Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer on The Classic Coast.

Rooftop bars, al fresco patios, seaside lawns and outdoor attractions reawaken and reopen just as the warmer weather breathes new life into our stunning coastal enclave. But that's just the start.

From harbor cruises and wine tastings to parades, tributes, and the perfect places to soak up the sun, MDW is on. Are you in? 

A TASTE OF SUMMER

Call us biased but we think summer in Newport is synonymous with heaven on earth. Where do we even begin? 

Board a Boat

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Rise and shine, you’re in Newport! Start your day with an invigorating sail aboard an elegant schooner, antique yacht, motor boat or try it yourself.  

 

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boating experiences

Gansett Cruises

Gansett Cruises Harbor Tours & Sunset Cruises brings years of experience and love of the New England…

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McCurdy Sailing

Sit back, relax, and enjoy your sail with friends or family (up to 6 guests) aboard our beautiful…

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On Watch Sailing

Enjoy world-class Newport sailing and experience this beautiful, historic area on a private charter…

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Sea Newport

Sea Newport exclusively aboard M/V Tabasco, a beautiful private picnic boat. Each cruise is fully…

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Sail Newport

Experience sailing in Newport! Whether you are new to the sport or visiting the area and want to get…

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Sail with Mana

Experience Newport from the refined comfort of a luxury sailing catamaran. Sail with Mana offers…

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Schooner Aurora

With her two masts tall under a clear sky, Aurora will take you back to a time reminiscent of the…

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Zoom Sailing

A Day Sail aboard Zoom offers private day sailing experiences aboard a Luxury 50' catamaran for you…

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Ride the Rails

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Rail Explorers offers a unique scenic ride along historic Aquidneck Island and Narragansett Bay on custom built pedal-powered vehicles. This eco-friendly business offers a 6-mile waterfront journey along existing railroad tracks.

 

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A View from Above

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Ready for a true lay of the land? 

Take to the air with Newport Helicopter Tours for an exhilarating experience with aerial views of the area's most stunning sites from above. You'll pass iconic spots like the mansions, Ocean Drive, and more on this memorable journey through the sky.

 

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Newport Helicopter Tours

 

Practice your Putting

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Nothing says summer than a game of Mini Golf.

Head to Middletown for a thrilling game of putt-putt at Newport Mini Golf. Ahoy There, Mateys, enjoy a pirate themed course, with Capt'n Lucky Puttz at the helm. After (or before, we don't judge) grab a coffee or bite to eat from the newly opened Grafik Coffee Shack for a quintessential start-to-summer. 

 

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A Day at the Beach

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It's never too early for a beach day. Our beautiful beaches have just what you need: sand, sunshine and the perfect amount of sea breeze. Classic.

 
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Iconic Ice Cream

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From classic flavors to funky experiments, your sugary, summery bliss starts right here. 

Can't Miss Events

These weekend events are just what you need to celebrate the unofficial start of summer. 

Rogue Island Comedy Festival

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Where:
Various Venues
When:
Thursday, May 21 - Sunday, May 24
Cost:
$35+ per ticket, per event

Laugh your way through the long weekend at Rogue Island Comedy Festival, the area's bi-annual comedy festival featuring four days of comedy shows Thursday, May 21 through Sunday, May 24. Shows will take place at various locations this season: Newport Craft BrewingStoneacre Garden, and Jane Pickens Theater.

 

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Ca' del Bosco Wine Garden

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Where:
The Chanler at Cliff Walk
When:
Daily from 1:00 - 8:00 PM

Experience the essence of Italy this summer at the Ca' del Bosco Wine Garden at The Chanler, where the tantalizing scent of authentic Italian pizza mingles with the fragrance of blooming flowers.

Relax in Adirondack chairs beneath the dappled shade of umbrellas, sip on Franciacorta wine and Italian Spritzers, and let yourself be whisked away to the picturesque Amalfi Coast for the afternoon.

 

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Wine Garden Chanler

 

Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial

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Where:
Fort Adams State Park
When:
Friday, May 22 - Monday, May 25
Cost:
Admission is free for all attendees

The Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial will be displayed at Fort Adams in Newport over Memorial Day Weekend May 22nd – 25th, 2026. Hours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, and Monday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

 

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Newport Vineyards Memorial Day Weekend Celebration

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Where:
Newport Vineyards
When:
May 22 - May 25 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Celebrate the holiday weekend and the kickoff of Newport Vineyards Tank Patio offering. 

Enjoy wine & beer tastings, the famous Newport Vineyards wine slushy, a charcuterie station, plus food station bites from the patio menu (Saturday and Sunday).

Free entry, all items available a la carte from the food and beverage stations.

