Newport Jazz, Folk Festivals Canceled Amid Coronavirus Crisis

NEWPORT, RI — Two of Aquidneck Island's most beloved summer traditions will not be held this summer. Both the Newport Jazz and Folk Festival were canceled Wednesday, following Gov. Gina Raimondo's announcement that large-scale events cannot be held this summer.

The events' organizer, Jay Sweet, said the cancellation comes with "heaviest of hearts," but that it was the best choice for the safety of attendees.

"As devastating as it is to write those words, it’s balanced with a renewed sense of, well, HOPE," Sweet said in a message to the public. "It’s Rhode Island’s motto for good reason and it’s also the feeling you, our festival family, constantly exudes when we come together in good times and perhaps more importantly, in difficult times as well. This community is truly unlike any other in music, and I believe we can emerge from this hardship stronger and more connected than ever before."

During Wednesday's daily news conference, Gov. Gina Raimondo saidevents with 50 people or more will not be possible this summer. This includes popular events like the Bristol Fourth of July Parade and large weddings, as well as concerts such as the Jazz and Folk Festivals. there is too much risk for virus transmission at these types of large-scale events, she said, and the risk of a surge of cases, which could require another shutdown of the economy or make it unsafe to reopen schools in the fall.

"Concerts cannot happen, festivals cannot happen, events cannot happen ... it's just not safe," Raimondo said.

Those who already bought tickets for either festival can decide where their money goes form three options:

1. Donate all or part of the ticket price to support the 2021 festival.
2. Apply the refund towards a 2021 membership as part of a one-time deal to get a three-day ticket.
3. Request a full refund.

"If you can donate your ticket back, if you've already purchased it, that would be good," Raimondo said. "I will look at all of our tourism industry to see what we can do to help."

Regular three-day memberships will go on sale to the general public once the refund request period ends. Anyone who did not buy tickets is encouraged to make a tax-deductible donation to support the festival.

"Although we won’t be able to gather at the Fort this summer, rest assured we have invited all the announced artists to join us next year," Sweet said. "In the meantime, we promise we will all commune one way or another on our festival weekend. As always, we have some secret surprises in store as well, so stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks. Until then, stay strong and folk on."

More information on the Jazz Festival is available here, and the Folk Festival here.

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