The oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the country, the Bristol Fourth of July Parade begins at the corner of Chestnut Street and Hope Street (Rt. 114) and ends on High Street, between State Street and Bradford Streets.

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A celebration of our country's independence, featuring:

9:00 AM: A Ceremony by the Aquidneck Island Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution at the grave site of Willam Ellery, Newport signer of the Declaration of Independence. Wreath laying and musket firing by the Artillery Company of Newport Common Burying Ground on Farewell Street.
 
9:00 AM: Opening of the Colony House for inspection hosted by the Newport Historical Society. Open from 9:00 - 11:00 AM. The Colony House will open the first and second floors to explore. 
 
10:00 AM: A Patriotic Band Concert by the Newport Community Band, Eisenhower Park in Washington Square. Bring a chair and enjoy the music.
 
11:00 AM: Recreation of the first Rhode Island reading of the Declaration of Independence from the steps of the Colony House by Roy Lauth, President of the Rhode Island Society Sons of the Revolution, steps of the Colony House, Wahington Square.
 
11:30 AM: Concert of traditional Colonial music by the Pawtuxet Rangers fife line. Eisenhower Park
 
12:00 PM: Twenty-one gun salute to the Nation by the Artillery Company of Newport using cannons cast by Paul Revere. Bells will ring from the Colony House and churches throughout the City of Newport. Cannons will fire from Fort Adams and other locations throughout the city.

Continuing a years long tradition, The Colony House will be open from 9:00 am for visitors to explore the first floor.

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Make your way to East Ferry in Jamestown for their annual Independence Day Celebration. Think: fireworks show, live music from The Next Stop and the Jamestown Community Band, patriotic fun, and so much more!

• Music in Memorial Square kicks off at 7:00 PM
• Fireworks Display begins at 9:00 PM

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This public reading is not like any other; those present are encouraged to read a marked passage from the Declaration so “We the People” can all participate!

Prior to the reading, a brief history of events of past years, including those leading up to the creation of the Declaration are recounted. Held rain or shine.

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From cobblestones to the coast, Newport and Bristol Counties are celebrating America’s 250th with stories worth telling.

This year's iconic summer Newport Classical Music Festival returns from July 2 - 19 with an impressive twenty-seven summer concerts in the renowned Newport Mansions, including The Breakers and The Elms, as well as other impressive venues, such as Castle Hill Inn, Blithewold Manor, Newport Art Museum, Redwood Library & Athenæum, and the Norman Bird Sanctuary. Tickets are on sale now.

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Game, set, match! Men's and Women's professional tennis is coming to the Hall of Fame this July.

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.

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Run, walk, or be the DD—with more than 40 local craft breweries, featuring Rhode Island's best, join in this July for this fun 5K inside historic Fort Adams. Plus enjoy a sampling from food vendors, live music, and more. 

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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. Fort Adams is located at 90 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, RI.

One of the park system’s national treasures, Fort Adams is situated at the mouth of Newport Harbor with panoramic views of the Newport Bridge and the East Passage. The festival runs rain or shine.

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ALSO AT FORT ADAMS: NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL

Newport Jazz Festival is back: July 31 - August 2, 2026.

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, crafts, and a number of exhibits.

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Think: A sunset music series, nature talks, tours, and sweeping views at historic Blithewold. 

Positioned in the heart of downtown Newport, historic Cardines Field is home to the classic wooden-bat, summer collegiate baseball team the Newport Gulls. 

Picture it: ballpark treats, special appearances from mascot Gully, and a classic game of America's pastime at one of the oldest baseball stadiums in the country. Classic.

THE SCHEDULE

Home games happen (most) Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays throughout July at 6:35 PM. 

• Wednesday, July 1st: Newport Gulls vs. Danbury Westerners
• Friday, July 3rd: Newport Gulls vs. Ocean State Waves
• Monday, July 6th: Newport Gulls vs. Danbury Westerners
• Wednesday, July 8th: Newport Gulls vs. Valley Blue Sox
• Friday, July 10th: Newport Gulls vs. Ocean State Waves
• Wednesday, July 15th: Newport Gulls vs. Martha's Vineyard Sharks
• Friday, July 17th: Newport Gulls vs. Keene Swamp Bats
• Monday, July 20th: Newport Gulls vs. Bristol Blues
• Wednesday, July 22nd: Newport Gulls vs. Mystic Schooners
• Friday, July 24th: Newport Gulls vs. Bristol Blues
• Wednesday, July 29th: Newport Gulls vs. Martha's Vineyard Sharks

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The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority launched a free “Hop-On Hop-Off” bus service promotion in Newport. The service offers transportation around Newport to tourist destinations and beaches. This includes all services on Route 67 (Bellevue/Salve Regina Univ.). The service will be free through October 31, 2026.

Route 67 (Bellevue/Salve Regina Univ.) Passengers can ride Route 67 to popular attractions such as the Newport Mansions, Cliff Walk, Audrain Automobile Museum, International Tennis Hall of Fame and more.

