Newport, Kentucky has a long history as the center of entertainment in Northern Kentucky. This history wanders through a variety of entertainment from gambling, music at the Jockey Club and Southgate House, and now Southgate House Revival and yes … strip clubs. There are many venues up and down Monmouth that continue this tradition – sis’s, 927, Pensive, Brass Ass’s iconic neon siren call.
If you’ve ever strolled through Newport, Kentucky, you know there’s something special in the air—an energy that’s both down-to-earth and electric. This fall, our authentic spirit comes alive like never before at the Mammoth Music and Arts Festival – a weekend celebration of everything that makes this riverside town hum with creativity, passion, diversity and community.
A Mammoth Weekend
We celebrate all the people that make Newport great. The celebration starts on Saturday October 4th when businesses up and down Monmouth Street will host Mammoth Specials. From cocktails to special pricing that hasn’t been seen since before the ice age. On Sunday October 5, noon to sundown, Mammoth fills the streets with the sound of local and regional talent that truly reflects our eclectic musical roots from three outdoor stages and two indoor stages. Music will represent a broad range of tastes – from bluegrass to rap to rock and roll.
This year, we’ll once again celebrate a Newport institution – The Jockey Club. The afternoon will be a tribute to the iconic venue that helped shape the region’s music identity. When Hallman “Shorty” Mincey and his brother Hayne “Tiny” Mincey bought the once glorious Flamingo Casino at 633 York Street in Newport, Kentucky in 1971, they couldn’t foresee its future impact on the U.S. music scene. Encouraged by Billy “Blank” Leist and others, they transformed the faded Flamingo into the Jockey Club, which eventually became a beloved and renowned punk rock venue. From 1982 to 1988, the Jockey Club was a pivotal site in the punk and hardcore scene, hosting every touring and local punk band, with influential acts like Black Flag, the Ramones, the Dead Kennedys, and the Circle Jerks playing on its tiny stage. We’ll continue the tradition with guest speakers telling stories and reading excerpts from Stories for Shorty: A Collection of Recollections from The Jockey Club 1982-1988. Join us for performances by musicians and friends from the scene. This year we’ll also showcase a graphic history of show posters from the era in a soon to be published book unveiled this year.
An Open-Air Gallery of Local Creativity
But Mammoth is more than music—it’s a full-on celebration of artistic expression. Local artists turn the streets into a colorful gallery of handcrafted wonders: vivid paintings, textured textiles, striking pottery, bold poster art, and more. This year we’ll also be showcasing the first of many planned urban murals up and down Orchard Alley. It is art made by our neighbors, for our neighbors—and for anyone lucky enough to wander through.
Good Eats, Great Sips, and Hometown Flavor
Stay for the day, we have food and beverage to sustain you. Similar to the art and music, Mammoth will highlight Newport staples like Pompilio’s, Webb’s BBQ, and Newport Pizza Company. Hydration will be brought to you courtesy West 6th Brewing, Pensive Distilling, and Liquid Death (hey … it’s darned good water).
A Festival Built by—and for—Community
Mammoth isn’t just a festival. It’s a feeling. A moment when music, art, food, and friendship fill the streets and remind us what makes this community so magical. It’s a celebration of community. A recognition of how art brings us together. So bring your friends, your kids, your parents, or just your own sense of adventure—and come experience a day you’ll never forget. Devou Good is a proud sponsor, who, along with many others, help make this event to be free with something for everyone.
October 5, 2025 | Noon–8 PM | Downtown Newport, KY
