After a two year hiatus, the 35th Annual Newport Winter Festival returns this Winter with 10 days of live music, foodie contests, kid-centric activities and more on The Classic Coast on February 17th - 26th, 2023.

Touted as New England's largest winter extravaganza, Newport Winter Festival offers more than 150 events. Spice things up with the renowned chili cook-off, hot drink contest, horseback ride on the beach or bundle up and head over to Polar Pineapples at Newport Harbor Island Resort for an ice bar with a front row seat to picturesque views of Narragansett Bay in the winter.

Everything you need for the ultimate winter experience below. 

“Brace Yourself”

Enjoy Savings at the 2023 Annual Newport Winter Festival

Get ready to taste and shop your way through Newport during the 35th Annual Newport Winter Festival!  Commemorative Souvenir Winter Festival bracelets provide significant discounts or even free admission to all official Festival events as well as discounts at many local stores and restaurants.

Festival bracelets are only $10 and provide over $500 in savings! Festival bracelets also provide discounts and specials at over 50 local businesses. For more information, click here.

 

Featured Events by Day

All event information is provided by the Newport Winter Festival and is subject to change. For more information and a full calendar of events, and to purchase tickets, click here

Friday, February 17th

Back to Top of List

Polar Pineapples

Where: Newport Harbor Island Resort (Formerly Gurney's)


Polar Pineapples is back for its 8th year! Purchase a cocktail from the ice bar and stay warm around one of the eleven firepits on property, all while having the best views of the bay. Free Hot Cider with Bracelet. 401.849.2600.

Polar Pineapples

The Eagles Experience

Where: Wyndham Newport Hotel
When: 8:30 PM
Tickets: $45 VIP Tickets in Advance or $50 At the Door (VIP tickets include a drink ticket and reserved upfront table seating) Plenty of Free Parking. $17 in Advance/ With Bracelet $22 at the Door without Bracelet.


The Eagles Experience aims to be the most authentic tribute show to the Eagles available today! With a one-to-one lineup that reflects the Eagles during their heyday in the late 70s, the members of the band are each dedicated to presenting their part as accurately as possible, and will provide you with an ultimate “Eagles Experience.” Watch them nail classic songs like “Best of My Love” and “Take It Easy.” You’ll also hear smash hits like “Hotel California,” “The Long Run,” “Heartache Tonight” and many more during this live concert. 

Buy Tickets

Newport Burger Bender

Where: participating restaurants in Newport & Bristol Counties


As the temperatures drop and things settle here on The Coast, we're cooking up something delicious for burger lovers abound. Newport Burger Bender returns Friday, February 17 - Sunday, February 26, 2023 with some of the biggest, savoriest burgers competing for the title of "Best Burger" around town. More juicy info here

Caleb and Broad Beef Open Graph

 

Saturday, February 18th

Back to Top of List

The 26th Annual Chili Cook-Off

Where: Newport Harbor Island Resort (Formerly Gurney's)
When: 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Tickets: TBA


Winter heats up as area restaurants and caterers compete to see who has the best chili in town!  Bring your appetite, sharpen your taste buds, and join in the fun as you choose your favorite chili!  Enjoy Sam Adams specials. To enter your chili call 401.847.7666. 

Winter Festival Chili Cook-Off

IllusionQuest with Illusionist David Garrity

Where: Newport Marriott
When: 6:30 PM
Tickets: $10 in advance/ with a bracelet/ $13 at the door


David Garrity's "IllusionQuest" is an exciting, family-oriented, main-stage, magic and illusion spectacular! Illusionist David Garrity and his magic team appear out of thin air, pass through solid objects, perform lightning fast transpositions and may even make someone from the audience float in the air! The performance also features audience participation, situational comedy and is set to a custom-edited musical score! Fun for the whole family! $10 in advance/ with a bracelet/ $13 at the door -BUY TICKETS-

Seating first come first serve, arrive in advance for better seating

Buy Tickets

Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band – Changes in Latitudes

Where: Newport Harbor Island Resort (Formerly Gurney's)
When: 8:30 PM
Tickets: Tickets $20 in advance/ with a bracelet or $25 at the door without bracelet. $50 VIP Tickets in Advance or $55 At the Door (VIP tickets include a drink ticket and reserved upfront table seating)


