The r/NewportFolkFestival subreddit recently exploded with warm nostalgia as longtime fans shared memories of the traditional paper tickets and printed schedules from the 2007 Newport Folk Festival. Attendees fondly recalled the tangible connection they had to the event — clutching colorful ticket stubs, flipping through physical schedules, and buying tickets at the box office — a stark contrast to today’s digital-first festival experience.
The 2007 lineup brought heavyweight folk and Americana stars including Amos Lee, Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Ralph Stanley, John Butler Trio, and the Allman Brothers Band. Fans highlighted memorable performances, particularly Sierra Hull and the Carolina Chocolate Drops rocking two sets on a single day, encapsulating the festival’s vibrant spirit that year.
One vivid thread post showed a 2007 Dunkin’ Donuts Newport Folk Festival ticket alongside a printed schedule card, sparking heartfelt chatter about how much the festival experience has evolved. Commenters expressed delight that the festival has since moved away from corporate sponsorships like Dunkin’ Donuts, embracing a non-profit status since 2011, which many see as a win for preserving the festival’s authentic culture.
This conversation served as a compelling reminder of the Newport Folk Festival’s deep-rooted history and the communal bonds it fosters. The mix of old-school physical mementos with fond stories highlights the evolving ways fans engage with one of folk’s most treasured gatherings.
- 2007 headliners: Allman Brothers Band, Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Amos Lee, John Butler Trio, Ralph Stanley
- Notable 2007 festival features included multiple sets by artists like Sierra Hull and the Carolina Chocolate Drops
- Shift from paper tickets and schedules to digital platforms over time
- Corporate sponsorship in 2007 included Dunkin’ Donuts; ended in 2011 with festival’s non-profit transition
- Community nostalgia shows strong appreciation for festival’s enduring heritage and evolving format
For those wanting a taste of the past, this thread on r/NewportFolkFestival is a reminder of the simpler, tactile joys of festival-going — the ticket stub as souvenir, the printed schedule as a trusty guide, and the collective memory that binds the folk family together across the years.
Source: r/NewportFolkFestival