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.
NEWPORT FLOWER SHOW
When: June 22 - 24
Where: Rosecliff
Admission: $20 in advance, $20 at the door Preservation Society members, $25 at the door general public
The 2018 Newport Flower Show will celebrate its 23rd year with a variety of special events, including appearances on Friday and Saturday by lifestyle maven Martha Stewart, expert guest speakers, beautiful floral designs, impressive horticulture exhibits, stunning garden displays, unique shopping opportunities, and more. The Show opens on Friday, June 22 and runs through Sunday, June 24, 2018.
NEWPORT MUSIC FESTIVAL
When: July 4 - 22
Where: Various venues throughout Newport - Details
Admission: Admission prices vary for each concert - Details
The Newport Music Festival has played a significant cultural role in Rhode Island since its inception in 1969. The Festival has featured some of the greatest international artists of the past 50 years and produced more than 2000 concerts in a myriad of venues throughout Newport and surrounding communities. It continues the tradition of presenting more than sixty classical concerts featuring unique chamber music, programs, American debuts, world-class artists and special events held in Gilded Age mansions and other venues throughout Newport and Bristol County.
NEWPORT-SHIMODA BLACK SHIPS CELEBRATION
When: July 12 - 15
Where: Throughout Newport
Admission: Free
This annual event is a cultural exchange that celebrates the City's relationship with the people of Shimoda, Japan. The festival provides a fully immersive cultural experience that features the best that both cities have to offer with food, music, dance, and historical customs.
GREEN ANIMALS CHILDREN'S PARTY
When: July 14
Where: Green Animals Topiary Garden
Admission: Member Adult $20; Member Youth free; Non-member Adult $25; Non-member Youth $10; All Children 5 & Under free
Enjoy games, pony rides, a rock climbing wall, magic, clowns, crafts, balloons, refreshments, and music on this whimsical Victorian estate populated with dozens of topiary animals.
NEWPORT KITE FESTIVAL
When: July 14 - 15
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.
DELL TECHNOLOGIES HALL OF FAME TENNIS OPEN
When: July 15 - 22
Where: International Tennis Hall of Fame
Admission: Ticket prices vary - Details
Each year, top ATP World Tour pros head to Newport to compete in the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, the first stop of the summer swing for pro tennis in the United States. 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, and offers the only opportunity to see professional men's tennis in the Northeast prior to the US Open.
GREAT FRIENDS DANCE FESTIVAL
When: July 18 - 20
Where: St. Michael's Country Day School, 180 Rhode Island Avenue
Admission: $30 each/ 2 tickets for $50 Flex Pass, 5 tickets for $100 *All tickets $30 at the door
Going back to roots of outdoor dance, Island Moving Company will perform on an outdoor stage at the beautiful St. Michael's Country Day School and invites you to bring a picnic dinner, blankets and lawn chairs. IMC presents five professional dance companies from around the world, performing under the stars! A unique performance each evening of unforgettable performances, showcasing an array of dance styles.
HELLENIC FESTIVAL
When: July 20, 4:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Where: St Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church
Admission: Free
Hellenic Fest is St Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church's annual festival dating back to 1983. Experience the traditional Greek culture, food, pastries, wine, music and dancing. Enjoy live music by the Athenian Entertainment Greek Orchestra, featuring modern and traditional music by Georgios Karatzas alongside the Newport Hellenic Dancers.
LIVE LOCAL MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL
When: July 21; 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 21, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM; July 22, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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 27 - 29
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 28 - 29; 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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 30 - August 2
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 3 - 5
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.
ROCK THE DOCKS LOBSTERFEST
When: August 11
Where: Newport Shipyard, 1 Washington Street
Admission: $150
The Seamen's Church Institute's 12th annual Rock the Docks Lobsterfest Fundraiser will take place Saturday, August 11th, 6-10pm at the Newport Shipyard. Enjoy a dockside casual lobster dinner, raw bar, open bar and exciting live auction before dancing the night away to the lively beats of a tropical steel drum band.
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