May might just be one of our favorite months. Outdoor patios reopen for the season, sailboats return to the water and we find ourselves reunited with the ocean breeze. Not to mention, May packs a punch with the return of some highly anticipated annual events. From the Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival that brings two days of fresh local seafood and live music to the waterfront, to the semi-annual Rogue Island Comedy Festival and The Ocean Race. May on The Coast is a daydream.

Our top picks for the month below.

Events

May on The Coast is a daydream. Our top picks for the month below.

1 The Ocean Race: Newport Stopover

Where:: Fort Adams State Park
When:: May 13 - 21, 2023

The world's most grueling and exciting ocean race makes its return to Newport, the only North American stopover throughout its six-month excursion, on May 13 - 21, 2023. The Ocean Race, renowned as the world's premier offshore race and an exceptional test of sailing prowess and human endeavor, will arrive at Fort Adams State Park alongside exciting events and activities.

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2 The Cocktail Club

Cheers to you, Newport.

Craft the perfect cocktail with expert mixology guidance from our One Bellevue team! Perfectly curated to showcase the notes, profile, and distillation of a selection of tasting spirits, you’re sure to come away with a few new favorites. Stay afterward for dinner and make a night of it!

3 THE GILDED AGE YEARS: TRANSFORMING AMERICA

Where:: THE BREAKERS
When:: MAY 4, MAY 18
Cost:: PRICE VARIES

The Many Playgrounds of an Industrial Age

When: May 4, 2023 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Visit the heyday of Northeastern vacation spots from the Adirondacks to Coney Island, from Martha’s Vineyard to the Catskills, and from Saratoga to Newport.

Age of the Machine: The Fight to Reinvent Democracy in the Gilded Age

When: May 18, 2023 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm

The Gilded Age is notorious as a time of rampant political corruption. It was also a time when reformers ignited a reinvention of American democracy.

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4 Spring Tea in the Dining Room

Where:: Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
When:: May 2nd - 5th, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost:: $35 Members | $50 Non-Members

We invite you for Tea in Blithewold’s Dining Room, a place where fine meals have always been served to cherished guests. Gather with friends and exchange stories while delighting in a cup of tea, freshly baked scones with sweet cream, and a 3-tiered tray filled with sweet and savory treats. Simply luxurious! Come in, sit down, relax, and enjoy the moment. The price for Tea includes admission to the Mansion and Grounds, so be sure to leave time for strolling!

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5 Newport Foodies Stroll

Where:: Downtown Newport, Tour starts at the Wave Statue
When:: Recurring weekly on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Starting at 11:30 AM & 12:00 PM
Cost:: Adults: $88, Children: $55

Newport Foodies Stroll offers a 1.75 mile walking food tour through Lower Thames Street. You will learn about the "City by the Sea", as well as try the cuisine from five of the best locally owned restaurants. The best time to schedule your tour is at the beginning of your visit to Newport. The tour runs rain or shine from May 3rd - October 14th on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

All tours begin at 11:30am and last 2.5-3 hours. Meet Tom and Sue, your tour guides, in front of the wave statue/sculpture at the intersection of America's Cup and Memorial Boulevard. They will provide water, sunscreen, and disposable rain ponchos.

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Newport Foodies Stroll

6 Dance Classes at The Academy at Newport Contemporary Ballet

providing dance education of the highest quality to children and adults from all over Rhode Island since 1979. The Academy trains both professional dancers and students who dance for the exercise and pure love of movement.

6 Bike Newport's Full Moon Ride

Where:: Equality Park, Newport
When:: May 5th from 7:15 PM to 9:15 PM
Cost:: Free

Join Bike Newport for a lovely evening bike ride along a coastal route that will bring us past scenic harbor, bay, and ocean views – lit first by the setting sun, and then by the rising moon.

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7 Kentucky Derby Parties

Who needs to be at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby when you have these celebrations here in and around Newport.

8 Flower Moon Sleepover Party

Where:: Norman Bird Sanctuary
When:: May 5th from 4:30 PM to 9:30 AM
Cost:: $40 Member (Includes 1 adult and 1 child), $20 Additional Adult Member, $15 Additional Child Member, $45 Non-Member (includes 1 adult and 1 child), $25 Additional Adult Non-Member, $20 Additional Child Non-Member

Calling all families to the Flower Moon Sleepover Party at Norman Bird Sanctuary! Parents and their brood can camp out under the stars with NBS’ Education Team and discover a whole new world at night! Tonight, we’ll explore what it means to be nocturnal and venture the trails in the dark! Join in for a guided, sensory night hike, and later, we'll cozy up by the campfire with hot cocoa and s'mores and camp the night away on the sanctuary green.

