"All things Irish", is the goal of the 48th Annual Newport Irish Heritage Month with family fun events, guided tours, the 69th Annual Newport St. Patrick's Day Parade and more Irish-themed happenings occurring all month long thanks to The Museum of Newport Irish History. 

Find all March events for embracing Irish culture in and around Newport below.

Newport Irish Heritage Month Events

All information provided courtesy of the Newport Irish Heritage Month calendar.

  1. St. Mary's Church Open
  2. The Irish in America Concert
  3. Guided Tours of Fort Adams
  4. Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner
  5. “The Irish Hour”
  6. Shamrocks & Shenanigans: A St. Paddy's Celebration for a Cause
  7. Green Eggs & Ham Brunch
  8. Traditional Irish Music Sessions
  9. Museum of Newport Irish History Interpretive Center
  10. Parade Grand Marshal Roast
  11. Celtic Violin Virtuoso Máiréad Nesbitt in Concert
  12. St. Patrick’s Day Wand Take and Make Children’s Craft
  13. Hibernian of the Year Dinner
  14. The 8th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade Day Eve Celebration at Midtown Oyster Bar
  15. Turas Concert at Jane Pickens
  16. An Evening of Irish Songs & Tunes with Fáilte
  17. Big Daddy Award Ceremony & Pre-Parade Party
  18. Mass in Honor of St. Patrick & St. Brigid
  19. The 69th Annual Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade
  20. St. Joseph’s Church: Food Sale & Major Raffle
  21. St Patrick's Parade Day Breakfast Buffet
  22. The 17th Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Family Celebration
  23. Post-Parade Celebration
  24. St. Patrick’s Parade Day Family-Friendly Show
  25. St. Patrick’s Cèilidh in the Dining Room at Blithewold
  26. Mass in Honor of St. Patrick
  27. Annual Trolley Tour of Irish Newport
  28. St. Patrick's Day Film Screening Party with Live Irish Music
  29. Gaelic & Garlic Celebration Supper
  30. Irish History Lecture by Museum of Newport Irish History
  31. Historic Irish Cemetery Tour
  32. Dancing at the Forty Steps

St. Mary's Church Open

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Where:
Corner Spring Street & Memorial Blvd. West
When:
Monday - Fridays from 12:00 - 2:00 PM

The Gothic Revival style church is home to RI's oldest Catholic parish, established in 1828 to serve Newport's growing Irish immigrant population, many of whom worked on the construction of Fort Adams. Present church designed by Irish-born architect, Patrick C. Keely and dedicated in 1852 to "The Holy Name of Mary, Our Lady of the Isle." Site of the 1953 wedding of the future president, John F. Kennedy, and Jaqueline Lee Bouvier. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. 

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St. Mary's Church, Newport

 

The Irish in America Concert

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Where:
Newport Public Library
When:
March 1st
Cost:
Free and open to all

Enjoy a performance by Celtic harpist Mary King and guitarist Ed Sweeney for a musical journey at Newport Public Library on March 1st at 2:30 PM. Get your free on and embrace the spirit and hilarity of the Irish in America.

Event is free and open to all, seating is available first-come, first-served basis. 

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Guided Tours of Fort Adams

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Where:
Fort Adams State Park, 90 Fort Adams Drive, Newport
When:
Saturdays & Sundays at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM except Sat. March 15/Parade Day—weather permitting
Cost:
$20 for adults, $10 for Youth (ages 6-17), Free for Children 5 and under. $5 off individual tickets when mentioning Irish Heritage Month. Free for members of Fort Adams Trust.

Take a guided tour of the historic Newport fort constructed with Irish labor between 1824-1857. Hour-long tours will be offered at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, on Saturdays and Sundays in March—*except Saturday, March 15th—weather permitting.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for Youth (ages 6-17), Free for Children 5 and under. $5 off individual tickets when mentioning Irish Heritage Month. Free for members of Fort Adams Trust.

*Fort Adams is closed on Saturday, March 15th due to the Newport St. Patrick's Day Parade!

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Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner

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Where:
St. Augustin’s Church Hall
When:
Saturday, March 1st at 5:00 PM
Cost:
$40, Kids aged 10 and under: $10. All reservations must be pre-paid.

Enjoy Irish step-dancing, AOH Pipe Band, Silent Auction, Raffles, desserts, and Irish coffee station. 

