facilitate bicycle traffic. Click here to learn more.
Water Shuttle
The Water Ferry provides continuous service between Old Port Dock on America’s Cup in the Mooring Restaurant parking lot and Fort Adams beginning at 8 AM. Cost is $10.00 round trip and no reservations are required. From Jamestown, take the Jamestown & Newport Ferry – servicing Jamestown, Perrotti Park & Ft. Adams, leaving Jamestown & Newport approximately every 30 min. Click here for Ferry Service & Water Taxi Info.
By Car
Fort Adams State Park in Newport, RI is about 1.5 hours from Boston and 3.5 hours from New York City.
Get directions to the Fort from your location
Parking
There is limited on-site parking available at Fort Adams State Park for $12.00 per vehicle in advance; $15.00 on festival weekend. To purchase in advance, select the parking option during your ticket buying process on Ticketmaster. Parking opens at 11am on Friday, and 8am on Saturday & Sunday.
Parking for vehicles with ADA placards or license plates is available in the Lower Lot. Each vehicle gaining access to the Lower Lot must pay the parking fee; the holder of the placard MUST BE a passenger in the vehicle and produce the issued ADA handicap placard. Violation of any ADA placard or license carries a fine of up to $500. ADA parking is available. See full ADA information below.
Rules & FAQs
What time does everything open?
FRIDAY JULY 27
BOX OFFICE opens at 9am
GATES open at 10am
PARKING opens at 8am / Shuttles start at 9am
WATER TAXIS start at 7am
FOOD & CRAFTS start at 10am
MUSIC starts at 11:30am
SATURDAY JULY 28 & SUNDAY JULY 29
BOX OFFICE opens at 9am
GATES open at 10am
PARKING opens at 8am / Shuttles start at 9am
WATER TAXIS start at 7am
FOOD & CRAFTS start at 10am
MUSIC starts at 11:30am
When will the schedule be posted?
Schedules are posted in the weeks leading up to the Festival.
Is there camping on-site?
Sorry, no camping is available at Fort Adams State Park but there are campgrounds not far from the festival grounds. Check out this google map of camp sites in the area. Also, check out www.visitrhodeisland.com in the Recreation/Camping section for additional suggestions.
- Only one small hand held cooler (no larger than 16×12) per person allowed
- Maximum size for individual blankets is 8′x 10′
- Low-backed chairs only (under 30″) to ensure good viewing for your neighbors
- No glass containers admitted. All coolers will be searched.
- No alcohol
- No Pets
- No beach umbrellas or anything that could obstruct the view of others
What is the smoking policy?
Newport Folk Festival encourages a smoke-free environment and asks that you respect the health of your neighbors at the festival and refrain from smoking in any area where it may affect someone else. Smoking is prohibited under all tents and inside buildings. Please find an isolated area if you must smoke, and dispose of your butts properly.
Is there anything for children at the festival?
The Late July Organic Family Tent hopes to inspire the next generation of folk fans by helping all ages have a great festival experience! In a shaded retreat near the shore, join us for performances on the Family Stage and FREE crafts, organic snacks & other fun surprises all weekend long! The Family Stage will once again feature the amazing Elizabeth Mitchell & You Are My Flower along with many surprise performances by artists from the main stage. This tent is a great place for families to take a little break, relax together and let the wonderful music, delicious snacks and ocean breeze transport you to a moment in time when life is pure, simple and good.
LOST CHILD STATION: There is a Lost Child Station at the First Aid Tent on the Festival Grounds.
Is photographic or recording equipment permitted?
Hand held still cameras are permitted. Tripods are not advisable. Audio and video recording devices are NOT permitted.
ADA Accessibility
Parking
Parking for vehicles with ADA placards or license plates is available in the Lower Lot. Each vehicle gaining access to the Lower Lot must pay the parking fee; the holder of the placard MUST BE a passenger in the vehicle and produce the issued ADA handicap placard. Violation of any ADA placard or license carries a fine of up to $500. ADA parking is available.
Seating Area
An area within the G/A seating on the lawn in front of the Fort Stage is reserved for disabled patrons. This section is located in a roped off area in front of the sound board. This area is accessible by a paved road from the festival entrance. Because space is limited, each disabled patron is allowed one guest to accompany. Seating is not provided in this area so guests should bring blankets or low-backed lawn chairs.
Craft Vendors
To request an application for the 2013 Newport Folk Festival Crafts Market, email craftsmarket@cox.net or send a self addressed stamped envelope to: Festival Crafts, PO Box 3865, Newport, RI 02840. Please do not include images with your application request.
Food Vendors
We are no longer considering new food vendors for our 2013 Festival.
For More Information
For ticket questions email newporttickets@gmail.com.
For press inquiries related to the Newport Folk Festival, please email media@newportfolkfest.net.
To submit your artist or band for consideration, please fill out this form.
For general questions email newportfolkfest@gmail.com or call the festival office at (401) 848-5055.