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9 Events at Newport Vineyards

From weekly specials, taproot beer nights, live music and seasonal festivals, there is always something fun happening at Newport Vineyards.

10 COASTAL QUEEN CRUISES

Mexican Celebration Cruise

Where:: Coastal Queen Cruises, from Jamestown
When:: May 6 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Cost:: All Ages: $39

Celebrate the music of Mexico and honor Cinco de Mayo aboard the Coastal Queen! You will see the beautiful Jamestown shoreline, landmarks along Narragansett Bay and historic Newport Harbor while enjoying the piped-in tunes. The grand, teak-wood bar will be featuring drink specials on Mexican beers and tequilas. The boat has a cozy and weatherproof main salon and a covered top deck with clear side curtains. The cruise is 90-minutes, departs from 1 East Ferry Wharf in Jamestown at 6pm and tickets are $39.

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Evening Cruise Featuring The “D” Train Jazz Band

Where:: Coastal Queen Cruises, from Jamestown
When:: May 27 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Cost:: All Ages: $48

Spend an evening with The "D” TRAIN Jazz Band on the Coastal Queen. Enjoy their big band sound as they play hits from Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, Lady Gaga and more while taking in the Jamestown and Newport Harbor sights and scenery. This spacious boat has a weatherproof main deck and a covered top deck with side curtains for cruising comfort. The cruise is 90-minutes, departs from 1 East Ferry Wharf in Jamestown at 6pm and tickets are $48. Book today!

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11 Mother's Day in Newport

Cheers to the woman who does it all. On Mother's Day (and every other day, for that matter) she deserves the best. Our roundup of things to do in + around Newport includes the perfect restaurants (brunch is essential), relaxing harbor tours, vineyards and breweries and so much more to show mom just how much you love her.

12 Tea & Tarot

Where:: Recharge Newport
When:: Recurring weekly on Friday starting May 12
Cost:: $80 per adult

It's time to recharge mind, body, and spirit! This is a group tarot session with tea! The origin of the tarot is explained briefly and each individual participant is offered insight into their present life journey is guided to set goals for the future! Oracle cards may also be infused into the event. There are engaging tarot related activities to complete, some magical take-aways, and plenty of fun to be had!

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13 Top of Newport Opening

Where:: Top of Newport, Hotel Viking
When:: May 12 from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Hotel Viking's rooftop bar & kitchen reopens for another fabulous summer season in Newport! We can't wait to see you! Cheers and see you at the Top!

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Top of Newport

14 Newport Classical presents the Saxophone Ensemble Kenari Quartet

Where:: Emmanuel Church
When:: May 19 at 7:30 PM
Cost:: $45

The remarkable saxophonists of the Kenari Quartet, described as “polished” and “intense” by the Wall Street Journal, bring a program that includes music by J.S. Bach and Mendelssohn, Jennifer Higdon’s Short Stories, and David Maslanka’s Mountain Roads

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15 Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival

Where:: Bowen's Wharf
When:: Saturday, May 20 - Sunday, May 21 from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Cost:: Free

You don't have to travel far to find a cup of life-altering clam chowder when you're in Newport. It's kind of a big deal here. In fact, it's right up there with fresh-from-the-ocean oysters and heaping lobster rolls.

This year, Bowen's Wharf Company celebrates these Ocean State offerings with the 2023 Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival, set to return May 20 - 21 with fresh oysters and chowder from local growers and vendors.

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16 Bristol Vintage Market

Where:: Mount Hope Farm
When:: May 21 from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Cost:: $10 day pass $15 weekend pass

A vintage market taking place at historic Mount Hope Farm on the weekend of May 20 and 21, 2023.

Please join us for a vintage market showcasing high-quality repurposed items, antique treasures, and unique artisan creations. We are looking for a variety of artists and curators and encourage all to apply!

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17 Rogue Island Comedy Festival

Where:: Newport
When:: Thursday, May 25 - Monday, May 29
Cost:: $30 + $2 processing fee (online only)

Laugh your way through Memorial Day weekend at Rogue Island Comedy Festival, the area's bi-annual comedy festival featuring four days of comedy shows on Thursday, May 25 - Sunday, May 29. Shows will take place at four locations this season: Ragged Island Brewing Co., Jane Pickens Theater, Firehouse Theater and Top Of Pelham.

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18 Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial

Where:: Fort Adams State Park
When:: May 27th - May 30th, 2022

The Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial will be displayed at Fort Adams in Newport over Memorial Day Weekend May 26th – 29th, 2023. Hours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 8am - 8pm, and Monday 8am - 6pm.

Boots on the ground