Discover What’s New in Newport: Milestone Anniversaries, New Hotels & Global Events this Spring
From landmark celebrations and new waterfront stays to major sailing spectacles and America 250 festivities, Newport welcomes visitors to be part of history in the making

Newport, RI (April 13, 2026) – Considered “America’s Summer Playground,” Newport is a revered destination for spring and summer travel, and this year is ushering in exciting hotel debuts, new cultural attractions and once-in-a-generation anniversaries. From global sporting events to 300-year milestones, Newport’s nine coastal communities are preparing for a celebratory year unlike any other.

“Newport has always balanced its history with what’s next,” said Victoria Cimino, president & CEO of Discover Newport. “In 2026, that comes to life in a meaningful way. We’re proud to welcome visitors to be part of these milestone moments that continue to shape the destination.”

New Hotels, Restaurants and Renovations

  • The Wayside Newport (Opened February 2026): The Wayside is a private seven-bedroom luxury estate on Bellevue Avenue, blending Newport’s historic grandeur with modern coastal design for an exclusive, residential-style stay steps from the city’s iconic mansions and waterfront.

  • The Chanler at Cliff Walk (Reopened March 2026): Over the past few months, The Chanler has undergone refined renovations of the lobby and shared spaces with design influence by Studio Valerius. Onsite restaurant Remy's Loose was recently named one of five finalists in the Upscale Restaurant Category at the Hospitality Design Awards.

  • Claw and Hammer (April 4): A new dining destination specializing in stone crab and seafood combines Newport’s rich culinary legacy with a bold, contemporary dining experience.

  • Hotel Viking (May 25, 2026): The landmark hotel celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, when it will also unveil a comprehensive renovation, blending refreshed design with its storied Gilded Age legacy. Launching four new culinary experiences, Hotel Viking will partner with Providence-based restaurant group Littleneck behind Pizza Marvin, led by Chef Robert Andreozzi.

  • The Bellevue Hotel, Newport (set to break ground fall 2026): A new addition to Newport’s iconic Bellevue Avenue corridor, the Bellevue Hotel will introduce refined accommodations just steps from International Tennis Hall of Fame and Audrain Museum, famed mansions, shopping and the waterfront.

Additional openings and accolades continue to elevate Newport’s dining scene, with Audette and Giusto earning 2026 James Beard Foundation semifinalist recognition, alongside new arrivals like Sorelle in Warren and Ocean & Fifth, further cementing the region as one of New England’s most exciting culinary destinations.

Americana Celebration and Culture

  • 10th Anniversary of Boots on the Ground Memorial (May 23, 2026): Marking a decade of remembrance, the Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial returns to Fort Adams State Park with a commemorative 5K honoring fallen service members, each represented by thousands of symbolic boots displayed across the grounds.

  • America’s Jubilee – 250th Celebration Sail (June 5, 2026): Part of national America250 commemorations and supported locally by the Rhode Island 250 Commission, this celebratory sail honors America’s semi quincentennial with vessels from across the region gathering in Newport Harbor.

  • Newport Center for Black History (Opening on June 19, 2026): The Edward W. Kane & Martha J. Wallace Center for Black History will open on Juneteenth as a permanent home for telling the stories of Black resilience, entrepreneurship and community leadership in Newport in one of the destination’s most historic homes. Managed by The Newport Historical Society, the Voices Campaign will be an ongoing driver to support development and programming efforts.

  • Bristol, RI 4th of July Celebration (July 4, 2026): The Bristol Fourth of July Celebration returns as the nation’s longest-running Independence Day tradition—home to the oldest continuous Fourth of July parade in the United States. Bristol’s festivities honor one of the earliest acts of defiance that ignited the American Revolution. As part of America 250 celebrations, Bristol offers a compelling mix of heritage, patriotism, and pageantry reflecting how America’s past and future meet in unforgettable fashion.

  • 300 Years of Trinity Church: Famously known to being fifty years older than the founding of the nation, Trinity Church is one of the nation’s most significant colonial landmarks, originally built in 1726 and long central to Newport’s cultural and architectural heritage.  

International Sporting Events and Milestones

  • 120th Anniversary of the Newport Bermuda Race (June 19, 2026): The Newport Bermuda Race is a 636-mile biennial ocean sailing competition from Newport to Bermuda. Established in 1906, it's the oldest regularly scheduled ocean race. The 2026 race marks the 100th anniversary of the relationship between the Cruising Club of America and the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club in jointly organizing the race.

  • 150 Years of Newport Polo (June-September): Every Saturday this summer, Newport Polo, home to America’s first polo club, hosts international matchups as Team USA/Newport faces off against elite competitors from around the globe including the exciting debut of Mongolia. Marking a major milestone, the club will also host a special Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup in honor of its 150th anniversary.

  • Summer of Soccer (June-July, 2026): As waves of global visitors descend upon New England to attend matches at Boston Stadium in Foxboro, MA, Newport will welcome the world as they discover The Classic Coast in between games. 

  • Second Annual International Tennis Hall of Fame Induction Celebration (August  27-29, 2026): Tennis legends Roger Federer and Mary Carillo will be inducted at the 2026 Induction Celebration as part of a weekend-long celebration featuring the fan-favorite Celebrity Pro Classic and Fame Fest filled with family fun and access to the museum.

From harbor celebrations and historic tributes to new stays and cultural investments, 2026 promises to be a defining year on The Classic Coast. For the latest updates and full event details, visit DiscoverNewport.org.

About Discover Newport
Discover Newport is the official destination management organization (DMO) dedicated to promoting the City of Newport and the eight surrounding coastal townships in Newport and Bristol counties, Rhode Island. These include Barrington, Bristol, Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, Tiverton and Warren. As a non-profit organization, Discover Newport partners with stakeholders throughout our tourism and hospitality industry to market the region as a premier destination for business and leisure travel. Learn more at DiscoverNewport.org.