Welcome to February on The Coast, where the sights are snow-covered and magical, and events are aplenty.

This month, Newport celebrates Black history with events and lectures that honor the heritage and culture of the Black community. Things heat up mid-month with Valentine's Day events and offerings dedicated to celebrating the love in your life, and the juicy return of Newport's Best Burger contest, Newport Burger Bender and the highly anticipated Newport Winter Festival—bringing over 150 things to do for 10 days of non-stop-fun.

February on The Coast is on—are you in? Jump to all February events here. 

Black History Month Events

  1. Sailing to Freedom
  2. Exclusive Pre-Release Screening of Sweet Freedom
  3. Newport Live Presents: Reverend Robert Jones, Sr.
  4. Creative Survival Walking Tour
  5. Digital Exhibit Breaking Boundaries In Black Tennis
  6. Authors Unplugged: Lee Hawkins
  7. Disco Fever at Newport Public Library
  8. Melanie Scholtz Record Release Party
  9. RISHM We Gather Together in Peace at Newport Craft
  10. The Precious Birthright Book Talk with C.J. Martin

Sailing to Freedom

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Where:
82 Touro Street
When:
February 6 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Cost:
$20 per person

Join Dr. Tim Walker on this talk highlighting little-known stories of freedom-seeking by sea and describes the less-understood maritime side of the Underground Railroad.

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Exclusive Pre-Release Screening of Sweet Freedom

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Where:
Saint Michael’s Church Parish House, Bristol
When:
February 8th from 2:00 to 2:30 PM
Cost:
Free to attend, donations appreciated

You are invited to the exclusive pre-release screening of "Sweet Freedom" by local filmmaker Alyssa Botelho,

This 29-minute historial drama shares the true story of Polly Johnson, an Afro-Indigenous confectioner and business owner who served as a station master on the Underground Railroad in New Bedford. 

While this event is free and open to the public, the Bristol Middle Passage Project would greatly appreciate donations to help fund its mission.

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Sweet Freedom

Newport Live Presents: Reverend Robert Jones, Sr.

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Where:
Greenvale Vineyards
When:
February 14th at 7:00 PM
Cost:
$35 General Admission

Enjoy an unforgettable performance by Robert B. Jones, Sr. celebrating the blues, Black History Month, and Reverend Robert Jones special brand of storytelling.

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Creative Survival Walking Tour

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Where:
TOUR DEPARTS OUTSIDE OF THE MUSEUM OF NEWPORT HISTORY
When:
February 16th at 11:00
Cost:
NON-MEMBERS: $20, MEMBERS/ACTIVE & RETIRED MILITARY: $15, CHILDREN: $10

Discover the early history of Newport’s people of color, enslaved and free. Explore the places where enslaved people lived and labored, along with locations where free African Americans built their enterprises and supported a new local industry.

Tours depart outside of the Museum of Newport History at the Brick Market, located at the foot of Washington Square, 127 Thames Street, Newport RI. Attendees should look for a sign indicating where to check in with the guide and depart for the tour to the north of the building near the flagpoles. Space is limited, advance registration is required. 

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ONGOING AT THE NEWPORT HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Know Your History initiative at Newport Historical Society is a hub for resources to connect audiences with historical information that is relevant to the history we are making now. Currently the hub is featuring resources on Newport and Rhode Island’s history relative to people of African descent, Native Americans, the history of protest and suffrage, and religious toleration.

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Digital Exhibit Breaking Boundaries In Black Tennis

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Where:
VIEW ONLINE AT BREAKINGBOUNDARIES.TENNISFAME.COM
Cost:
FREE

The International Tennis Hall of Fame has launched its newest digital exhibit, Breaking Boundaries in Black Tennis, which highlights the breakthroughs, evolution, and impact of Black tennis players and influential contributors to the sport globally.

The initial launch of Breaking Boundaries features 70 individuals representing 19 nations, and will continue to expand with many more inspiring stories to be added on an ongoing basis. Fans are also encouraged to submit their own suggestions of athletes and contributors for inclusion through a form included in the exhibit.

