_{The Newport Jazz Festival 2025: Ultimate Guide – Please note: Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners, who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about, as well as where and how they appear on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own.}

Nestled along the sparkling coastline of Rhode Island, Newport comes alive every summer with the sounds of legendary and emerging jazz artists. The Newport Jazz Festival 2025, taking place at Fort Adams State Park, is not just a music event—it’s a historic celebration of sound, soul, and seaside culture. Whether you’re a diehard jazz fan or a casual listener seeking a culturally rich getaway, this year’s festival offers something extraordinary.

Let’s explore the top performers, rich legacy, VIP experiences, and all the best things to do, see, eat, and enjoy in Newport, Rhode Island.

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A Look Back: The Historic Legacy of the Newport Jazz Festival

Founded in 1954 by George Wein, the Newport Jazz Festival was the first outdoor music festival in the U.S. dedicated solely to jazz. Held in the idyllic setting of Newport, it became the launchpad for countless historic performances.

Over the decades, legends like Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Thelonious Monk, and John Coltrane have graced the stage. This festival helped transform jazz from club culture to a major outdoor musical movement.

Now in its 71st year, the Newport Jazz Festival remains a pioneering event, continuing to push the boundaries of the genre while honoring its roots. Learn more.

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Main Stage Lineup

2025 Headliners You Can’t Miss

Friday, August 1 – Day One Highlights

• Herbie Hancock – The iconic pianist and composer returns with an electrifying new set.
• Esperanza Spalding – A genre-defying bassist, vocalist, and composer blending jazz, soul, and classical.
• Hiromi: Sonicwonder – Japan’s jazz fusion phenomenon brings her explosive piano energy.
• Lakecia Benjamin & Phoenix – Known for her powerful alto sax, Lakecia leads a spirited performance.

Saturday, August 2 – Day Two Powerhouse Lineup

• Kamasi Washington – A modern jazz leader blending funk, hip-hop, and orchestral layers.
• Terrace Martin – Collaborator with Kendrick Lamar, fusing jazz with R&B and activism.
• Melissa Aldana – A saxophone virtuoso spotlighting Latin American jazz traditions.
• Samara Joy – The Grammy-winning vocalist returns with timeless, velvet-toned jazz standards.

Sunday, August 3 – Festival Finale

• Christian McBride’s New Jawn – Festival artistic director leads a top-tier ensemble.
• Jazzmeia Horn – Her dynamic vocals and political soul jazz captivate audiences.
• Robert Glasper – Known for breaking musical boundaries with a blend of jazz, hip-hop, and neo-soul.
• The Soul Rebels – Brass band meets party energy, closing the weekend with flair.

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Why You Should Attend Newport Jazz Festival 2025

Attending the Newport Jazz Festival is about more than music—it’s about the experience.

• Location: Fort Adams overlooks the stunning Narragansett Bay.
• Diverse Sounds: Enjoy classic, experimental, and cross-genre jazz.
• Scenic Vibes: Open-air lawns, food trucks, sailboats gliding past, and crisp ocean air.
• Cultural Fusion: Mingle with artists, critics, and global jazz lovers.

The festival is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Learn more.

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Ticketing and VIP Experience

How to Get Tickets

Tickets for the 2025 festival are available on the official Newport Jazz Festival website. Passes are offered as:

• Single-Day General Admission
• Weekend Pass (3-Day Access)
• Student Discounts
• Child Admission (Free for 10 and under with an adult)

Early bird options are often available, so booking in advance is recommended. Learn more.

VIP Experience

Elevate your visit with the Newport Jazz Festival VIP Experience, which includes:

• Exclusive VIP Viewing Areas
• Air-conditioned Hospitality Lounge
• VIP-Only Entrance and On-Site Parking
• Complimentary Snacks and Beverages
• Private Restrooms
• Meet-and-Greet Opportunities with Artists

VIP passes are limited and tend to sell out early. They offer the ultimate comfort while enjoying the music in style. Learn more.

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Top 5 Things to Do in Newport, RI

While the music may be the main event, Newport itself is brimming with charm and history. Take time to explore:

1. The Cliff Walk

This 3.5-mile oceanfront trail blends rugged shoreline beauty with Gilded Age mansions.

2. Newport Mansions

Visit The Breakers or Marble House for a glimpse into 19th-century opulence.

3. Sailing and Harbor Cruises

Join a classic yacht tour or sunset sail through Narragansett Bay.

4. Bowen’s Wharf

Shop local art, sip coffee by the water, or enjoy the artisan markets.

5. Fort Adams State Park

Even beyond the festival, this park is a historic fortress offering scenic views, fishing, and guided tours.

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Best Restaurants in Newport, Rhode Island

1. The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar

Famous for its “bag of doughnuts” lobster fritters and bay views.

2. Clarke Cooke House

A Newport classic serving fine seafood, steaks, and vibrant desserts in a nautical-chic setting.

3. Bouchard Restaurant & Inn

Upscale French cuisine with impeccable service and award-winning wines.

4. Midtown Oyster Bar

Great for raw bar offerings, craft cocktails, and live music.

5. Scales & Shells

Known for rustic, fresh-caught seafood served in an unpretentious setting.

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Best Bars and Nightlife in Newport

1. The White Horse Tavern

The oldest operating tavern in the U.S., offering cocktails with colonial flair.

2. One Pelham East

A lively bar and music venue with a classic Newport vibe.

3. The Fifth Element

Eclectic and trendy, this spot combines live jazz sets with small plates and craft drinks.

4. Pour Judgement

Laid-back and local, known for craft beers and casual bites.

5. Diego’s

Tacos, tequila, and waterfront views—perfect for post-festival relaxation.

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Top Luxury Hotels to Stay in Newport, RI

Castle Hill Inn

Perched on a 40-acre peninsula, this historic seaside estate offers oceanfront cottages, a private beach, and fine dining. It’s the epitome of coastal New England luxury. Discover more.

The Cliffside Inn

Steps from the Cliff Walk, this Victorian-style B&B blends history and comfort with fireplaces, soaking tubs, and lush gardens. Ideal for a romantic escape. Discover more.

The Chanler at Cliff Walk

A Gilded Age mansion turned boutique hotel, offering personalized service, antique décor, and panoramic ocean views. It’s one of the most exclusive places to stay in Newport. Discover more.

Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection

Formerly the Vanderbilt Grace, this downtown luxury hotel offers rooftop cocktails, a full-service spa, and an elegant mix of modern amenities and historical architecture. Discover more.

Explore more luxury hotels from Tablet Hotels.

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Tips for First-Time Festivalgoers

• Bring Lawn Chairs or Blankets: The general admission areas are first come, first served.
• Stay Hydrated: There are water refill stations throughout the grounds.
• Arrive Early: Beat the crowds and snag the best lawn spots.
• Dress for the Weather: Coastal breezes can shift from sunny to chilly—layers are key.
• Explore Beyond the Music: Local food vendors, merchandise tents, and artist booths add depth to your day.

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Plan Your Newport Jazz Festival Weekend Now

The Newport Jazz Festival 2025 promises an unforgettable weekend of live music, seaside luxury, and cultural immersion. Whether you’re grooving to Kamasi Washington, basking in the sunset at Fort Adams, or enjoying a cocktail on the lawn, Newport offers the perfect blend of sophistication and soul.

Start planning now—book your tickets early, reserve your hotel, and prepare to experience one of America’s most cherished musical traditions in full swing.

Let the rhythm lead you to Rhode Island this summer.

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