January
Back to Top of ListFebruary
Back to Top of ListNEWPORT BURGER BENDER
FEBRUARY 13-22
Unfolding in tandem with the Newport Winter Festival, Newport Burger Bender is a "best burger" contest throughout Newport and Bristol counties.
Participating restaurants toss their buns into the ring with the hopes of being crowned the best burger. Try one. Try some. Try them all. Then vote for your favorite.
NEWPORT WINTER FESTIVAL
FEBRUARY 13-22
Touted as New England's largest winter extravaganza, the Newport Winter Festival features 10 days of non stop music, food and fun. Featuring more than 150 events, the festival offers a unique winter experience combining food, festivities, music, and fun for all ages.
Highlighted events include the Chili Cook-Off, Polar Pineapples, Princess Party and exciting, fun concerts, and more.
March
Back to Top of ListNEWPORT WEDDING SHOW
MARCH 1
Enjoy visiting wedding professionals, tasty samples, thousands of dollars in prizes and so much more at Rosecliff and The Reef.
NEWPORT ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE
MARCH 14
The Annual Newport Saint Patrick's Day Parade will be held, rain, snow, or shine beginning promptly at 11:00 AM from Newport City Hall and proceeding to Carroll Avenue at Saint Augustin’s Church in the heart of the Fifth Ward.
The parade includes Pipe Bands, Marching Bands, Fife & Drum Corps, Clown Units, reenactment units, and a host of local, state, and regional organizations including police and fire units, social/fraternal organizations, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Schools, and non-profits.
April
Back to Top of ListNEWPORT DAFFODIL DAYS
APRIL 1-30
Enjoy festive, family-friendly events amid one million daffodils throughout the city, Newport Daffodil Days celebrates the arrival on spring.
From a Daffy Doggies Parade and painting among the daffodils to private garden tours to festive parties, revel in one of the most vibrant times on The Classic Coast.
NEWPORT NIGHT RUN
APRIL 4
The Newport Night Run is a Race for Education that benefits the Newport Public Education Foundation. Newport's only after-hours Road Race!
Headlamps, bright colors, and glow sticks are strongly encouraged!
DAFFODIL DAYS AT BLITHEWOLD
APRIL 12 - MAY 11
Each April, tens of thousands of daffodils trumpet the arrival of Spring at Blithewold Manor in Bristol.
The well-known daffodil display blankets the 33-acre seaside estate with more than 100 thousand daffodils, in 80 varieties. Meander the blossom-filled mansion grounds for an enchanting experience.
NEWPORT RHODE RACES
APRIL 18
Race through the Daffodils on this award winning, scenic, seaside course. Newport Rhode Races offers a full and half marathon, a 5K and a beach mile race.
Note: The marathon course is USATF certified and is a Boston Marathon Qualifier. Register here.
NEWPORT BEER FESTIVAL
MAY 2
The Newport Beer Festival, formerly known as the Newport Craft Beer Festival, returns this May. The festival brings with it a day full of craft beer taste-testing, live music, and local flavors from a variety of craft brewers.
NEWPORT OYSTER & CHOWDER FESTIVAL
MAY 16-17
The Newport Oyster Festival connects Rhode Island growers with the oyster-loving public, as well as the chefs and restaurants that serve them.
Sponsors, growers, non-profits and exhibitors are on-site during the Festival to educate and provide opportunities to enjoy the bounty of aquaculture in Rhode Island.
ROGUE ISLAND COMEDY FESTIVAL
MAY 21-24
The area's bi-annual comedy festival features five days of comedy shows at multiple locations throughout the area. Created and produced by native Rhode Islanders Doug Key and Katie Latimer, the Rogue Island Comedy Festival is Rhode Island’s only stand-up comedy festival.
*Dates subject to change.
NEWPORT 10 MILER
MAY 31
The annual BankNewport 10 Miler returns at 7:30 AM on May 31, 2026.
The course prominently features Newport’s scenic coastal views and ends with a truly unique finish as participants enter Fort Adams through the north gate and finish on the parade field.
June
Back to Top of ListNEWPORT INTERNATIONAL POLO SERIES
JUNE 6 - SEPTEMBER 26
Newport International Polo series offers action-packed matches every Saturday through September. Watch as all-star lineups of international competitors take the field.
Experience a tailgate party for the optimal experience, or plant your seat in the lawn and relax. Just don’t forget to help stomp the divots.
BRITISH MOTORCAR FESTIVAL
JUNE 12-13
Start your engines! British Motorcars will be descending on the beautiful seaside village of Bristol, Rhode Island June 12th & 13th.