Visitors to the exhibit can browse athletes’ and contributors’ profiles by navigating an interactive map grouped by region. Breaking Boundaries features biographical information and interactive profiles that highlight the on-court achievements and the lasting impact of players’ successes on the sport of tennis.

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Breaking Boundaries

 

Authors Unplugged: Lee Hawkins

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Where:
Online
When:
February 18 from 2:00 to 3:00 PM
Cost:
Free — Registration Required

Explore the story of one Black family's pursuit of the American Dream. 

Attend this virtual conversation with journalist and author Lee Hawkins about his memoir, I Am Nobody's Slave: How Uncovering My Family’s History Set Me Free.

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Disco Fever at Newport Public Library

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Where:
Newport Public Library
When:
February 20th from 2:30 to 3:30 PM
Cost:
Free

Head to the Newport Public Library where kids (ages 6 - 12) and tweens (8-12) can learn about the history of Disco in honor of Black History Month. Enjoy crafts and related activities, and of course, music! 

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Melanie Scholtz Record Release Party

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Where:
Jamestown Arts Center
When:
February 28th at 7:00 PM
Cost:
$35 General Admission

Melanie Scholtz Record Release Party for "Seven" on AfricaArise/ Ropeadope Records. 

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RISHM We Gather Together in Peace at Newport Craft

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Where:
Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Company
When:
February 28th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM

Head to Newport Craft to welcome renowned djembefola Sidy Maïga and his band for a special exclusive Black History Month performance on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. 

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RISHM Black History Month Event

 

The Precious Birthright Book Talk with C.J. Martin

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Where:
Newport Public Library
When:
March 4th from 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Cost:
Free

Join author CJ Martin, author of “The Precious Birthright: Black Leaders and the Fight to Vote in Antebellum Rhode Island” for a talk and signing. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. Registration recommended. 

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Stay & Save

What’s better than a night in Newport? A night in Newport at a great rate. 

From Wayfinder, With Love

From Wayfinder, With Love

The 'From Wayfinder, with Love Package' Includes: An Overnight Stay in a cozy King Room or Spacious Suite A $50 Food & Beverage Credit Locally Made Sweet…

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Cozy by the Coast

This winter, escape to the Classic Coast for a cozy retreat. Stay two nights and save 10%, plus receive a Wellington scarf or hat at check-in. As the sun sets…

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Escape with a Romantic Getaway

Cozy up to a romantic getaway in Newport. Whisk your special someone away for fun, food, and romance in the Historic City by the Sea. Special package for Fall…

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Winter Getaway

Winter Getaway

From November 1st until March 31st our rates include 2 sets of tickets. One is to 3 mansions of your choice. The second is for tickets for Newport Winery. Rates…

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Stay and Play Your Way

Join us for a getaway in Newport, RI while taking full advantage of all that Hotel Viking has to offer — dining, cocktails, spa — with a $100 credit per day all…

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Valentine's Day Events

What To Do in February

This month has it all. Get cozy in one of the many Igloo pop-ups around town, take the plunge at ALTÆR Sauna in Little Compton, or learn how to make pizza and pasta from a chef.

 

1 Newport Burger Bender

Where:
Newport & Bristol Counties
When:
FEBRUARY 14 - 23

Newport Burger Bender, the “best burger” contest is back February 14th - 23rd, 2025. Local restaurants are throwing their buns in the ring with hopes of being crowned the Best Burger (and there is more than just beef!) in Newport. Try one. Try Some. Try them all. Then vote for your favorite burger. Voting begins February 14th! 

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2 Newport Winter Festival

Everything you need for the ultimate winter experience below.

3 Newport Winter Foodies Stroll

Where:
Tour Starts: Corner of Lees Wharf and Thames Street at 5:30 PM
When:
Friday & Saturday's
Cost:
$135

Newport Winter Foodies Stroll offers a 1-mile guided walking food tour through Newport's historic Thames Street.

TASTING LOCATIONS INCLUDE:

Tasting locations subject to change.

