Rhythm & Roots Festival Returns to Charlestown for Labor Day Weekend 2026

Labor Day weekend in Rhode Island comes with a few traditions. The beaches are packed, summer hangs on a little longer than expected, and thousands of music lovers make their way to Charlestown for Rhythm & Roots.

Now in its 28th year, the beloved festival returns to Ninigret Park September 4 through 6 with a lineup that spans soul, Americana, country, blues, zydeco, bluegrass, and everything in between. It's the kind of weekend where discovering a new favorite artist is almost guaranteed.

This year's headliners include funk and soul legends Tower of Power, Americana favorites The Devil Makes Three, powerhouse performers St. Paul & The Broken Bones, country singer-songwriter Margo Price, and Country Music Hall of Famer Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives.

Friday night kicks off with St. Paul & The Broken Bones, whose electrifying live shows and blend of soul, R&B, rock, and gospel have earned them fans around the world. They'll be joined by festival favorites Donna The Buffalo, Futurebirds, Los Texmaniacs, and several other acts that set the tone for a weekend of nonstop music.

Saturday brings a healthy dose of funk courtesy of Tower of Power. The legendary group behind classics like "What Is Hip?" and "So Very Hard to Go" headlines a day that also includes Margo Price, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Ward Hayden & The Outliers, Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble, and a lineup that moves effortlessly between Americana, roots, and zydeco sounds.

On Sunday, The Devil Makes Three closes out the festival with its signature blend of folk, blues, punk, and storytelling. The final day also features Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Yonder Mountain String Band, Roomful of Blues, Quinn Sullivan, and the return of Christine Ohlman's longtime "Sunday School" tradition.

Of course, Rhythm & Roots has always been about more than the music. Part of its enduring appeal is the atmosphere. It feels less like a massive festival and more like a weekend-long gathering of people who happen to share excellent taste in music. Between sets, attendees can explore local vendors, enjoy everything from jambalaya and barbecue to Thai specialties, and dance their way across the festival grounds.

Families are welcome, kids 12 and under attend free, and festivalgoers looking to upgrade their experience can opt for the Lagniappe Lounge, which includes premium viewing areas, early entry, and other perks. For the full lineup, ticket information, camping details, and festival updates, visit rhythmandroots.com.