February 7, 2010
How To Make The Most Out Of The Newport Folk Festival
The Newport Folk Festival is well-known for being one of the must-see musical events for fans of folk music to fill out their scrapbook pages. It's gained this reputation since its beginnings in 1959 as a stage for new and old favorite musicians, like Fleet Foxes or Pete Seeger, respectively. It's also where many now-famous songwriters and performers got their first festival debut. For a first time festival attendee, the lure of good music, food, and company can distract from planning out the essentials of the trip, but don't take it too lightly.
As far as travel arrangements are concerned, Newport offers a range of accommodations, including hotels and campgrounds. Unfortunately, the Fort Adams State Park, where this festival is held each year, does not offer camping on-site. There is another campground nearby called Melville Ponds that has been reviewed positively.
The Newport festival encourages people to be environmentally responsible, and so emphasizes that multiple bicycle parking areas are near the festival entrance, as well as buses and water shuttles. Regular car parking passes are also for sale, but will cost more if purchased at the event itself, rather than ahead of time.
Newport makes the following items restricted from being brought into the event: alcohol, pets, glass containers, and, obviously, a/v recording devices. All of these things are usually kept out of large music events, so common sense tells you that officials and security will enforce them. One other interesting item that is banned from the festival is a beach umbrella, which obstructs the view of other concertgoers. However, if the umbrella is medically necessary, authorities will make an exception.
Since it's the middle of summer when the Newport folk festival takes place, make sure to bring a large supply of water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, or whatever else helps keep you healthy through long exposure to strong sunlight. Also bring some money for the wonderful food vendors, especially the local delis that have set up shop around the main stage. As far as clothing is concerned, use common sense, but versatile footgear will make a big difference, like rugged leather brown boots.
Besides the regular musical attractions, there are a number of shops and gear demos that are taking place outside of the stage areas. One a few years ago was demoing a takamine acoustic guitar and allowed amateur songwriters to show off their stuff. Very exciting!
Whether you decide to go to both days of this fine festival, or just one, have fun and be safe at Newport!
Filed under Dance Camps by Barb