Sure, this seaside city is home to Gilded Age mansions, extravagant 80' schooners, and some of the best galas around, but that doesn't mean you need deep pockets to experience the best of what we've got. 

From free outdoor concerts, films and festivals, to million dollar views at no charge, this city is packed with exciting things to do without reaching for your wallet.

ON-GOING THINGS TO DO

Free fun on repeat all summer long. 

Umbrella Sky Newport

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Where:
Brick Market Place, Newport
When:
On display through October 24th (weather depending)

Newport just got brighter with the 2026 debut of Umbrella Sky Newport, a unique art experience with 200 colorful umbrellas suspended in the sky above Brick Market Place.  

Ride on the East Bay Bike Path

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Where:
East Bay Bike Path, Bristol / Warren / Barrington
When:
All Summer

The East Bay Bike Path weaves through coves, marshes, parks and bridges offering a scenic journey from Providence to Bristol along the shore of Narragansett Bay. Temporary path closures may occur, click here  for my up-to-date information regarding the bike path.

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Free “Hop-on Hop-off” Trolley

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Where:
RIPTA Route #67 & #68, Newport
When:
Until October 31

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 service on Route 67 (Bellevue/Salve Regina Univ.) and Route 68 (Middletown/Newport Beach Shuttle). 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.

Route 68 – The new route will connect neighborhoods in the north end of Newport to local beaches. 

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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RIPTA Trolley

FREE EVENTS

Concerts, films, tower climbs, oh my!

Music at the Fort

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Where:
Fort Adams State Park, Newport
When:
June 24, August 12, August 19, and August 26

Sure, Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals make their live music mark at Fort Adams State Park during in the summer. But we have a hidden (free) gem for you live music lovers.

Music at the Fort is back this summer for 4 exclusive evenings of free music, yes we said free, at Fort Adams State Park—all you need to do is sit back and watch the sunset. Food and drink vendors will be available on site. Donations encouraged. 

2026 Music at the Fort Line Up:

  • Wednesday, June 24: Chelley Knight & The Dope Things
  • Wednesday, August 12: The Ravers
  • Wednesday, August 19: Honky Tonk Knights
  • Wednesday, August 26: Atticus & Friends

 

Climb the Towers of the Third Oldest Lighthouse in North America

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Where:
Beavertail Lighthouse, Jamestown
When:
June 6, June 20, July 4, July 18, August 8, August 22, September 7, September 12

Located on the southernmost tip of Jamestown, the Beavertail Lighthouse museum features a collection of information, artifacts, and conversation about the history and site of the third-oldest lighthouse in North America.

Lace up your sneakers and climb to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of Narragansett Bay. Free, $5 donation highly encouraged.

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Beavertail Drone at Sunset

 
 

NIMFest & Friends of the Waterfront Concert Series at King Park

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Where:
King Park, Newport
When:
See Below

NIMFest and Friends of the Waterfront Summer Concert Series at King Park, takes place in the park gazebo on Wellington Avenue overlooking Newport Harbor.

Pack a lawn chair and a blanket for high-energy live music performances throughout the summer, weather permitting.

NIMFEST SCHEDULE: EVERY SUNDAY FROM 3:00 - 6:00 PM
  • July 5: Madison Curbelo w/ Atticus Allen
  • July 12: Lazy Trail w/ Hey Rel
  • July 19: Hawk in the Nest w/ Poppy in the Beet Patch
  • July 26: Songwriter Showcase
  • August 2: Seba Molnar w/ The John Monllos Trio
  • August 9: The Coe Street Co-Op w/ Lily Rhodes
  • August 16: Soul City
  • August 23: Groove Merchants w/ Olivia Nied
FRIENDS OF THE WATERFRONT SCHEDULE: DATES & TIMES VARY
  • June 26: James Montgomery
  • July 11: TBD
  • August 7: Elizabeth Beisel & Jazz Trio
  • August 21: TBD
  • September 5: Kevin Doyle

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Audubon Free Family Fun Days

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Where:
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium
When:
June 27 & July 18

Thanks to Bank of America, the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is open to the public the first Saturday of every month. Enjoy crafts, nature stories, animal discoveries, hikes and more. All are welcome, no need to register. 

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Easton's Beach Family Night Concert Series

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Where:
Easton's Beach, Newport
When:
July 7, July 14, July 21, July 28, August 4, August 11

The 2026 Newport Recreation summer concert series returns to Easton's Beach with a lineup of six interactive bands this summer. Festivities begin at 6:00 PM, parking is free after 4:00 PM on show nights!

