21+ Festivals & Events You Can't Miss This Month In + Around Newport

August rounded the corner faster than we were prepared for. With the final days of summer upon us, we're jam-packing our schedules with all our summer bucket list items, including but not limited to sunset sails, rooftop bars, outdoor patios, lobster rolls, movies under the stars, beach days, free concerts and so much more.

Below are our top picks for the month.

COVID-19 NOTE:

When you're ready, we can't wait to welcome you back to The Classic Coast. Rest assured, the safety and well-being of both visitors and locals remains our top priority. The mask mandate requiring face coverings in Rhode Island has been lifted, however local businesses may ask you to wear a mask when visiting their establishments. Please be prepared for individual business mask policies. Additionally, shops, attractions and tours are monitoring the number of guests at any given time and may ask you to socially distance to enter.

All we ask when you land on these shores is that you play your part in keeping everyone safe. Please be kind, adhere to guidelines and maintain social distancing.

1 Norman Bird Sanctuary Beach Bash

Where:: Third Beach, Middletown
When:: August 5, 6-8 PM + August 19, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Cost:: $30 Adult Non-Member, $15 Age 12 and Under

Enjoy an evening on Third Beach while listening to favorite local musician Greg Ferreira and roasting marshmallows for s’mores over a fire. Pack a picnic or stop by Peabody’s Snack Shack. Bring your blankets, chairs, or water toys. In addition to s’mores, your reservation includes music, soft drinks, seltzer, and ice cream.

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2 British Motorcars in Bristol

Where:: Colt State Park, Bristol
When:: August 20-21

British Motorcars in Bristol kicks into gear at Bristol's Colt State Park on Friday, August 20 through Saturday, August 21. Festivities start Friday morning with a scenic tour of Southern New England and the Bristol area followed by a British car parade into downtown Bristol for an evening block party at Independence Park with a live band, beer tent, food trucks and classic British motorcars.

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3 Wine Garden at The Chanler

Where:: The Chanler, 117 Memorial Boulevard
When:: Thursday - Sunday, 1-6:30 PM

Introducing the first worldwide partnership between The Chanler and renowned Italian vintner Ca’ del Bosco. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon or early evening sipping Ca’ del Bosco luxury sparkling wines along with seasonal light fare featuring New England seafood, caviar and artisan cheeses. Take in the water views, fresh air and sit back on Adirondack chairs, while overlooking the Cliff Walk and the Atlantic Ocean.

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4 Summer Stories at Whitehorne House

Where:: Whitehorne House, 416 Thames St
When:: August 6, 10 AM
Cost:: Free

This free program recommended for kids aged Pre-K to 1st grade takes place in our beautiful pocket garden at the Whitehorne House Museum. Listen to storybook readings in the garden and put together a themed craft to take home. Outdoor ground seating provided. In the event of rain, this program will be canceled.

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5 Salute to Summer

Where:: 656 Whipple Street, Naval Station Newport
When:: August 28, 2 PM
Cost:: Free

Salute to summer with live music from Felix Brown Band, Changes in Latitudes, and Navy Band Northeast; a kids' area, concessions, and fireworks. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs & blankets.

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6 AutoFest 2021

Where:: Newport Car Museum, Enter at Light 1847 West Main Road
When:: August 22
Cost:: $5 per person

Enjoy more than 500 show vehicles, trophies, vendors, music, food trucks, and valve cover racing at Newport Car Museum's 2021 AutoFest.

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7 Bon Voyage Ball

Where:: Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Avenue
When:: August 6, 7 PM

For 20 years and counting, the International Polo Charity Ball is the social highlight of the summer, when polo players, enthusiasts, and supporters come together for a lively celebration while supporting various charitable organizations.

Festivities carry on through the weekend as the international guests of honor take to the polo field on the following afternoon to challenge USA. The annual New England Lobsterbake, expertly prepared by the master bakesmen of McGrath Clambakes, brings a brilliant conclusion to an extraordinary weekend.

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8 Wolffer x Hotel Viking Pop-Up

Where:: Hotel Viking, One Bellevue Avenue
When:: August 7

Located on the One Bellevue Patio every Saturday this summer, enjoy a selection of wine from the acclaimed Wölffer Estate including the famed Summer In A Bottle. Reservations are not required but highly encouraged.

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9 Wet Paint

Where:: Newport Art Museum, 76 Bellevue Avenue
When:: August 14

On Saturday, August 14, the Newport Art Museum’s campus will once again be transformed into the largest and most inclusive outdoor gallery in Rhode Island. Artists of every age and experience level are welcome to submit an original artwork to the silent auction.

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10 Safe Harbor Race Weekend

Where:: Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard, 1 Washington St
When:: August 12-15
Cost:: Free

Enjoy three unforgettable days of shoreside events, revelries, and racing excitement at Safe Harbor locations in Newport, Portsmouth, and Jamestown, Rhode Island. Safe Harbor Race Weekend participants and guests will be treated to a host of private festivities including a Friday evening opening dinner with panoramic views of Narragansett Bay and traditional coastal New England cuisine, and a celebratory Saturday night Talk of the Town Crew Party featuring a mariner’s feast and live music.

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11 Opera at the Movies with Encore Opera Company

Where:: Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum 101 Ferry Road, Bristol
When:: August 12
Cost:: $40 Members, $60 Non-Members

Rhode Island’s Encore Opera Company will present “Opera at the Movies” under the Wedding Tent at Blithewold Mansion. Enjoy arias and duets as they were performed in Pretty Woman and Shawshank Redemption as well as songs from America’s beloved musicals – Kismet, South Pacific, and Les Misérables. The performance will be accompanied by pianist David Gilliland.

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12 C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta

Where:: Sail Newport, 60 Fort Adams Drive
When:: August 25-29
Cost:: Free

The 18th C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta will begin with a two day coaching clinic August 25 and 26 followed by three days of competition with the regatta days being August 27-29.

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