Hayely Williams with Bleachers, Newport Folk 2025 (photo by Dean Budnick)

Hayley Williams is the first performer confirmed to appear at Newport, RI’s famed Newport Folk Festival this summer. The Paramore singer made her Newport Folk debut last summer when she joined Bleachers for a few songs during their guest-heavy Ally Coalition Talent Show set. Williams used the occasion to both debut her new original “Mirtazapine” and cover Modern English’s “I Melt With You.” Reflecting on the experience, Williams recently told the New York Times podcast: “I just went to my first Newport Folk Festival and I thought, ‘This is the punkest festival I’ve ever been at,’ and I grew up at punk festivals.” 

Newport Folk, which will take place July 24-26, famously rolls out its lineup one artist at a time during the months leading up to the festival, reserving some space for unannounced sets as well. Williams is slated to appear on July 24, offering a set billed as Hayley Williams & Friends. The singer is currently touring in support of her third solo LP, Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party.