The White Horse Tavern, built in 1673, is the oldest continuously-operating tavern in the country
Plan on dining out a lot when you visit? The Newport County Dinner Club offers 2-for-1 meals at over 60 restaurants in the greater Newport area for $19.95. The card is good for one year and can be purchased in Newport at the Gateway Center or over the phone. (list of participating restaurants)
Summer really comes alive each year with Newport's famous festival season. From the world-renowned International Boat Show to the celebrity line-up at the Comedy Series, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Each event is located at the Newport Yachting Center in the heart of downtown Newport right on the harbor!
Newport, RI Events Calendar
Newport is home to hundreds of attractions and events held each year. The range in offerings is incredible, from the famed mansions of Bellevue Avenue to Saint Mary's Church where John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Onassis were married. Crowds range in size from a hundred to tens of thousands. No matter what time of year it is, there is always some sort of event or attraction to visit in Newport on any given day.
We strongly encourage visitors to pick up a local paper upon arrival in Newport since many of the less-publicized events will be listed for your reference. There may be plays, concerts and festivals in the paper which can offer a more intimate entertainment experience in Newport.
At any given time, Newport has many different events going on simultaneously. Here we've listed our favorites that happen just about the same time every year. Check the individual websites for specific dates and times. When done, simply close the window to return to Destinationnewport.com.
Use the links below to get up-to-date schedules for these area events/attractions.
Events Held Throughout the Year
Fort Adams - cultural and historical events
International Yacht Restoration School -Boat restoration by master shipwrights and students using period tools and equipment. Sailing regattas and fund-raising events. Open to the public.
Museum of Yachting - sailing regattas and fund-raising events
Newport Art Museum - concerts, fund-raising events, exhibitions
Newport Gulls Baseball - seasonal baseball at Cardines Field
Newport Skating Center - seasonal skating rink at the Newport Yachting Center
New York Yacht Club - sailing regattas
Redwood Library - exhibitions and lecture series
Rose Island Lighthouse - educational and fund-raising events
Save the Bay - seal watches January-March, marine-related educational programs and fund-raising events
Newport, RI Events - By the Month
January
New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge
Easton's Beach, Memorial Blvd
Newport RI (401)274-1728
At noon, the Polar Bear Club takes its first swim of the new year to benefit charity.
Seal Watch Tours
Save the Bay / Downtown Newport
(401)324-6020 (reservations recommended)
From January through March each year, the seals winter over in the relatively mild waters of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. Tours leave from downtown Newport at low tide when the seals are out on the rocks surrounding Rose Island Lighthouse in Newport Harbor.
February
Winter Festival
28 Pelham Street
Newport RI (401)847-7666
10 days of fun family activities to shake off the winter blues. Ice sculptures, sand sculptures, a chili cook-off and plenty of live music and entertainment makes this festival one of the largest festivals in New England.
Seal Watch Tours
Save the Bay / Downtown Newport
(401)324-6020 (reservations recommended)
From January through March each year, the seals winter over in the relatively mild waters of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. Tours leave from downtown Newport at low tide when the seals are out on the rocks surrounding Rose Island Lighthouse in Newport Harbor.
March
St. Patrick's Day Celebration & Parade
City Hall, 43 Broadway
Newport RI (401)845-9123 or (800)976-5122
If you're Irish and can be in Newport on St. Patrick's Day (if it falls on a Saturday) or the Saturday before (if St. Patrick's Day falls on any other day), come for one of the biggest celebrations in New England. On this Saturday, many establishments that had closed for a winter break reopen and it signifies the "start" of the tourist season in Newport. A very fun day to be in town. Some bars/restaurants open as early at 8 A.M. for the festivities.
Seal Watch Tours
Save the Bay / Downtown Newport
(401)324-6020 (reservations recommended)
From January through March each year, the seals winter over in the relatively mild waters of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. Tours leave from downtown Newport at low tide when the seals are out on the rocks surrounding Rose Island Lighthouse in Newport Harbor.
May
Newport Used Boat Show
Newport Yachting Center
Newport RI (401)846-1115
A broad range of affordable used boats, equipment and services.
June
Great Chowder Cook-Off
Newport Yachting Center
Newport RI (401)846-1600
Restaurants from as far away as Seattle compete for the best chowder. Free chowder from participating restaurants included with admission price.
Newport International Film Festival
52-56 Spring Street
Newport RI (401)619-0112/0103
Over 50 films are screened here each year, and the festival keeps getting bigger and receives more acclaim. A week-long event in early June and a lot of fun!
Secret Garden Tour
33 Washington Street
Newport RI (401)847-0514
For 2 short days once a year, select Newport residents open up their backyard "secret gardens" to the public for tour. A must-see for any garden lover.
Sunset Music Festival
Newport Yachting Center
Newport RI (401)846-1600
5 nights of live music under the waterfront tent listening to nationally-acclaimed artists. Check the website for the latest news.
