The Newport Folk Festival’s 2025 Friday lineup has emerged as a clear favorite among indie rock fans, sparking strong praise across r/NewPortFolkFestival. With confirmed acts like Alex G, MJ Lenderman, Jessica Pratt, Kim Deal, and Kevin Morby, the day packs a potent indie punch.
Headliners Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Geese, and S.G. Goodman amplify the buzz, while a special Jack Antonoff/Bleachers Ally Coalition set hints at the kind of surprise collaborations Newport Folk is known for. Kenny Loggins rounds out the day with his legendary cross-genre appeal, making Friday a must-see.
Attendees are loving Friday’s dense indie focus, dubbing it “hipster day,” but discussions have also highlighted some frustrations. The lineup skews heavily toward indie rock and lacks bluegrass or globally diverse sounds, a signature of other festival days. Single-day fans are challenged by the packed schedules, with Saturday and Sunday offering very different vibes — Saturday veers toward folk, alt-country, and headlined by Luke Combs, while Sunday leans fully into country with gems like BCUC.
Festivalgoers are excited yet worried about conflicts and missing acts, especially given MJ Lenderman’s highly anticipated 2024 record. Others locked in for Sunday express both envy and gratitude to be part of the festival.
Overall, the Newport Folk Festival 2025 is shaping into one of its most eclectic, with Friday’s lineup firmly established as the prime target for indie rock enthusiasts hunting for standout sets and potential collaborative fireworks. For anyone chasing fresh indie experiences and festival exclusives, Friday is where to be.
Source: r/NewportFolkFestival