A road tour & cruise, a parade of cars through downtown Bristol, a street party with food trucks, live music, and beautiful cars showcased at Independence Park on Friday, and on Saturday, Colt State Park will host food trucks, various vendors, and of course, a wide variety of British Motorcars on display.
NEWPORT BERMUDA RACE START
JUNE 19
And they are off! The 635-mile biennial Newport Bermuda Race is the oldest regularly scheduled ocean race.
Founded in 1906, celebrating 100 years and the 54th running, the Newport Bermuda Race is scheduled to depart from Newport Harbor on June 19th, 2026, destination: Bermuda.
NEWPORT FLOWER SHOW
JUNE 19-21
Newport Flower Show offers a variety of special events, expert guest speakers, beautiful floral designs, impressive horticulture exhibits and more. Meander stunning garden displays alongside unique shopping opportunities and opulent floral designs throughout the grounds of Rosecliff.
NEWPORT PRIDE FESTIVAL
JUNE 27
LGBTQ+ Pride is happening in Newport, RI in June 2026!
Enjoy curated events and experiences to celebrate community, and promote love, acceptance, inclusivity, and diversity of LGBTQ+ identities.
Think: a flag raising ceremony, a market & festival with unique vendors and live music, a pride bike ride, and so much more.
July
Back to Top of ListBRISTOL FOURTH OF JULY PARADE
JULY 4
The oldest Fourth of July parade celebration in America will step-off at the corner of Chestnut Street and Hope Street at 10:30 AM.
NEWPORT CLASSICAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
JULY 2-19
Enjoy more than sixty classical concerts featuring unique chamber music, American debuts, world-class artist and special events held in some of the area's most stunning, storied venues.
HALL OF FAME OPEN
JULY 5-12
Game, set, match! Men's and Women's professional tennis is coming to the Hall of Fame July 2026.
Contested on the historic grass tennis courts of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, which have hosted all the legends of the sport since 1880, the tournament is the only event played on grass courts outside of Europe.
NEWPORT BEER RUN
JULY 18
Run, walk, or be the DD—with more than 40 local craft breweries, featuring Rhode Island's best, join in this July for this fun 5K inside historic Fort Adams. Plus enjoy a sampling from food vendors, live music, and more.
NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL
JULY 24-26
If you've got a thing for history-altering performances and a pantheon of artists whose scope of musical talents range from folk and blues to indie folk, country and bluegrass, then you probably want to make your way down to Newport Folk Festival.
Since its inception in 1959, the Folk Fest has brought together artists and fans for some of the most accomplished live performances in music history, from Bob Gibson in '59 to Dylan in '63.
August
Back to Top of ListNEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL
JULY 31 - AUGUST 2
Newport Jazz Festival began back in 1954 as the first outdoor music festival of its kind completely and utterly devoted to Jazz. That year brought big names in the genre like the famed Billy Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald.
Ever since, the festival has produced some of the most influential performances in jazz history, from Miles Davis's 1955 solo on "'Round Midnight" and the Duke Ellington Orchestra's lengthy 1956 performance of "Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue."
ITHF INDUCTION CELEBRATION
AUGUST 27-29
Be part of the celebration and witness history at the presentation of tennis’ ultimate honor – induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
September
Back to Top of ListSAILING HALL OF FAME INDUCTION
SEPTEMBER 16-17
A weekend induction celebration honoring the highest achievements in Sailing from Olympic champions to boat designers and so much more.
NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
SEPTEMBER 17-20
Meander an expansive collection of boats and accessories alongside a wealth of events
One of the largest in-water boat shows in the country and the premier show in New England, the Newport International Boat Show encompasses hundreds of exhibitors from around the world with new powerboats and sailboats ranging from 15 to 90 feet, plus accessories, equipment, electronics, gear and services for boaters.
BRISTOL PORCHFEST
SEPTEMBER 20
Picture this: 20+ bands, 10 porches, and 3 hours of live music stretching across historic High Street in Bristol, Rhode Island. From Jazz and Swing to modern bluegrass and folk, there is something for everyone at PorchFest.
NEWPORT MANSIONS WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER 18-20
The Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival returns to the spectacular Newport Mansions with special events, celebrity appearances, and wine and food from around the world.
