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Organizers outline Mammoth Music & Arts Festival expansion, set Oct. 4 date

Board of Commissioners, City of Newport · April 21, 2026

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Summary

Mammoth Music & Arts Festival organizers told the commission they plan to keep a similar footprint for 2026, expand programming (VIP bourbon experience, merchant market) and have set Sunday, Oct. 4 as the date; organizers cited growth from roughly 3,000 attendees in year one to about 8,000 in year two.

Organizers of the Mammoth Music & Arts Festival presented plans to the Newport Board of Commissioners on April 20, reporting multi‑year growth and outlining a program lineup and community integration for the 2026 festival.

Founder Jim Guthrie described the festival’s origins and growth: he said the inaugural event drew about 3,000 people and the second year about 8,000, and organizers plan to keep a similar downtown street footprint while refining logistics for 2026. Organizers said they expect five stages (including two indoor stages), a larger VIP bourbon experience hosted by New Riff, a merchant market area to involve more local businesses and an expanded fine arts area and kids’ programming.

Mammoth organizers asked the city for continued support and noted the festival’s regional draw; they asked the commission to “save the date” for Sunday, Oct. 4, noon–8 p.m., with additional hours inside Southgate House after the outdoor event. Organizers said most acts are local but that increased budget flexibility could allow booking more national touring headliners.

Commissioners congratulated the organizers and said the stacked weekend of events could increase tourism and economic activity for Newport. Organizers noted recognition in national press for the festival’s early success.