Newport RI Festivals, Events & Attractions Yearly 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. | ||||
| ||||
|
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 Newport, RI Events - By the Month January New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge At noon, the Polar Bear Club takes its first swim of the new year to benefit charity. Seal Watch Tours 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 10 days of fun family activities to shake off the winter blues. Ice sculptures, sand sculptures and plenty of live music and entertainment makes this festival one of the largest festivals in New England. Seal Watch Tours 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 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 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 June Great Chowder Cook-Off Restaurants from as far away as Seattle compete for the best chowder. Free chowder from participating restaurants included with admission price. Secret Garden Tour For 3 short days twice 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 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 A 4-day festival between Newport and Japan offering events emphasizing both Japanese art and culture. Hellenic Festival Three-day greek festival with food, pastry, music, dancing, Mythos beer and ouzo, in addition to shopping at the Greek Marketplace. Newport Flower Show 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 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 Nationally-acclaimed comedians take the stage under the waterfront tent throughout the summer. Portuguese Cultural Festival Enjoy some of the best Portuguese music, food and dancing. Afternoon family event. Tennis Hall of Fame - Campbells Hall of Fame Tennis Championships 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 Legendary 3-day festival at Fort Adams State Park attracting jazz greats from across the country. A Newport tradition for over 30 years. Check the website for the latest updates and a full line-up of jazz greats. Newport Arts Festival 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 3-day festival at Fort Adams State Park featuring legendary folk artists. Check the website for the latest information and a complete list of performers for this year's festival. Tennis Hall of Fame - Hall of Fame Champions Cup 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'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 3-day celebration with music, food, and crafts. October Bowen's Wharf Waterfront Seafood Festival 2-day festival celebrating local seafood. Live music, lots of local food and family activities. Harvest Fair 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 New England's largest authentic German Oktoberfest celebration with music, food, and biergarten. November Christmas at the Newport Mansions The Elms, Breakers and Marble House will be decorated in period detail for the holiday season. Daily tours. December Christmas in Newport Month-long celebration of the holidays. Tree lightings, caroling, house tours, theater, concerts and holiday train rides.
| ||||
| Useful Info |
Hotels & Lodging |
Newport RI Restaurants |
Nightlife | Events & Attractions |
Boating | Recreation | Shopping | Plan Your Newport Wedding |