October
Back to Top of ListAUDRAIN'S NEWPORT CONCOURS & MOTOR WEEK
OCTOBER 1-4
Newport’s extensive automotive history dates back as early as the Gilded Age. The first American car race, the Vanderbilt Cup, took place in this historic area. Given it’s rich motoring history, Newport is the premiere destination for a Concours & Motor Week. Beautiful, historic mansions and the seemingly endless Atlantic Ocean provide the most elegant of backdrops.
Audrain’s Newport Concours & Motor Week will be a celebration of the automobile, uniting enthusiasts from around the world.
NORMAN BIRD SANCTUARY HARVEST FAIR
OCTOBER 3-4
An autumn ritual for generations of families, this beloved old-fashioned fair offers something for everyone featuring children’s crafts and games. Talented crafters and artisans sell their beautifully created items, enticing fair-goers to get a jump on holiday shopping.
Local food and beer vendors offer an array of appetizing selections, while an impressive line-up of musicians round out the festive atmosphere.
ROGUE ISLAND COMEDY FESTIVAL
OCTOBER 9-11
The area's bi-annual comedy festival features five days of comedy shows at multiple locations throughout the area. Created and produced by native Rhode Islanders Doug Key and Katie Latimer, the Rogue Island Comedy Festival is Rhode Island’s only stand-up comedy festival.
*Dates subject to change.
BROADWAY STREET FAIR
OCTOBER 10
The Broadway Street Fair is back, October 10th, 2026 filled with local artists, live music, food, and more.
*Date subject to change.
AMICA NEWPORT MARATHON & HALF MARATHON
OCTOBER 11
Voted as having the "Best Half Marathon" and "Best Race Swag", by Competitor Magazine, the 2026 Amica Newport Marathon & Half Marathon returns, Sunday, October 11th, 2026.
The course is simply astounding: winding ocean-side roads, miles of waterfront views, and sweeping vistas of the grand mansions along Bellevue Avenue.
BOWEN'S WHARF SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
OCTOBER 17-18
Named one of the 10 Fabulous Fall Festivals on the Coast by Coastal Living Magazine, savor your way into autumn with an array of fresh, local seafood including fish tacos, lobster rolls, stuffies, chowder, fried calamari, oysters, clams signature cocktails and cold local beer.
PELL BRIDGE RUN
OCTOBER 18
Sponsored by Citizens Bank and hosted by the Rhode Island Bridge and Turnpike Authority, this unique 4 mile walk/run event takes participants across the iconic Pell Bridge.
Starting in Jamestown and finishing in downtown Newport, this point-to-point event is open to runners and walkers of all ages and speeds! All of the proceeds of this event are donated to local charities.
November
Back to Top of ListNEWPORT RESTAURANT WEEK
NOVEMBER 6-15
Bring your appetite for the return of Newport Restaurant Week as area restaurants offer an assortment of crave-worthy prix-fixe menus for you to choose from.
HOLIDAYS AT THE NEWPORT MANSIONS
NOVEMBER 22 - JANUARY 1
The decadence of Newport's Gilded Age mansions meets the sparkle and magic of Christmas during the return of holidays at the Newport Mansion. Wander three mansions, the The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House, dripping in 25 enchanting Christmas trees, a floor-to-ceiling poinsettia tree, hundreds of fresh flowers, evergreens and elaborate ornaments.
Pro-tip: Don't miss their dazzling Sparkling Lights display at The Breakers. Walk through a dazzling 50-foot-long tunnel of light, see illuminated snowmen, reindeer and many more sparkling surprises. Afterwards, don't forget to make your way to the Children’s Cottage outlined in lights to take a peek through the windows at Santa’s Workshop.
*Dates subject to change.
CHRISTMAS AT BLITHEWOLD
NOVEMBER 24 - JANUARY 3
Each year, this historic estate transforms into a sparkling display of Christmas magic to celebrate the season. Volunteer decorators contrive a new theme each year that explores the interests of the Van Winkle family, the previous owners, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Wander the elaborately decorated rooms and enjoy a glimpse into the family's Christmas and New Years traditions.
*Dates subject to change.
NEWPORT ILLUMINATED BOAT PARADE
NOVEMBER 27
Bundle up and head to the harbor for the Illuminated Boat Parade as boats deck the hulls and festive music heralds the arrival of the holiday season. Watch the parade of lights are boats compete for best decorated.
*Dates subject to change.
December
Back to Top of ListCHRISTMAS IN NEWPORT
December 1-31
Each year since 1971, December 1 has marked the kick off of Christmas in Newport, a month-long celebration complete with festive events and happenings to honor the season and give back to charities throughout the community. Experience events for nearly each day throughout December as part of the celebration.