July
Black Ships Festival
28 Pelham Street
Newport RI (401)847-7666
A 4-day festival between Newport and Japan offering events emphasizing both Japanese art and culture.
Hellenic Festival
St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church
Thames & Brewer Streets
Newport RI (401)846-0555
Three-day greek festival with food, pastry, music, dancing,
Mythos beer and ouzo, in addition to shopping at the Greek Marketplace.
Newport Flower Show
Rosecliff, Bellevue Ave
Newport RI (401)847-1000 ext. 150
One of New England's premier outdoor flower shows featuring floral displays, horticultural entries, garden lectures and demonstrations. Lunch and merchandise also available. Rosecliff mansion is a beautiful backdrop for the occasion.
Newport Music Festival
P.O. Box 3300
Newport RI (401)846-1133
If classical and/or chamber music is more your style, the Newport Music Festival is a two-week event offering over 50 concerts in Newport's historic mansions like The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms and Rosecliff. A 30-year tradition in Newport, the event is known as a top festival destination in R.I. and the country.
Newport Summer Comedy Series
Newport Yachting Center
Newport RI (401)846-1600
Nationally-acclaimed comedians take the stage under the waterfront tent throughout the summer.
Portuguese Cultural Festival
Touro Park
Newport RI (401)848-0841
Enjoy some of the best Portuguese music, food and dancing. Afternoon family event.
Tennis Hall of Fame - Campbells Hall of Fame Tennis Championships
194 Bellevue Ave
Newport RI (401)849-6053 or (800)457-1144
32 of the top players in the world compete on the legendary grass courts of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The first American stop on the ATP World Tour following Wimbledon, Newport is the only professional grass court tournament in North America. Culiminates with the Hall of Fame annual Induction Ceremony.
August
George Wein's Newport Jazz Festival
Fort Adams State Park
Newport RI (401)331-2211
Legendary 3-day festival at Fort Adams State Park attracting jazz greats from across the country. A Newport tradition for over 30 years. This year's lineup features Tony Bennett, Branford Marsalis and Dave Brubek.
Newport Arts Festival
Newport Yachting Center
Newport RI (401)847-0960
Two full days of Art, Music, Food and Family Fun- view the work of select regional and national artists, including wearable art, wood and glass work, paintings, photography, pottery and more.
Newport Folk Festival
Fort Adams State Park
Newport RI (401)331-2211
3-day festival at Fort Adams State Park featuring legendary folk artists performers like Arlo Guthrie, Joan Baez and Judy Collins.
Tennis Hall of Fame - Hall of Fame Champions Cup
194 Bellevue Ave
Newport RI (401)849-6053 or (800)457-1144
The 2009 Hall of Fame Champions Cup is just one of only eight stops on the Outback Champions Series tour. The tournament features eight tennis champions competing over four days for $150,000 in prize money.
September
Newport International Boat Show
Newport Yachting Center
Newport RI (401)846-1600
Newport's biggest show of the year, featuring hundreds of vendors and boats, both motor and sail. 3-day event in mid-September.
Newport Waterfront Irish Festival
Newport Yachting Center
Newport RI (401)846-1600
3-day celebration with music, food, and crafts.
Taste of Rhode Island
Newport Yachting Center
Newport RI (401)846-1600
A 2-day celebration of Rhode Island's best foods. Enjoy the creations of over 40 restaurants and caterers from the region. Lots of fun and great food!
October
Bowen's Wharf Waterfront Seafood Festival
Bowen's Wharf
Newport RI (401)849-2120
2-day festival celebrating local seafood. Live music, lots of local food and family activities.
Harvest Fair
Norman Bird Sanctuary
Middletown RI (401)846-2577
A real 2-day country fair with handmade crafts, live entertainment and hay rides. Our favorite is the log competition over the mud pit... a great way to spend a Saturday!
Oktoberfest
Newport Yachting Center
Newport RI (401)846-1600
New England's largest authentic German Oktoberfest celebration with music, food, and biergarten.
November
Christmas at the Newport Mansions
Bellevue Avenue
Newport RI (401)847-1000
The Elms, Breakers and Marble House will be decorated in period detail for the holiday season. Daily tours.
December
Christmas in Newport
P.O. Box 716
Newport, RI 02840
(401)849-6454
Month-long celebration of the holidays. Tree lightings, caroling, house tours, theater, concerts and holiday train rides.
Opening Night - New Year's Eve
Newport RI (401)848-2400
Family-oriented New Year's Eve celebration with performers, musicians and artists.
Check and Compare Current Room Rates in Newport for Hotels, Inns, and B&B's
Useful
Mansions
Newport is home to hundreds of attractions and events held each year. The range in offerings is incredible, from the famed mansions of Bellevue Avenue to Saint Mary's Church where John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Onassis were married. Crowds range in size from a hundred to tens of thousands. No matter what time of year it is, there is always some sort of event or attraction to visit in Newport on any given day.