Memorial Day Weekend Hours:

  • Friday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM (no food stations - regular dining table service / operations offered)
  • Saturday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM (food stations 12:00 - 5:00 PM)
  • Sunday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM (food stations 12:00 - 5:00 PM)
  • Monday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM (no food stations - regular dining table service / operations offered)

Please note that last call is 15 minutes prior to closing time.


Live Music Lineup:

  • Saturday: 1:00 - 4:00 PM: Six Down
  • Sunday: 1:00 - 4:00 PM: Pete LaGrange and the Ghostriders
  • Monday: 1:00 - 4:00 PM: Take It To The Bridge Trio

 

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Newport Vineyards

 

Live Music

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Weekly Jazz Night at The Helmway Jul 17

Ricki Rizzo and the University of Rhode Island Jazz Collective perform live at The Helmway Restaurant every Friday at 6:00 PM! Enjoy live music, complimented by food and drink specials. The Helmway at The Pell Hotel is the place to be!

Summer Beer Field in Little Compton Aug 07

The Beer Field is coming back. Little Compton’s Village Green LLC is back to run a twice a month public parties on the lawn outside 22 Main Road in Adamsville — starting May 23 and running through October 10, 2026. The monthly parties began last year as a way to build community…

Farmers Markets

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All you have to do is take your pick. 

   

Tiverton Celebrates: Parade & Block Party

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Where:
Grinnell's Beach, Tiverton
When:
Saturday, May 23rd from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Welcome to the Tiverton Memorial Day Parade & Block Parade Extravaganza hosted by Tiverton Celebrates and Tiverton Recreation. 

Activities Include:
  • Parade
  • Block Party
  • Fireworks

 

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Memorial Day Celebration at Hideaway Terrace

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Where:
Hideaway Terrace, Newport Marriott
When:
Sunday, May 24th
Cost:
$43 per person (+tax and service fee)

Kick off Memorial Day weekend with coastal views, great food, and a relaxed atmosphere at the Memorial Day Celebration at Hideaway Terrace at Newport Marriott.

Plus, beginning at 12:00 PM, enjoy an open‑air afternoon featuring a three‑course prix fixe cookout menu, live music from DJ Timmy Drums from 1:00 – 4:00 PM, and a curated selection of local vendors. 

 

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Must-Attend Outdoor Events

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Annuals, perennials, and herbs, oh my!

   

Summer Beer Field in Little Compton

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Where:
22 Main Road, Adamsville
When:
May 23rd & May 24th from 4:00 to 9:00 PM

The Beer Field is coming back!

Little Compton’s Village Green LLC is returning MDW with public parties on the lawn outside 22 Main Road in Adamsville. The fun will include beer and wine, food trucks, live music, lots of games, and more!

 

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Jamestown Memorial Day Parade

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Where:
Corner of Lawn and Watson Avenue
When:
Monday, May 25th
Cost:
Free to attend!

The Jamestown Memorial Day Parade will kick off at 10:00 AM from the corner of Lawn and Watson Avenue. From there the parade will head to the Four Corners and then marches down Narragansett Avenue to Memorial Square at East Ferry for the annual Memorial Day Ceremony.

 

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ALSO IN JAMESTOWN: FAMILY DAY: KITE-MAKING + JAMESTOWN NATURE WALK

WHERE: Jamestown Arts Center, Jamestown
WHEN: Saturday, May 23rd from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
COST: Free, all ages, drop-in

Head to the Jamestown Arts Center for their annual family day! Think: Kite making, a nature walk, zine-making, and more!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

MAIN GALLERY: Kite Making Day, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
OUTDOORS: Jamestown Nature Walk 11:30 AM -12:30 PM
STUDIO A: Zine Making, 12:30 - 3:00 PM
STUDIO B: Map Making, 12:30- 3:00 PM

 

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Tours & More

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Annuals, perennials, and herbs, oh my!

   

 

ROOFTOP BARS & OUTDOOR PATIOS

Harbor side rooftop bars and patios, that Atlantic-drying-on-your-skin feeling after a perfect day at the beach. Classic. 

The Roof Deck at The Vanderbilt

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41 Mary Street, Newport

You can count on the weight of the world falling off your shoulders once the elevator doors open to the rooftop at The Vanderbilt. The luxury boutique hotel was once the private mansion residence of Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, scion of the acclaimed Vanderbilt family, and today offers a quiet 33-room retreat in the center of downtown.

The roof deck offers one of the most stunning views in town, overlooking Newport's historic neighborhoods with an unobstructed glance at the harbor. Lounge in an Adirondack chair with a craft cocktail and enjoy one of the highlights of a summer in Newport. 

Vanderbilt Roofdeck

Photo Credit: Auberge Resorts
 

Benjamin's Raw Bar

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254 Thames Street, Newport

This three-story neighborhood restaurant has it all: a casual working raw bar on the first floor and classic dining on the second floor.