2026 Concert Schedule:
  • July 7th: Jesse Liam Band
  • July 14th: Soul Syndicate of RI
  • July 21st: Down City Band
  • July 28th: Bar Fly
  • August 4th: Country Wild Heart
  • August 11th: The Repercussions

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Bristol Fourth Concert Series

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Where:
Independence Park, Bristol
When:
June 21 - July 2

Bristol and July 4th—name a better combo. Kicking off the July 4th celebration, Bristol Fourth of July Concert Series returns to Independence Park nightly from June 21 - July 2, 2026. 

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Bristol Fourth of July Concert Series

newportFILM Outdoor Film Series

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Where:
Varies
When:
Thursdays, June 25th - August 27th

Experience award-winning documentaries, live music, interviews with film makers and subjects, fabulous food, and loads of community spirit amongst Aquidneck Island's beautiful outdoor spaces.

Screenings begin at sunset every Thursday this summer, schedule and dates to be announced. $5 donations encouraged.

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Herreshoff Summer Sunset Music Series

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Where:
Herreshoff Marine Museum Waterfront, Bristol
When:
July 16, July 30, August 6, August 20, September 3

Experience an unforgettable summer of music at the Jazz Summer Concert Series on the Herreshoff Marine Museum waterfront. Performances happen every Thursday from July 13 to August 31. 

Presented by BankNewport.

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Food Truck Events

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FOOD TRUCK SUNSETS AT SAFE HARBOR NEW ENGLAND BOATWORKS

When: June 20, July 18, and August 15 from 4:30 to 8:30 PM
Where: Safe Harbor New England Boatworks

Safe Harbor New England Boatworks in Portsmouth transforms with food trucks, beer and wine, and live music on select nights this summer with PVD Food Truck Events. Your job? Come soak in the views and just pay for what you eat and drink. 

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FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT NEWPORT CRAFT

When: Every Friday, Now - August 28, 2026
Where: Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Company

Food Truck Fridays are here! Head to Newport Craft for an evening packed with flavor, music, and laid-back fun. In addition to great food, there will be live bands and Newport Craft will be serving local beer, wine, mocktails and more. 

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Warren Summer Concert & Movie Series

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Where:
Burrs Hill Park, Warren
When:
See Below

Enjoy a night of entertainment at Warren’s iconic Band Shell. Pack a blanket and chairs and settle in on the lawn at Burr's Hill Park for live performances from some of the area’s most talented artists and bands and classic movie screenings all summer 

Concerts are Sundays and movie nights are Thursdays, happening rain or shine, leashed dogs are welcome.

Cars Under The Stars

Thursday evenings, gate opens at 6:30 PM, movie start at dusk. 

  • July 9: Migration
  • July 16: Shrek
  • July 23: How to Train Your Dragon
  • July 30: Despicable Me
  • August 6: No Movie
  • August 13: Zootopia 2
Summer Concert Schedule

Sunday evenings from 5:30 - 8:30 PM.

  • July 12: Back in the Day  (80's Tribute)
  • July 19: Steve Anthony & Persuasion (Classic Rock, Top 40, Oldies)
  • July 26: Patterson Smith Trio + East Bay Wind Ensemble (Classical)
  • August 2: Heart & Sole + Broken Roses (Country)
  • August 9: Rude Boys (Reggae)
  • August 16: Steppin' Out (R&B)
  • August 23: Crushed Velvet (70's Rock)
    August 30: Down City Band (Dance Party Hits)

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Strawberry Festival at Trinity Church

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Where:
Trinity Church, Newport
When:
June 13th from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Head to Trinity Church at Queen Anne Square fore strawberries by the carton (while they last), strawberry shortcake with local berries and Chantilly whipped cream, fresh squeezed lemonade and cool water. There will be craft vendors all day, live music, and fun for the whole family. 

 

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Strawberry Festival at Trinity Church

Newport Pride

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Where:
Across Newport
When:
June 27th

Every year, Newport Pride takes place in June, celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community while promoting love, acceptance, inclusivity and diversity. The highly anticipated Newport Pride returns June 27th with a full line-up of exciting events and experiences. 

June 27th in Newport, RI. Festivities will include:

  • Flag Raising Ceremony
  • Pride Bike Ride
  • Newport Pride Festival

 

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Bristol Fourth of July Celebration

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Where:
Bristol, Rhode Island
When:
June 14th - July 4th

The Celebration officially starts with Flag Day on June 14.