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“The Irish Hour”

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Where:
1540AM WADK in Newport (FM101.1)
When:
Sunday's in March at 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM

Listen to the best in traditional and contemporary Irish or Irish-influenced music. Hosted by Rick Kelly for over 30 years.  FM101.1, AM1540, or online at WADK.com, Sunday mornings at 8:00 AM and repeated Sunday evenings at 6:00 PM.

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Shamrocks & Shenanigans: A St. Paddy's Celebration for a Cause

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Where:
VFW Post 5390, Portsmouth
When:
Sunday, March 2nd from 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Cost:
$10

Head to VFW Post 5390 in Portsmouth for a night of shamrocks and shenanigans, a St. Paddy's celebration for a cause. Listen to live music by Moment's Notice, enjoy light bites, and basket raffles all while supporting the Portsmouth students going to study in Ireland. 

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Green Eggs & Ham Brunch

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Where:
Hibernian Hall, 2 Wellington Ave
When:
Sunday, March 2nd from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost:
$10 for adults and youth, $5 for children 9 and under. Children under 3 are free

Enjoy a large spread of Irish fare at this fun family event and fundraiser for the Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

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Traditional Irish Music Sessions

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Where:
The Fastnet Pub
When:
Sundays in March

Ready to get into the spirit? Make your way to Fastnet Irish Pub in Newport for live traditional Irish music every Sunday in March.

Hosted by A.O. Gutierrez, Tim May and Jack Wright from 6:00 - 9:00 PM. Family-friendly with no cover. Arrive early if you’d like a table.

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Fastnet Restaurant & Bar

 

Museum of Newport Irish History Interpretive Center

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Where:
648 Thames St., Newport
When:
March 7th - 9th, 14th - 16th, 21st - 23rd, 30th
Cost:
Admission by donation. MNIH Members and children under 16 are free.

Learn about Irish immigration to the Newport area and of the contributions to the community by individuals of Irish descent from the 1600s to the present through various exhibits, including photographs, artifacts and more.

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Irish History Museum

 

Parade Grand Marshal Roast

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Where:
St. Augustin’s Church Hall, corner of Carroll Ave. & Harrison Ave., Newport
When:
Saturday, March 8th at 5:30 PM
Cost:
$35, includes hors d’oeuvres and music by "Rhode to Dublin"

A night of laughs and honoring someone special.

The roast will honor the 2025 Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal, Michael J. Henlyshyn. indulge in heavy hors d’oeuvres, music by Rhode to Dublin, and a whole lot of laughs.  

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Celtic Violin Virtuoso Máiréad Nesbitt in Concert

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Where:
Jane Pickens Film + Event Center
When:
Sunday, March 9th at 7:00 PM
Cost:
$49+

Head to Jane Pickens Film + Event Center in Newport for a preformance by Grammy® and Emmy® nominated artist and composer, Máiréad Nesbitt. 

Enjoy the mesmerizing sounds of the featured Celtic violinist with the Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki Trio. 

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St. Patrick’s Day Wand Take and Make Children’s Craft

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Where:
Newport Public Library, 300 Spring Street, Newport
When:
Monday, March 10th

Head to the Newport Public Library for a "take & make" St. Patrick’s Day wand craft. You will get everything you need, including instructions, to make your magical new accessory. 

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Hibernian of the Year Dinner

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Where:
Hibernian Hall, 2 Wellington Ave.
When:
Wednesday, March 12th
Cost:
$50

Make your way to Hibernian Hall in Newport for a special dinner celebrating 2025 Hibernian of the Year, Patrick Carlisle. Menu items include salad, stuffed chicken breast or stuffed sole. 

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The 8th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade Day Eve Celebration at Midtown Oyster Bar

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Where:
Midtown Oyster Bar, 345 Thames Street, Newport
When:
Friday, March 14th from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

What’sUpNewp’s 8th annual St. Patrick’s Parade Day Eve celebration featuring the Ancient Order of Hibernian’s (AOH) Pipes & Drums and the AOH Men’s Singers returns to Midtown Oyster Bar on Friday, March 14th from 4:00 - 6:00 PM. 

No cover, but funds raised will go directly to the AOH Pipes & Drums band. A collection bucket makes its way around the room during this “Party for a Purpose.”

