Hayley Williams Brings Jenny Lewis, Jack Antonoff & More Surprise Guests to the Stage at Newport Folk Fest

As the sun dipped into the waters of Narragansett Bay, casting a warm orange glow over the Fort Adams State Park in Newport, R.I., Hayley Williams took the stage to deliver a set that would be etched in the memories of the Newport Folk Festival crowd for years to come. It was a moment that had been building up to this, a culmination of months of anticipation and hype surrounding the Paramore frontwoman's headlining slot at the 2026 festival. And as the music began to flow, it was clear that this was going to be a night to remember.

The set, billed Hayley Williams & Friends, featured a veritable who's who of musical talent, with Williams welcoming a long list of guests to join her on stage. Among them were Jack Antonoff, Lucy Dacus, and Jenny Lewis, each bringing their unique energy and style to the performances. For Williams, it was a chance to showcase her versatility and range, seamlessly transitioning from one song to the next while also sharing the spotlight with her friends. And what a lineup it was, a true celebration of music and camaraderie.

The setlist was a carefully curated mix of old and new, with Williams performing songs from her 2025 album Ego Death, as well as some fan favorites. The highlight of the night came when she was joined by Jack Antonoff on guitar for her song Good Ol Days, a poignant moment that showcased the pair's chemistry and musical chemistry. Another standout moment came when Williams played Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris live for the first time ever, accompanied by Lucy Dacus, who originally sang background vocals on the 2020 Petals for Armor track. It was evidence of the power of collaboration and the magic that can happen when musicians come together to create something special.

As the night wore on, Williams and her guests continued to impress, delivering a series of memorable performances that left the crowd in awe. From the haunting beauty of Silver Lining, a cover of the Rilo Kiley classic, to the infectious energy of I Wanna Get Better, with Jack Antonoff on vocals, every moment was evidence of the power of music to bring people together. And as the night drew to a close, with Williams and her friends taking the stage for a rousing rendition of Lean on Me, it was clear that this was a night that would be remembered for years to come.

As the 2026 Newport Folk Festival continues, with performances from The Lumineers, Nathaniel Rateliff, and Brandi Carlile, among others, it's clear that the spirit of community and collaboration that defines the festival is alive and well. For Williams and her friends, the night was a celebration of music and friendship, a reminder of the power of art to bring people together and transcend borders. And as the crowd dispersed, buzzing with excitement and anticipation for the next day's performances, it was clear that the legacy of Newport Folk would continue to inspire and delight for generations to come.

As a writer, I've always been drawn to the energy and spontaneity of live music, and the Hayley Williams & Friends set at Newport Folk was a perfect example of this. There's something special about witnessing a musician at the top of their game, surrounded by friends and collaborators, creating something truly special in the moment. And as I reflect on the night, I'm reminded of the power of music to bring people together, to transcend borders and boundaries, and to create a sense of community and connection that's hard to find elsewhere. The legacy of Newport Folk is one that will continue to inspire and delight for years to come, and I feel privileged to have been a part of it, even if only for a night.