Newport Winter Festival presents Changes in Latitudes, the country’s premier tribute show to the Mayor of Margaritaville, Jimmy Buffett. Come enjoy  dancing or sitting and listening to all of Jimmy's top hits! This nationally acclaimed band travels the country with beach balls and leis flying, dancing conga lines, and “Trop Rock” fun for all.  You can expect to hear such classics as “Margaritaville”, “Come Monday”, “Cheeseburger in Paradise”, “Volcano”, and of course “Changes In Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes”, as well as other crowd pleasing favorites, like “Brown Eyed Girl”, “Southern Cross”, and “Another Saturday Night”, and the Alan Jackson/Jimmy Buffett smash hit “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere”.

Changes in Latitudes has thrilled audiences with their amazingly authentic reproduction of the Jimmy Buffett concert experience!

Buy Tickets

Newport Burger Bender

Where: participating restaurants in Newport & Bristol Counties


As the temperatures drop and things settle here on The Coast, we're cooking up something delicious for burger lovers abound. Newport Burger Bender returns Friday, February 17 - Sunday, February 26, 2023 with some of the biggest, savoriest burgers competing for the title of "Best Burger" around town. More juicy info here

Polar Pineapples

Where: Newport Harbor Island Resort (Formerly Gurney's)


Polar Pineapples is back for its 8th year! Purchase a cocktail from the ice bar and stay warm around one of the eleven firepits on property, all while having the best views of the bay. Free Hot Cider with Bracelet. 401.849.2600.

 

Sunday, February 19th

Back to Top of List

Toe Jam Puppet Band

Where: Newport Marriott
When: 12:00 PM
Tickets: $5 w/ Bracelet or $7 without. Tickets will be available at the door.


Toe Jam Puppet Band offers a special brand of hands-on children's entertainment that grown-ups can actually enjoy. The performances are very interactive, encouraging kids and parents to sing and dance along with the band as they entertain with a unique combination of original songs, masterful shadow puppetry, storytelling and just plain old good fun.

Rainforest Reptile Show

Where: Newport Marriott
When: 2:00 PM
Tickets: $5 with Bracelet or $7 without


In this show, the animals are the stars! Kids will learn all about these fascinating animals, their natural behaviors and their habitats. Animals include alligators, snakes, turtles, and lizards! Tickets will be available at the door.

Newport Burger Bender

Where: participating restaurants in Newport & Bristol Counties


As the temperatures drop and things settle here on The Coast, we're cooking up something delicious for burger lovers abound. Newport Burger Bender returns Friday, February 17 - Sunday, February 26, 2023 with some of the biggest, savoriest burgers competing for the title of "Best Burger" around town. More juicy info here

 

Monday, February 20th

Back to Top of List

Robert Clarke Juggler and Comedian

Where: Newport Harbor Island Resort (Formerly Gurney's)
When: 12:00 PM
Tickets: $6 with Bracelet or $8 without. Tickets will be available at the door.


Superb, sophisticated and stylish!  Boston Magician​ & Juggler Robert Clarke will entertain, mystify and keep you wanting more. Providing total variety magic shows in Boston and beyond that includes awesome magic, cool juggling skills, hilarious comedy routines and tons of audience interaction.  This show is non-stop, high energy and crowd pleasing.  A show for all ages young and old and not to be missed.

Mad Science Show

Where: Newport Harbor Island Resort (Formerly Gurney's)
When: 2:00 PM
Tickets: $6 with Bracelet or $8 without. Tickets will be available at the door.


Children will be dazzled and "edutained" as they interact with our Mad Scientists! Our spectacular shows thrill audiences of children and adults alike with impressive science experiments. Watch things Bubble, Explode, Shatter, and take on a life of their own… It’s not magic it’s SCIENCE! 

Newport Burger Bender

Where: participating restaurants in Newport & Bristol Counties


As the temperatures drop and things settle here on The Coast, we're cooking up something delicious for burger lovers abound. Newport Burger Bender returns Friday, February 17 - Sunday, February 26, 2023 with some of the biggest, savoriest burgers competing for the title of "Best Burger" around town. More juicy info here

 

Tuesday, February 21st

Back to Top of List

Teddy Bear Musical Celebration and Story Time

Where: Newport Harbor Hotel 
When: 11:00 AM
Tickets: $2 with Bracelet or $5 without. Tickets will be available at the door.
 

