Call us biased but we think summer in Newport is synonymous with paradise. Where do we even begin? Free outdoor concerts, harbor side rooftop bars and patios, outdoor films in some of our most breathtaking parks and venues, plus an entire bucket list of family fun.
Not to mention, with warmer weather comes a lengthy list of summer fairs and festivals. From the renowned Newport Folk and Newport Jazz fests to art festivals, seafood festivals and all things in between. Summer on The Coast: name something better. We'll wait.
STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
When: Saturday, June 15; 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: Trinity Church
Admission: Free
Head to Trinity Church at Queen Anne Square fore strawberries by the carton (while they last), strawberry shortcake with local berries and Chantilly whipped cream, fresh squeezed lemonade and cool water. There will be craft vendors all day, and live music from 12:00 - 4:00 PM.
NEWPORT FLOWER SHOW
When: June 21 - 23
Where: Rosecliff
Admission: $20 in advance, $20 at the door Preservation Society members, $25 at the door general public
The 2019 Newport Flower Show will celebrate its 24th year with a variety of special events, including expert guest speakers like India Hicks and gardening expert Laura LeBoutillier, beautiful floral designs, impressive horticulture exhibits, stunning garden displays, unique shopping opportunities, afternoon tea and more. The show opens on Friday, June 21 and runs through Sunday, June 23, 2019.
NEWPORT PELL BRIDGE 50TH CELEBRATION
When: June 28
Where: Fort Adams
Admission: Free
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Newport Pell Bridge at Fort Adams with music, food trucks and fireworks starting at 9:15 PM. Rain date: June 30.
NEWPORT MUSIC FESTIVAL
When: July 4 - 28
Where: Various venues throughout Newport - Details
Admission: Admission prices vary for each concert - Details
The Newport Music Festival (NMF) will take place from July 4-28 and will present 43 concerts and events in the renowned Newport mansions, including The Breakers, The Elms, and the Chinese Tea House, as well as other impressive venues, such as Castle Hill Inn, The Casino Theatre, The Bohlin, Blithewold, and Aldrich Mansion.
NEWPORT-SHIMODA ARTS & CULTURAL CELEBRATION
When: July 13
Where: Touro Park
Admission: Free
This annual event is a cultural exchange that celebrates the City's relationship with the people of Shimoda, Japan. The day will be filled with traditional Japanese crafts, music & culture mixed with local and regional artists, makers, musicians, food purveyors and family activities.
NEWPORT KITE FESTIVAL
When: July 13 - 14
Where: Brenton Point State Park
Admission: Free
Learn to fly a kite or show off your skills at Brenton Point State Park as endless kites take to the sky.
IMC'S NEWPORT DANCE FESTIVAL
When: July 14 - 21
Where: The lawn at St. Michael's Country Day School, Newport
Admission: $30
Newport Dance Festival (formerly Great Friends Dance Festival) is back with eight nights of dance, featuring five visiting dance companies from around the globe! Picnics, blankets, & lawn chairs are suggested to enjoy world-class dance in a relaxed, community setting. Each night's show will begin with an Etude, a short piece that is choreographed by one of the festival choreographers during the day, and performed with a group of self-selected festival dancers that same night.
LIVE LOCAL MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL
When: July 20; 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Where: Great Friends Meeting House
Admission: $15
The Live Local Music Festival is a celebration of the art and culture that defines Newport and Rhode Island as a whole. Live Local gives others from across the world a first hand view of what it means to be a Newport local through art, music, food, history and more importantly, the people that make Newport such a beautiful, unique, and innovative place.
WARREN QUAHOG FESTIVAL
When: July 20 - 21
Where: Burrs Hill Park, So. Water Street, Warren
Admission: Free
Enjoy arts and crafts vendors; seafood, chowder, clams, and other food; and live entertainment.
NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL
When: July 26 - 28
Where: Fort Adams State Park
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Newport Folk Festival, founded by George Wein in 1959, takes place on the grounds at Fort Adams State Park and features four stages of world class musicians, food, vendors and a number of exhibits.
CULTURAL SURVIVAL BAZAAR: A FESTIVAL OF INDIGENOUS ARTS & CULTURE
When: July 27 - 28
Where: Tiverton Four Corners Arts Center
Admission: Free
This free admission, family-friendly festival features art, crafts and other ethically made cultural products created by Indigenous artists from dozens of countries. Enjoy demonstrations by artists, Indigenous cuisine, and live music from around the world. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to exchange, connect, and build community. Chat with Indigenous artists about their crafts and bring home a beautiful memento of your local trip around the world.
BRIDGEFEST
When: July 29 - August 1
Where: Various locations throughout Newport
The Newport Bridgefest is a local festival that “bridges” the gap between the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals for ten straight days of music. The festival features live music and music education.
NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL
When: August 2 - 4
Where: Fort Adams State Park
Admission: Prices vary - Details
The festival features three full days of jazz on four unique stages on the grounds at Fort Adams State Park situated at the mouth of Newport Harbor with panoramic views of the Newport Bridge and the East Passage The festival features four stages of world class musicians, food, and crafts and a number of exhibits.
BLACK SHIPS FESTIVAL
When: August 9 - 11
Where: Throughout Bristol
Admission: Admission to various events varies
The Black Ships Festival is a celebration of the friendship between the country of Japan and the state of Rhode Island in commemoration of Commodore Matthew C. Perry. Commodore Perry opened trade up between the United States and Japan with the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1864. Japanese arts and crafts, martial arts, a Japanese tea ceremony and Taiko drums are only some of the highlights.
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