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Turas Concert at Jane Pickens

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Where:
Jane Pickens Film + Event Center
When:
Friday, March 14th
Cost:
Jane Pickens Concert/Film Members $22, General Admission $24

Enjoy traditional Irish and Celtic music as well as modern compositions at Jane Pickens Film + Event Center in Newport on Friday, March 14th at 6:00 PM.

The band Turas, which means "journey" in Gaelic, features Bob Drouin, Josh Kane, Rob McConegh and Dean Robinson with 13-year-old Irish step-dancing prodigy Kira Nagle, will bring the sounds of Ireland to the stage in Newport.

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An Evening of Irish Songs & Tunes with Fáilte

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Where:
Linden Place, Bristol
When:
Friday, March 14th
Cost:
General admission $25. Linden Place member $20

Enjoy, fireside in the Linden Place ballroom, Fáilte- "welcome" in Irish, that features accomplished musicians Erin Dube, Paul Dube, Josh Kane, and Dean Robinson 

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Big Daddy Award Ceremony & Pre-Parade Party

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Where:
Hibernian Hall, 2 Wellington Ave., Newport
When:
Friday, March 14th at 6:00 PM
Cost:
Free

Honoring the largest financial supporter of the 2025 parade for their generosity, IHOP Middletown. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and entertainment to include bagpipe bands, along with a DJ.

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Mass in Honor of St. Patrick & St. Brigid

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Where:
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Broadway & Mann Ave., Newport
When:
Saturday, March 15th at 9:00 AM

This annual mass is in memory of the deceased members of the Newport Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernian and deceased members of the former Newport Irish Heritage Association.

Officiant: Rev. Francis A. O’Loughlin, Pastor Emeritus of Jesus Saviour Church, Chaplain of the Newport Ancient Order of Hibernians.

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The 69th Annual Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade

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Where:
BEGINS NEWPORT CITY HALL, PROCEEDS DOWN THAMES ST. TO CARROLL AVE. THE FIFTH WARD
When:
Saturday, March 16th at 11:00 AM

Named one of the best St. Patrick’s Day Parades and Celebrations in New England by USA Today and Yankee Magazine, Newport’s first parade took place in 1956.

Today, thousands of people line the streets of downtown to enjoy the two-hour parade featuring pipe and marching bands, fife and drum corps, 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. This year’s parade is dedicated to the memory of Thomas “Tom” N. Kelly, III. Grand Marshal is Rev. Francis A. O’Loughlin. 

The parade will be followed by celebrations throughout town, family events, live music and more. 

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Newport Saint Patrick's Day Parade

 

St. Joseph’s Church: Food Sale & Major Raffle

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Where:
St. Joseph's Church, Corner Mann Ave. & Broadway
When:
Saturday, March 15th
Cost:
Raffle: $5 per ticket

Head to St. Joseph's Church on the corner of Mann Ave. and Broadway, which also marks the start of the parade, for a morning of breakfast sandwiches, potatoes, bakes goods, and a raffle. 

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St Patrick's Parade Day Breakfast Buffet

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Where:
Brick Alley Pub, 140 Thames Street, Newport.
When:
Saturday, March 15th at 8:00 AM, Regular Menu at 11:00 AM

Need to fuel up and want to be in the center of downtown before or during the parade? We know just the spot. 

Head to Brick Alley Pub, who is opening at 8:00 AM for pre-parade eats, and serving up their regular menu beginning at parade time, 11:00 AM.

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The 17th Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Family Celebration

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Where:
Martin Recreation Center “THE HUT” - 35 Golden Hill Street
When:
Saturday, March 15th from 1:00PM to 4:00PM
Cost:
FREE

Make your way to "the Hut" for a classic good time at no cost and a chance to win prizes and money. There will be entertainment with; Bag Pipers, Irish step dancers, pirates, face painting, and more. Entry is free, but please note this is a non-alcohol event.

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Post-Parade Celebration

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Where:
Hibernian Hall, 2 Wellington Ave. Newport
When:
Saturday, March 15th, doors open at 11:00 AM
Cost:
Advance tickets: $25. Cash bar.

Corned Beef sandwiches and plenty of Irish Music by the McMurphy’s and DJ Murph complete this post-parade party hosted by the Ancient Order of Hibernians. 

Tickets available from the bartender at Hibernian Hall via check, credit card or cash.