Bring your favorite Teddy Bear and listen to the musical storyteller Christopher ‘Kavi’ Carbone share captivating stories and songs of the wonders of winter, while having tea for adults and milk and cookies for children presented by the Newport Harbor Hotel.

Beer Dinner at the Mooring

Where: The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar
When: Reception at 6:00 PM, Dinner at 6:30 PM


Enjoy this annual event as a visiting brewmaster will guide guests through a selection of beers paired with a distinct menu specially prepared by the Mooring chefs for this occasion. Reception begins at 6:00pm; dinner at 6:30pm. Chefs will prepare a delicious 4 course meal with hors d'oeuvres, that will be paired with 5 featured beers. 

Newport Burger Bender

Where: participating restaurants in Newport & Bristol Counties


As the temperatures drop and things settle here on The Coast, we're cooking up something delicious for burger lovers abound. Newport Burger Bender returns Friday, February 17 - Sunday, February 26, 2023 with some of the biggest, savoriest burgers competing for the title of "Best Burger" around town. More juicy info here

 

 

Wednesday, February 22nd

Back to Top of List

Princess Party

Where: OceanCliff
When: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Tickets: $15 in advance or with a bracelet/ $20 without a bracelet


Come Join your favorite Princesses at a location truly royal location! Enjoy treats fit for a princess. Wear your favorite princess attire for a royal afternoon filled with stories, songs, dancing and even decorate your own crown to bring home! Co-Sponsored by OceanCliff/Newport Experience. Questions? Prince's are welcomed too! All children and parents will need a ticket. No strollers allowed in the ballroom due to space. 

Buy Tickets

Princess Party OceanCliff

Newport Burger Bender

Where: participating restaurants in Newport & Bristol Counties


As the temperatures drop and things settle here on The Coast, we're cooking up something delicious for burger lovers abound. Newport Burger Bender returns Friday, February 17 - Sunday, February 26, 2023 with some of the biggest, savoriest burgers competing for the title of "Best Burger" around town. More juicy info here

 

 

Thursday, February 23rd

Back to Top of List

Jazz for Kids at Greenvale

Where: Greenvale Vineyards
When: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tickets: FREE/Open to the public, Wine tasting available for purchase.


Head to Greenvale Vineyards in Portsmouth for an afternoon of live jazz in a setting incorporated with old time standards. Wine tasting will be available for purchase.

Annual Best Hot Drink Contest

Where: The Red Parrot Restaurant
When: 8:00 PM
Tickets: FREE Admission and FREE Samples!


The competitions heats up as judges determine the Best Hot Drink in Newport!  Local bars and restaurants are invited to compete for the Festival Plaque. Guests 21+ will get to sample the delightful concoctions as well as enjoy drink specials.  Contestants must provide their own liquor, garnishes and glassware.  FREE Admission and FREE Samples!

Hot Drink Contest Newport Winter Festival

Newport Burger Bender

Where: participating restaurants in Newport & Bristol Counties


As the temperatures drop and things settle here on The Coast, we're cooking up something delicious for burger lovers abound. Newport Burger Bender returns Friday, February 17 - Sunday, February 26, 2023 with some of the biggest, savoriest burgers competing for the title of "Best Burger" around town. More juicy info here

 

 

Friday, February 24th

Back to Top of List

Bubblemania

Where: Wyndham Newport Hotel
When: 6:30 PM


A fascinating show filled with tricky manipulations and juggling with bubbles. With plenty of comedy for all ages. BubbleMania is loaded with visual comedy, quick wit, big band swing music and the untamed, often unbelievable qualities of spherical liquids.This is not a show intended to keep a 2 year old engaged; this is a bubble show to keep the 5 to 85 year-olds mesmerized.Tickets $10/ $7 in advance/ at the door with bracelet. Free Parking.

