Joan Baez proved she can still cut a rug during the closing moments of the 2026 Newport Folk Festival. During Nathaniel Rateliff & Friends’ festival-closing set on Sunday, July 26th, the 85-year-old folk legend danced on stage as Rateliff performed a new song titled “It Surprises Me.” After deciding she wanted a partner, Baez waved over Dave Matthews and pulled him onto the stage as an adoring Mavis Staples looked on.
The moment came during a star-studded finale that saw Rateliff welcome a rotating cast of guests including Baez, Matthews, Staples, Brandi Carlile, Brandon Flowers, Gillian Welch, David Rawlings, and more. Baez, whose history with Newport stretches all the way back to the festival’s inaugural edition in 1959, later helped close out the weekend with a group rendition of “America the Beautiful.”
Newport Folk Festival Highlights
The 2026 Newport Folk Festival was filled with memorable performances, including the finale that featured Nathaniel Rateliff & Friends. The festival, which took place on Sunday, July 26th, saw a range of talented artists take the stage, including Joan Baez, Dave Matthews, and Mavis Staples. The event was a celebration of music and folk culture, with Baez and Matthews stealing the show with their energetic dance performance.
Star-Studded Lineup
The festival featured a star-studded lineup of artists, including Nathaniel Rateliff & Friends, Joan Baez, Dave Matthews, Mavis Staples, Brandi Carlile, Brandon Flowers, Gillian Welch, and David Rawlings. The finale, which featured a group rendition of “America the Beautiful,” was a highlight of the event, with Baez and Matthews bringing the crowd to their feet.
In conclusion, the 2026 Newport Folk Festival was a memorable event that featured a range of talented artists, including Joan Baez, Dave Matthews, and Mavis Staples. The festival, which took place on Sunday, July 26th, was a celebration of music and folk culture, with Baez and Matthews stealing the show with their energetic dance performance. The event was a must-see for music fans, with a star-studded lineup and unforgettable performances that will be remembered for years to come.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte, widely regarded as the “Shakespeare of Sh*tposts,” is a video game expert with a unique knack for turning pixels into punchlines.
Born in the small town of Respawn, Pennsylvania, Pixel grew up mashing buttons on an ancient NES controller, firmly believing that “blowing into the cartridge” was a sacred ritual passed down through generations.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte: proving that life, much like a buggy open-world game, is better with a little lag-induced chaos.
