May might just be one of our favorite months. Our outdoor 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.
At the beginning of the month, celebrate the season at Newport Vineyards' Spring Festival with two days full of grape stomping, wine tasting and beer tasting, live music and more.
The middle of the month brings the return of the Newport Oyster Festival with fresh, local oysters from more than 20 growers, plus live music, a cocktail bar and more. Or head out to Fort Adams State Park for the Newport Food Truck + Craft Beer Festival.
The month just began and we're already booked solid.
Our top picks for May below.
DERBY DAY AT LINDEN PLACE MANSION
When: May 4; 4:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: Linden Place
Admission: $75
The ultimate derby watching experience, Linden Place celebrates Kentucky Derby Day in true Colt family fashion with mint juleps, live music, great food, live streaming of the 145th annual Kentucky Derby, live and silent auction & more. Enjoy prizes for best dressed, biggest hat, best dressed couple and more.
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DRIVING MISS DAFFODIL CLASSIC CAR PARADE
When: May 4; 8:00 - 10:00 AM
Where: Throughout Newport
Admission: Free
Join the Audrain Automobile Museum in honoring the Newport Daffodil Days Festival with a one-of-a-kind classic car parade! Embrace spring, decorate your car, and celebrate. At 8:00 AM, the Driving Miss Daffodil cavalcade will depart, touring the charming landscape of Newport, including elegant Bellevue Avenue and the picturesque Ocean Drive. The parade will end on the lawn at historic Fort Adams State Park, for "cars, coffee and daffodils." Spectators are encouraged to come out and view the display (no charge for viewing the cars at the beach or at the Fort).
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SPRING FESTIVAL
When: May 4; 12:00 - 5:00 PM
Where: Newport Vineyards
Admission: $25 per person, includes wine tasting
Two days full of grape stomping, wine tasting and beer tasting (with new onsite brewery Taproot Brewing Co.) Enjoy live music while sipping on craft beverages and noshing on food created by scratch from the culinary team. Feeling competitive? You could be called to compete in our Grape Stomp Competitions or Potato Sack Race.
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NORMAN BIRD SANCTUARY'S ANNUAL BIRDS & BREAKFAST
When: May 5; 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 Hunter, the red-tailed hawk. Enter the raffle to win the exclusive opportunity to enjoy a four-course dinner for four at The White Horse Tavern specially prepared by Executive Chef Rich Silvia and paired with sommelier’s choice of wine pairings.
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DRAGON DASH: 5K FUN RUN WITH COLOR
When: May 5; 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Where: Saint George's School, 372 Purgatory Rd, Middletown
Admission: $20
Run, walk, or even ride a bike through the scenic Hilltop course to benefit Pediatrics at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston.
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RAIL EXPLORERS RETURNS
When: Starting May 11
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.
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NEWPORT OYSTER FESTIVAL
When: May 17 - 19
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 17 - 19. Sample fresh, local oysters alongside 20 growers, eateries and exhibitors. On Friday, May 17, enjoy a night of oysters and champagne on the waterfront followed by bivalves on the water on Saturday.
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NEWPORT FOOD TRUCK & CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL
When: May 18; 12:00 - 5:00 PM
Where: Fort Adams State Park
Admission: $5, V.I.B. Package- $40, VIP Package- $25, Beer 6-Pack- $36
Food Truck Festivals of America is heading to Fort Adams State Park for the Newport Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival! Featuring some of the area's most popular food trucks, dishing out fan favorites. Along with dozens of regional and national craft breweries, FTFA will be bringing the ultimate food truck experience to Fort Adams.
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CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT AT NEWPORT FOOD TRUCK & CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL
When: May 18; 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: Fort Adams State Park
Admission: $50/team competitive bracket, $20/team social bracket; Free admission to festival when you sign up
Boondock Sports is partnering with the Food Truck Festivals of America to host a Cornhole Tournament at the Newport Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival. There are two brackets available: advanced and social, so all skill levels are welcome.
NEWPORT ART DECO WEEKEND
When: May 24 - 26
Where: Pell Center for International Relations, 518 Bellevue Avenue
Admission: Prices Vary
This year’s event will feature classes on vintage travel, transportation related games, themed activities in town and free antique car rides all weekend! Feel free to bring your vintage bike, car, auto, horse, or plane! This year welcome the outstanding Beantown Swing Orchestra for the Black-Tie Ball. Plus returning are esteemed instructors Todd and Beth from Swing Salon. Sunday morning enjoy a harbor excursion booked on Newport's "Rum Runner" cruise and in the afternoon a visit to the Audrain Auto Museum.
NEWPORT PRIDE WEEKEND
When: May 31 - June 2
Where: Throughout Newport County
Enjoy yoga on the beach, an afternoon sunset sail, a Pride Party, a Pride ride and more to celebrate Pride Weekend in Newport.
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