 

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Newport Foodies Stroll

 

4 Newport Vineyards Events

Enjoy a month of non-stop fun at Newport Vineyards this February. From the annual WINEterfest, to comedy shows and weekly dining specials—come hungry, thirsty, and ready to have fun. 

5 Dueling Pianos at the Top of Pelham

Where:
Top of Pelham
When:
Friday & Saturday's from 8:00 PM to 1:00 AM

Directly across from Bowen’s Wharf on historic Thames Street, The Top provides a weekly dueling piano show with one show on Friday and one show on Saturday, doors open at 8:00 PM and the show starts at 8:30 PM.

This event is 21 plus and a valid ID must be shown upon entry.

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6 Farmers Markets in + around Newport

7 Fermentation Class

Where:
Forty 1° North
When:
Weekly on Wednesdays from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Cost:
$45

Featuring five wine tastings with a special theme or from a particular region accompanied by five small food pairings, Fermentation Class is held at the Oval Bar every Wednesday at 6:30. Reservations are required and this class often sells out.

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8 Events at Norman Bird Sanctuary

9 Surf Club Pizza Making Class

Where:
Surf Club
When:
February 12th
Cost:
$75 per person

In this pizza-making class, Chef Brian will teach you how to make classic Neapolitan-style pizza using local, fresh and flavorful ingredients.

You’ll learn every step of the pizza making process - from mixing, balling, stretching, shaping, to baking the final product! We will provide an assortment of your favorite Surf Club snacks, beer and wine to enjoy. 

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Surf Club Pizza Class

10 Kid Friendly Events at Cutie Curls

Learn new skills and unlock your creative side at these kid-friendly events at Cutie Curls in Newport. 

 

 

11 Pasta Making Classes

Hope & Main, Warren

Come learn how to make fresh pasta and enjoy a truly unique experience.

Included: Refreshments will be served (mixed olives, bread, crackers, Italian meats, and cheese, along with water)
BYOB to enjoy as you watch an up-close pasta demonstration.

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Mozz Newport, Newport

Master the art of traditional pasta making with Mozz's Head Cheesemaker & Chef, Luca Mignogna. 

Included: Tasting of your fresh pasta and a batch to enjoy later! 

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12 Afternoon Tea Service

Whether it’s a spot or a pot, tea time on The Classic Coast is the idyllic way to sip, savor or spill the tea with friends or family. 

Keep calm, the kettle is on.

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Afternoon Tea at Chinese Tea House

13 Newport Wedding Show

Where:
Rosecliff and Hotel Viking
When:
February 23rd from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Cost:
$15 in advance, $20 at the door

The Newport Wedding Show is BACK! Enjoy visiting wedding professionals, tasty samples, thousands of dollars in prizes and so much more! 

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14 Trio Karénine performs Schubert and Dvořák

Where:
Recital Hall at Emmanuel Church
When:
February 28th at 7:30 PM
Cost:
Tickets starting at $45

Acclaimed Trio Karénine has established itself in recent years as a key group on the French and international stage. The piano trio is lauded for its musical integrity and joie de vivre by critics and audiences alike.

In a true celebration of the piano trio, this program opens with Schubert’s second piano trio, one of the very last compositions completed during this lifetime. The program concludes with Dvořák’s rarely programmed second piano trio, filled with color, warmth, lively dance, and Slavic folk elements.

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15 Lectures & Talks

16 Triva Nights

Reject's Beer Co., Middletown

Every Monday!

Join Rejects Beer Co. for McCaughey Standard Trivia from 6:30 - 8:30 PM.

Prizes are awarded for every round - PLUS, $15 build-your-own Diego's taco plates are available from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. A $50 gift card and to-go beer will be awarded to the nightly winner.

Grab a friend or group for a week night outing to remember!

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Pivotal Brewing, Bristol

McCaughey Standard Trivia is here every Wednesday night from 6:30 - 8:30 PM.

Grab your friends and join us for some tasty beers, brain-teasing questions, a little friendly competition, and prizes.

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more to explore

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