May might just be one of our favorite months. Our al fresco patios reopen for the season, sailboats return to the water and we find ourselves outdoors reuniting with the sea breeze. Not to mention, May packs a punch with the return of so many of our favorite annual events.
Head down to Bowen's Wharf for the Newport Oyster Festival with fresh, local oysters from more than 20 growers, plus live music, a cocktail bar and more.
Get outdoors during the return of Volvo Ocean Race, the world's most grueling off-shore race crossing 45,000 nautical miles, touching six continents and 12 landmark host cities. The race makes its only North-American stopover in Newport May 8 - 20 with an exciting race village, food and beer gardens, kids activities, changes to meet the teams and more. ⠀
Feeling festive? Celebrate Cinco de Mayo throughout town with live music and dining deals.
The month just began and we're already booked solid.
Our top picks for May below.
16TH ANNUAL SPRING CELEBRATION
When: May 5; 12:00 - 5:00 PM
Where: Newport Vineyards
Admission: $25 per person, includes wine tasting
Sip, savor and toast to the season's newest wine releases at the 16th Annual Spring Celebration. A day full of grape stomping, wine tasting, potato sack racing goodness. Enjoy live music from the Blue Light Bandits while sipping on new releases and noshing on food created from scratch by the culinary team (food items available for purchase). Feeling competitive? You could be called to compete in our grape stomping competition or potato sack race through the vines. Details.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Top of Newport
When: May 5; 12:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: Hotel Viking
Admission: Free
Enjoy creative margaritas, cervezas, tequilas and traditional features from the kitchen at Top of Newport, Hotel Viking's rooftop bar. Entertainment and fun for all.
KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY
When: May 5; 5:00 - 9:00 PM
Where: Ochre Court
Admission: $150
Watch the races in style on the big screen. Event highlights include live blue grass music by The Bagmen, delicious Kentucky-style food, and a full open bar. Details.
Sky Gazing with Robert Horton and Scott MacNeill
When: May 5 (Rain date May 6); 8:30 - 10:00 PM
Where: Ballard Park
Admission: $5 suggested donation, $15 suggested per group/family
Robert Horton and Scott MacNeil from Brown University will bring their high-powered telescopes to Ballard Park’s quarry meadow to give a tour of the spring skies. Venus will be visible early in the evening followed by star clusters, galaxies, nebulae and Jupiter. Details.
NORMAN BIRD SANCTUARY'S ANNUAL BIRDS & BREAKFAST
When: May 6; 7:30 - 11:00 AM
Where: Norman Bird Sanctuary
Admission: $30 Adults, $10 children 3-12 years, under 3 free
Treat yourself to a seasonal gourmet breakfast with sweeping views over Paradise Valley and Rhode Island Sound. Chef Rich Silvia from The White Horse Tavern will prepare a scrumptious breakfast buffet, with organically grown ingredients donated by local farmers and markets. Explore the hiking trails on a guided bird walk with expert naturalists. Children of all ages can learn spring-themed nature crafts and enjoy live animal presentations, including animal ambassador Micah, the barred owl. Details.
VOLVO OCEAN RACE
When: May 8 - 20
Where: Fort Adams State Park
Admission: Free
Considered the Sailing Capital of the World, Newport will showcase its maritime roots once again with the return of the Volvo Ocean Race – the world's most grueling ocean race, circumnavigating the planet and covering 45,000+ nautical miles. Featuring seven one-design, high-performing boats equipped with the latest technology, the race left Alicante, Spain in October and we can expect arrival in Newport (the only North American stopover) around May 10. Fort Adams State Park will offer a festive atmosphere for 13 fun-filled days with a Race Village featuring live music and entertainment, sailing lessons, a Globe theater that will make visitors feel like they are onboard one of the sleek racing boats and in the middle of all the action, food and drink gardens, thrilling in-port racing and the One Ocean Exploration Zone full of interactive exhibits highlighting ocean sustainability, marine science and life and sailing tips and tricks. Details.
Food Truck 5/10K
When: May 12; 12:00 - 6:00 PM
Where: Pete Sepe Pavilion, 50 Asylim Rd, Warren
Admission: Register
The Food Truck 5k and 10k courses are USATF Certified, and start and finish on the grounds at the Pete Sepe Pavilion, taking runners on a scenic run out toward Touisett Point, past picturesque farms, quaint stone walls and even a water view. Event is followed by a Food Truck festival, beer garden, music - all to benefit the Bristol Warren Education Foundation. Details.
RAIL EXPLORERS RETURNS
When: Starting May 12
Where: Rail Explorers
“Ride the rails” on innovative pedal powered bike/vehicle hybrids which ride on railroad tracks along the edge of Narragansett Bay! All explorers leave at the same time with guides in the lead and last position, and each group enjoys the freedom of the outdoors and the magic of the railroad at their own pace and in their own space. The explorers are easy to ride and fun for all ages.
JAPANESE POP-UP DINNER
When: May 14; 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Where: Stoneacre Tapas
Admission: $68 per person
Stoneacre Tapas is hosting an 11-course Japanese inspired pop-up dinner. Details.
NEWPORT OYSTER FESTIVAL
When: May 18 - 20
Where: Bowen's Wharf
Admission: Prices vary
Oysters lovingly cultivated in the Ocean State will be paired with the world’s most beloved champagne during the Newport Oyster Festival, May 18 - 20. Sample fresh, local oysters alongside 20 growers, eateries and exhibitors. On Friday, May 18, enjoy a night of oysters and champagne on the waterfront followed by bivalves on the water on Saturday. Details.
RELATED: Fresh Local Oysters at Newport Oyster Festival
Garden Tour- Chateau-sur-Mer: Aristocrats and Arboretums
When: May 19; 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Where: Chateau-sur-Mer
Admission: Preservation Society Members $15 - General Public $20 (Advance ticket purchase required)
Grand trees and sweeping lawns create the impression of a centuries-old family seat at Chateau-sur-Mer. In fact, the Wetmore family planned and groomed their acreage to create an aristocratic setting, complete with a very fine private arboretum. Jim Donahue will explain the site's evolution and identify its champion trees. Details.
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