The third floor, though, is where Benjamin's shines. It's a hike up the stairs to what's known among locals as the Crow's Nest, an open-air bar and dining room designed to mimic the crow's next on a ship, but the snapshot views of the harbor are worth it.

 

Midtown Oyster Bar

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345 Thames Street, Newport

A Newport classic, Midtown Oyster Bar is the area's largest working raw bar with two bars, two decks, a marble raw bar and oyster stout on draft. 

The atmosphere here is Colonial casual: high-ceilings, dim lighting and massive slabs of wood fixed above community tables. The restaurant spans three floors, each with its own vibe and collection of nautical trinkets adorning the walls.

The second and third floor are where you'll catch the restaurant's al fresco dining. Two decks overlooking Newport's downtown, outfitted with heat lamps for outdoor hangs well into the chillier months. 

 

 

Stoneacre Garden

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151 Swinburne Row, Newport

Make your way through the open garage doors at Stoneacre Garden, past the collection of eccentric furnishings, and up to the rooftop bar overlooking America's Cup Avenue.

Located in Swinburne Row, a sister restaurant of Stoneacre Brasserie, features a cheerful yellow and red awning reminiscent of a circus tent from days gone by. Your whimsical al fresco experience comes adorned in lush greenery hung from the outdoor awning.

Stoneacre Garden

 

Cap Club at Hotel Viking

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1 Bellevue Avenue, Newport

A good thing got even better when Hotel Viking revamped their rooftop bar + lounge, Cap Club.

Located in the heart of Newport with sweeping views of historic Bellevue Avenue, and is decked out with stylish plush seating, nautical accents and iconic coastal sunset views.

 

The Rooftop at Brenton Hotel

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31 America's Cup Avenue, Newport

Located on the waterfront in downtown Newport, Brenton Hotel is one of Newport's premier boutique hotels. Alongside luxurious furnishings and a distinctly nautical contemporary design comes a handful of exclusive perks, like private boat rentals aboard the hotel's 36-foot Hinkley Picnic Boat, the Brenton One, and Peloton bikes delivered to your room.

Their rooftop is accessibly via the Living Room lobby, Grab a beverage from the LR Bar, and ask your bartender for access to the roof.  When you arrive, you will find an oasis adorned in lush greenery and upscale decor with unobstructed views in three directions showcasing downtown Newport, Perrotti Park and Newport Harbor.

The Brenton’s Rooftop is a truly new and unique vantage point located in the heart of downtown Newport.

 

 

215 Water Street, Warren

The Wharf was established in 1955, but the building and surrounding wharf date all the way back to the 1700s. You'll be hard-pressed to find a seat closer to the water than here, where the menu maintains a focus on fresh-from-the-sea offerings alongside a collection of boards, sandwiches, tacos and specialty cocktails.

Make your way to the rooftop bar (seating available first come, first serve) outfitted in couches and cozy seating for the best view in the house. 

 

Skiff Bar at the Newport Marriott

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25 America's Cup Avenue, Newport

Situated on the harbor, Newport Marriott's Skiff Bar offers craft and local beers, specialty cocktails, savory appetizers, and signature wings and flatbreads. Enjoy seating at their outdoor bar terrace with a coastal inspired atmosphere to compliment your experience. 

Fried seafood dish on a patio table at Skiff Bar in Newport RI

 

Flora at Gardiner House

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24 Lee's Wharf, Newport

The Flora rooftop at Gardiner House is like something out of a magazine. Coastal chic, lite bites, and tucked away views of Newport Harbor for you to indulge in.

If you want a spot, come early, the rooftop portion of the restaurant is available seasonally on a first come, first serve basis. 

 

The Quencher

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95 Long Wharf, Newport

Meet the new kid on the block, The Quencher. This instant neighborhood spot has an Italian comfort food style menu with fun and creative cocktails.

Don't Miss: The second floor deck with views of Perrotti Park and Newport Yacht Club.. 

The Quencher Rooftop

 

Thames Waterside Bar & Grille

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251 Thames Street, Bristol

Enjoy outdoor dining on the deck overlooking Bristol Harbor at Thames Waterside Bar and Grille. The menu offers fresh local seafood and classic comfort food dishes like pulled pork sliders, flatbreads and Lobster Mac and Cheese.

 

Hideaway Terrace

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25 America's Cup Avenue, Newport

Relax in style at Hideaway Terrace at the Newport Marriott—your elevated outdoor escape just steps from the pool. Whether you're savoring light fare or sipping something refreshing, this laid-back oasis is perfect for catching up with friends or soaking in the sun. 

 

 

MORE EXPERIENCES

From world-class museums to enchanting wineries and breweries, these local, one-of-a-kind experiences are everything you need to get summer started on the right note. 

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