Passengers can hop on and off at RIPTA bus stops along the route. Schedules will be available online and at the Newport Visitor Information Center located at 21 Long Wharf Mall. For more information visit RIPTA.com or call 401-781-9400. Detailed Route 67 schedule at RIPTA.com/route/ 67

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Sounds like live—outdoor—music to our ears. 

The 2026 lineup is vast and includes family-friendly concerts and children's nights with an array of genres like jazz, folk, blues, house music and so much more. 

THE LINEUP

• NIMFest & Friends of the Waterfront
• Free Summer Concert Series at Ragged Island
• Easton's Beach Family Night Concert Series
• Touro Park Summer Concert Series
• Shops at Long Wharf Free Summer Concert Series
• Blithewold's Music at Sunset
• Warren Summer Concerts
• Bristol Fourth Concert Series
• Live from the Loading Dock
• Greenvale Signature Series - Live Afternoon Music
• Barrington Summer Concert Series
• Summer Jams Evening
• Little Compton Summer Concert Series
• Umbrella Sky Newport
• Tiverton Summer Concert Lineup
• Fogland Beach Sunset Series
• Herreshoff Summer Sunset Music Series
• Music at the Fort
• Music at Newport Vineyards
• Sunset Cove Music Series

Sail Newport presents one of the country's premiere one-design regattas every July. Not sure what to expect? Be ready for a challenging and spirited regatta on the legendary waters of Narragansett Bay.

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A celebration of Queen Anne Square's 50th anniversary, featuring a panel discussion on the legacy of Queen Anne Square and the wider historic preservation movement, followed by jazz music and reception.

The panel includes:

• Rebecca Bertrand, Executive Director of the Newport Historical Society
• Trudy Coxe, CEO & Executive Director of the Preservation Society of Newport County
• Ronald J. Onorato, Emeritus Professor of Art and Architectural History at the University of Rhode Island
• Keith Stokes, Rhode Island Historian Laureate

Moderated by Gina Tangorra, Director of Engagement at the Newport Restoration Foundation

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Vive la France à Newport

Transport yourself to 1780 Newport, RI on July 12th, for the 6th annual French in Newport experience. Celebrate Bastille Day with a day of living history featuring reenactments, performances, and free family fun. 

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Pivotal Brewing is back for the 3rd Annual Dead Fest, featuring three days of local Dead bands, food trucks, and a full Shakedown Street vendor set up Saturday and Sunday, and special Dead Fest Merch.

Dead Fest 2026: Full Weekend Lineup

Day 1 - Friday July 10th / $15 per person

• Uncle Jon’s Jam: 7:00 to 10:00 PM

Day 2 - Saturday, July 11th / $35 per person

• Diamond Blues: 2:00 to 5:00 PM
• Classic Vinyl: 5:00 to 7:00 PM
• Playing Dead: 7:00 to 10:00 PM

Day 3 - Sunday, July 12th / $30 per person

• Blue Drew & The Magoos: 1:00 to 4:00 PM
• Rose Wharf Band: 5:00 to 8:00 PM

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Join Audrain Auto Museum for special events at various venues in and around Newport.

Watch the Windmill turn with the sails on. Take a tour of the Windmill, play cornhole, quoits, roll hoops, or walk with stilts, create art, and enjoy Rhode Island Jonnycakes and lemonade from the JHS. Food trucks.

Stay cool under the big tent and listen to live music from the eclectic To Be Continued Band. Fun for the whole family. Free admission.

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Dust off your blanket and pack some snacks—the following pop-up screenings are perfect for a night of family-fun or a cozy date for two underneath the stars. 

CARS UNDER THE STARS

• July 9: Migration
• July 16: Shrek
• July 23: How to Train Your Dragon
• ​July 30: Despicable Me

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Want to earn your sea legs? Summer isn’t the only time to get out on the water. Find the July specialty cruises from Coastal Queen Cruises below.

Newport Contemporary Ballet presents the Newport Dance Festival on the lawn of the Great Friends Meeting House.

Enjoy evening performances featuring a unique lineup of dances drawn on the talent, artistry, and unique styles of the festival’s five visiting dance companies, and Newport’s resident Newport Contemporary Ballet.

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Hear from local experts and learn something unexpected at these lectures and talks this July. 

Dive into classic beach games, groove to beachy tunes, and enjoy delicious local eats, all while enjoying a beautiful summer evening on Third Beach with friends and family.

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Walk, drive, or bike through each town at your own pace using our Handbill of Events as a guide. Visit featured Galleries, Artist Studios and Art Friendly Businesses.

Enjoy live music, theater performance, dance, artists’ talks and demonstrations. Every month features a host of new and unique art experiences!

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PG-13 stand-up comedy shows featuring many of the very best New York and Boston headliners in a cool and cozy setting at the Newport Elks Lodge at 141 Pelham St. in Newport.

• July 25: Jimmy Dunn (CBS's Frasier, The McCarthys, Conan, Letterman)

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Give back and celebrate at these local gala and charity events in and around Newport.