Buy Tickets

Comedy Show: Co-Headliners Marion Grodin & Paul D'Angelo

Where: Hotel Viking
When: 8:30 PM
Tickets: $29, $24 in advance or w/ bracelet at the door. VIP Tickets $49, $44 in advance or w/ bracelet at the door. 
 

Come laugh the night away at the annual Winter Festival Comedy Show! Co-Headliners Marion Grodin and Paul D'Angelo. 

Newport Burger Bender

Where: participating restaurants in Newport & Bristol Counties


As the temperatures drop and things settle here on The Coast, we're cooking up something delicious for burger lovers abound. Newport Burger Bender returns Friday, February 17 - Sunday, February 26, 2023 with some of the biggest, savoriest burgers competing for the title of "Best Burger" around town. More juicy info here

 

 

Saturday, February 25th

Back to Top of List

Winter Festival Beach Polo

Where: Second Beach, Middletown
When: 3:00 PM
Tickets: Free


Winter Festival Beach Polo presented by the Newport International Polo Series is back! People of all ages enjoy the spectacle of horsemanship and breath-taking views of Aquidneck Island's renowned beaches when the ponies and players put on a polo match on the sand. The event is a low-impact, eco-friendly exhibition that is part of the fun during Newport Winter Festival.

Note: No Alcohol Permitted on the Beach

Winter Polo

Dumpling Eating Contest

Where: Yagi Noodles
When: 11:00 AM
Tickets: $10/ per contestant

Do you love dumplings?! Join us at Yagi Noodles for a special Dumpling eating contest during winter fest! To enter the contest it is $10/contestant. The deadline to enter is Thu February 23 at 10:00 PM.

Prizes: 3rd Place: Free t-shirt and boba drink, 2nd Place: Receives a free t-shirt and ramen, 1st Place: Receives a free t-shirt and dinner for two!

Buy Tickets

Ice Carving Demonstration Presented by Dunkin'

Where: Long Wharf Mall
When: 11:00 AM
Tickets: Free


Ice sculptors wield their chisels, chain saws, blow dryers and power sanders as they create master pieces. Don't miss these spectacular works of ice! The ice sculptures will be on display until they melt so be sure to check them out before they disappear!

Winter Festival Ice Sculptures

Tribute to Tom Petty

Where: Wyndham Newport Hotel
When: 8:30 PM
Tickets: $20 in advance/ w/ bracelet or $25 at the door without bracelet. $50 VIP Tickets in Advance or $55 At the Door (VIP tickets include a drink ticket and reserved upfront table seating)


WONT BACK DOWN celebrates the music and life of Tom Petty! This show is dedicated to the remembrance of Tom Petty featuring songs written and/or performed over his entire career with The Heartbreakers and as a solo artist.

Buy Tickets

Newport Burger Bender

Where: participating restaurants in Newport & Bristol Counties


As the temperatures drop and things settle here on The Coast, we're cooking up something delicious for burger lovers abound. Newport Burger Bender returns Friday, February 17 - Sunday, February 26, 2023 with some of the biggest, savoriest burgers competing for the title of "Best Burger" around town. More juicy info here

 

 

Sunday, February 26th

Back to Top of List

Winter Festival Beach Polo

Where: Second Beach, Middletown
When: 3:00 PM
Tickets: Free


Winter Festival Beach Polo presented by the Newport International Polo Series is back! People of all ages enjoy the spectacle of horsemanship and breath-taking views of Aquidneck Island's renowned beaches when the ponies and players put on a polo match on the sand. The event is a low-impact, eco-friendly exhibition that is part of the fun during Newport Winter Festival.

Note: No Alcohol Permitted on the Beach

Newport Burger Bender

Where: participating restaurants in Newport & Bristol Counties


As the temperatures drop and things settle here on The Coast, we're cooking up something delicious for burger lovers abound. Newport Burger Bender returns Friday, February 17 - Sunday, February 26, 2023 with some of the biggest, savoriest burgers competing for the title of "Best Burger" around town. More juicy info here

 

 

more festival events

Looking for more non-stop-fun? Find more info and all Newport Winter Festival Events here

more winter experiences

Discover More

GET SOCIAL

Tag your photos #TheClassicCoast for the chance to be featured on our accounts.