Over the next weeks, there are free outdoor concerts, a Fourth of July Ball, and many other activities and events.

The Celebration concludes on July 4 with America's Oldest Continuous Fourth of July Celebration, which is viewed by over 200,000 people from Rhode Island and around the world. 

 

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Bristol Fourth of July Parade

Newport Independence Day Celebration

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Where:
Colony House & Washington Square, Newport
When:
July 4th

A celebration of our country's independence, featuring:

9:00 AM: A Ceremony by the Aquidnect 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.

 

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Bristol Porchfest

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Where:
High Street, Bristol
When:
Sunday, September 20th

Picture this: 20+ bands, 10+ porches, and 3 hours of live music stretching across historic High Street in Bristol, Rhode Island. From Jazz and Swing to modern bluegrass and folk, there is something for everyone at PorchFest. 

Rain date: Sunday, September 20th, 2026

 

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Bristol Porchfest

 

Art Night Bristol Warren

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Where:
Bristol / Warren
When:
June 25th, July 30th, August 27th

Warren’s historic Water Street is the place to be on Art Night when private gardens and studios are opened for all ages to explore for free Thursdays until August 27th from 5:30 to 8:30 PM.

Think: Art, shopping, restaurants, and live entertainment. Every month features a host of new and unique art experiences!

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Bike Newport's Full Moon Ride

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Where:
Newport
When:
June 29, July 29, August 27, September 26

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

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Cars & Coffee

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Where:
Varies, See Below
When:
June 14, June 21, July 5, July 11, July 19, August 30, September 13

Join Audrain Auto Museum for a morning of cars and coffee at unique venues in and around Newport.

June 14: Cars & Coffee - Chateau-sur-Mer
June 21: Cars & Coffee — Fort Adams
July 5: Cars & Coffee — Gardner Seveney Sports Complex
July 11: Cars & Coffee — McAuley Hall — Youngtimers
July 19: Cars & Coffee — McAuley Hall
August 30: Cars & Coffee - Mount Hope Farm
September 13: Cars & Coffee — Pawdrain at Fort Adams

Cars & Coffee

 

Newport Regatta

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Where:
Sail Newport, Newport
When:
July 10 - 12, 2026

Sail Newport has a long history of hosting this East Coast keynote event, what started as a Shields-only regatta in 1984 has grown to become a keynote annual event on every sailor’s “must-do” list

Sit along the shore and enjoy a classic sailing event this July.

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French In Newport Weekend

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Where:
Colony House & Washington Square, Newport
When:
Saturday, July 11th

Step back in time to Newport in 1780 during the “French in Newport”. Events include reenactments, performances, and free family fun, returning to Washington Square on Saturday, July 11th. 

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Free Guided Bird Walk

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Where:
Norman Bird Sanctuary, Middletown
When:
Every other Sunday, June 21, July 5 & 19, August 2, 16, & 30, September 13 & 27

Count up as many bird species as you can, from soaring red-tailed hawks to tiny hovering hummingbirds. You'll learn how to identify common year-round residents and seasonal migrants.

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Bird Walks

 

Free Wednesday Walk

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Where:
Norman Bird Sanctuary, Middletown
When:
Every Wednesday until October 31st

Stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and end the day with a walk in nature. Explore the Norman Bird Sanctuary trails during a free guided walk every Wednesday afternoon.

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Free Sights

Cliff Walk

Explore Cliff Walk

Craving serenity? Newport's enchanting 3.5-mile Cliff Walk is the perfect place for your moment of peace.

Boyd's Windmill

Boyd's Wind Grist Mill

Boyd’s Eight-Vane Wind Grist Mill is one of the last two survivors of more than twenty known wind mills which once worked to supply the daily needs of Aquidneck Island. It is the only eight-vane smock…

Ocean Drive

Ocean Drive

10 miles of commanding coastline meets one winding road on Newport’s iconic Ocean Drive.

Sail Boat Fort Adams Drone

Fort Adams State Park

Fort Adams State Park is home to the largest coastal fortification in the country, constructed between 1824 and 1857 to defend Narragansett Bay against attack.

PARKS + HIKING TRAILS

King Park

Park your car at any of the spots along Wellington Avenue and make your way to King Park. Equipped…

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Ballard Park

Ballard Park is a wild and natural open space of 13 acres including two 19th century quarries. It…

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Colt State Park

Colt State Park boasts 464 acres of lawns, stone walls, and curving drives along one of the state’s…

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more to explore

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