Economic Impact Study
Newport Festivals Foundation
The Newport Festivals Foundation (NFF) organizes the world-renowned Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals. For over sixty-five years, the festivals have embodied NFF’s mission to create moments of hope through music and community. NFF relies on support from its host community, Newport, the State of Rhode Island, and the Fort Adams Trust, which stewards Fort Adams where the Festivals are held. NFF works with these entities to ensure safety, security, and overall coordination as 10,000 people attend each day. The festivals’ positive economic impacts are significant, creating a net positive return on investment for local and state expenditures.
Fourth Economy was engaged to conduct an Economic Impact study in 2018 and an update in 2024 at the Festival’s 65th anniversary.
Our Approach
Fourth Economy designed an attendee survey process that utilized volunteer-distributed QR codes and rotating image screens at the Festivals, social media promotion and post-event communication to ensure broad distribution. The brief survey gathered information on expenditures at the concert site and within the region, transportation, lodging, and other economic impact-related activities. In partnership with Connect Greater Newport, the survey also included questions about the region and participants’ interest in learning more about it from an economic development perspective. Participants were particularly responsive when informed that their feedback would benefit the Newport Festivals Foundation. Additionally, the Festivals Foundation offered two membership prizes to randomly selected respondents that included tickets to 2025 festivals and other benefits.
The Results
The survey was completed by 3,618 festival attendees, providing an ample sample size for our economic impact analysis. All economic data was modeled using Lightcast™ software, with analysis and reporting by Fourth Economy. The economic impact report is being used by NFF leadership as they define the benefits of hosting the festival for their host community, Newport, and the State of Rhode Island. Impact data is particularly important to show ROI in light of increased overall costs and costs for safety and security.
Location
Newport, Rhode Island