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St. Patrick’s Parade Day Family-Friendly Show

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Where:
Top of Pelham, 1 Pelham Street, Newport
When:
Saturday, March 15th
Cost:
Varies

Make your way to Top of Pelham in Newport for a special family-friendly version of the iconic "dueling pianos" show with views of Newport Harbor. 

Please note: Sound decibel levels not suitable for children under 2 years old. 

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St. Patrick’s Cèilidh in the Dining Room at Blithewold

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Where:
Blithewold Manor, Gardens and Arboretum, Bristol
When:
Saturday, March 15th
Cost:
SOLD OUT

The luck of the Irish will shine upon you as you savor an Irish Brunch in Blithewold’s elegant Dining Room.

Dance a jig or tap your toes to live, Irish music by Failte while you enjoy traditional fare from the Emerald Isle. Wear your green and join the fun

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Mass in Honor of St. Patrick

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Where:
St. Mary’s Church, Spring Street and Memorial Boulevard, Newport
When:
Sunday, March 16th at 11:00 AM

Take part in the annual service at St. Mary's Church is in memory of deceased members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the victims of the Great Famine.

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Annual Trolley Tour of Irish Newport

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Where:
Jane Pickens Film + Event Center
When:
Monday, March 17th
Cost:
$20/$18 members

Explore “Irish Newport” on this narrated tour presented by the Museum of Newport Irish History. These 2-hour tours will include stops at sites connected with Newport’s Irish heritage, including Forty Steps and the Barney Street Cemetery.

Tours include an introductory visit to the Museum’s Interpretive Center on Lower Thames Street. Sponsored by Viking Tours of Newport in memory of Karen A. Oakley.

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St. Patrick's Day Film Screening Party with Live Irish Music

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Where:
Departs from Hibernian Hall, 2 Wellington Ave., Newport.
When:
Saturday, March 16th at 1:00 PM
Cost:
Free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

Watch critically acclaimed film The Departed (2006), directed by award-winning Martin Scorsese, along with live music from Irish and Celtic group Rhode to Dublin, and beer tasting from Narragansett Beer. 

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Gaelic & Garlic Celebration Supper

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Where:
Vasco da Gama Hall, 15 Fenner Ave., Newport
When:
Tuesday, March 18th
Cost:
$35

Make your way to Vasco da Gama Hall in Newport for a special dinner, featuring corned beef and potatoes, pasta and sausage, bread and desserts and beverages.

This is a fundraiser in memory of Ralph J. Gizzi to benefit Forum Lodge #391, Sons & Daughters of Italy in America. 

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Irish History Lecture by Museum of Newport Irish History

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Where:
Wyndham Newport Hotel, 240 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown (Also available on Zoom)
When:
Wednesday, March 19th
Cost:
$5 fee/donation at the door. No fee for Zoom participation.

Join Raymond J. McKenna for a talk titled "The Old Stone Bank: A Window into the Lives of our 19th Century Ancestors." with light hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar at Wyndham Newport Hotel in Middletown.

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Historic Irish Cemetery Tour

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Where:
Saint Joseph Cemetery, corner of Barney and Mt. Vernon Streets, Newport
When:
Saturday March 22nd and Saturday, March 29th

Take a tour of the historic Saint Joseph Cemetery (known locally as the Barney Street Cemetery). St. Joseph's Cemetery sits on the corner of Barney Street and Mt. Vernon Street in Newport. It was also the site of Rhode Island’s first Catholic house of worship, a former schoolhouse turned chapel. 

The outdoor tour of approximately 30 minutes, given by a historian/guide, Steve Marino, and sponsored by Museum of Newport Irish History, is held, weather permitting, at 1:00 PM

Reservations required, More info and to reserve click here or call Ann at (401) 841-5493.

 

MORE WAYS TO EXPLORE:
 
  • Take a virtual tour of the Cemetery here.
  • Watch lecture "Newport's Early Irish Community and Rhode Island’s First Catholic Church," presented by Steve Marino (from September 2020), here.
 
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Dancing at the Forty Steps

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Where:
Cliff Walk, east end of Narragansett Avenue
When:
Sunday, March 30th at 3:00 PM
Cost:
Free, outdoor event.

Join the official closing event of the 48th Annual Newport Irish Heritage Month by commemorating the informal dances held there by the Irish who made Newport their home in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 

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