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.

ONGOING THINGS TO DO

MUSIC AT THE FORT

When: June 15th, 2022
Where: Fort Adams State Park

Head to Fort Adams, because Music at the Fort is Back! Enjoy an evening of free music at Fort Adams while watching the sunset. Food and drink vendors on site. Bring your beach chair and blanket and come enjoy an evening at Fort Adams!

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CLIMB THE TOWER OF THE THIRD OLDEST LIGHTHOUSE IN NORTH AMERICA

When: Schedule
Where: Beavertail Lighthouse

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 suggested donation.

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NIMFEST CONCERT SERIES AT KING PARK

When: Sunday afternoons from 3:00 - 6:00 PM starting July
Where: King Park

NIMFest 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 every Sunday from 3:00 - 6:00 PM through August 29.

Presented by the City of Newport, all concerts are free of charge. Leashed pets welcome.

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AUDUBON SOCIETY'S CITIZEN BANK FREE FAMILY FUN DAY

When: Every first Saturday of the month
Where: The Audubon Environmental Education Center

Thanks to Citizens Bank, the Environmental Education Center is open to the public the first Saturday of every month at no charge for admission. Enjoy crafts, nature stories, animal discoveries, hikes and more. No need to register.

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FREE FILM SERIES

When: Every other Friday through August starting June 17; 2:30 PM
Where: Newport Public Library

Join Newport Public Library for free screenings every other Friday through August starting on June 17. Free and open to the public. Registration is not required.

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EISENHOWER HOUSE TOURS

When: Every Monday, June 6 - September 5, 2022, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: Eisenhower House

Enjoy a free self-guided tour of Eisenhower House. Built in 1873, it was once the summer White House of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

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NEWPORT GALLERY NIGHT

When: The second Thursday of each month; 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: Throughout Newport

On the second Thursday of every month, art aficionados of all kinds stroll the streets of our bustling wharves and eclectic neighborhoods to experience the work of 25+ galleries. Your Newport Gallery Night experience includes diverse galleries, museums and cultural institutions displaying art of varying kinds from varying eras, as well as special lectures at participating venues.

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EASTON'S BEACH FAMILY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES

When: Every Tuesday starting July 5 through August 9
Where: Easton's Beach

Live music comes with oceanfront views at Easton's Beach Family Night Concert Series every Tuesday starting July 5th through August 9th. All shows begin at 6:00 PM, Parking is free after 4:00 PM on show nights!

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SUMMER STORIES AT WHITEHORNE HOUSE MUSEUM

When: Every Friday, June 10 - August 26, 2022
Where: Whitehorne House Museum

This free program recommended for kids aged Pre-K to 1st grade takes place in our beautiful pocket garden at the Whitehorne House Museum. Listen to storybook readings in the garden and put together a themed craft to take home. Outdoor seating provided.

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JAMESTOWN EVENING MUSIC CONCERT SERIES

When: Every Sunday at 6:30 PM starting July 10
Where: East Ferry Memorial Square

Make your way to East Ferry Memorial Square in Jamestown for free evening music overlooking Narragansett Bay. Concerts are held on Sundays from 6:30 - 8:00 PM from July 10th through August 21st, and 6:00 - 7:30 PM on August 28th.

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BRISTOL FOURTH CONCERT SERIES

When: Daily, from June 19 through July 2
Where: Independence Park, Bristol

Bristol Fourth of July Concert Series in Independence Park, Bristol from June 19 - July 2, 2022

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NEWPORTFILM OUTDOOR FILM SERIES

When: Thursdays
Where: Venues change weekly

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 through September 1st.

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WARREN SUMMER CONCERT & MOVIE SERIES

When: Every other Sunday starting July 14
Where: Burr's Hill Park

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 family friendly movies for all to enjoy. Concerts are Sundays through September 4 at 5:00 PM, and Movies are on Thursdays through August 18.

Presented by the Warren Parks and Recreation Department. Leashed dogs welcome.

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FREE “HOP-ON HOP-OFF” TROLLEY

When: Route 67: Daily, May 27 through October 31, 2022, and Route 68: Daily, June 18 through October 31, 2022
Routes: Route 67 & Route 68

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority launched a free “Hop-On Hop-Off” bus service promotion in Newport beginning May 27. 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 Monday, Oct. 31, 2022.

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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FREE SIGHTS

Explore Cliff Walk

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

Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge

Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge provides an important stopover and wintering area for migratory birds.

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

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

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.

Castle Hill Lighthouse

FREE EVENTS

FOOD TRUCK SUNSETS AT SAFE HARBOR NEW ENGLAND BOATWORKS

When: June 25, July 23, and August 20 from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Where: Safe Harbor New England Boatworks

Enjoy the food trucks, live music and beer and wine, just pay for what you eat and drink. Over a dozen Food trucks, live music with local beer and wine, from Trinity Brewhouse.

JULY FOURTH OPEN HOUSE

When: July 4, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Washington Square

Visit the Colony House and Washington Square for a morning of patriotic activities, including a reading of the Declaration of Independence. The Colony House will be open for tours for free throughout the day.

BRISTOL FOURTH OF JULY PARADE

When: July 4, 10:30 AM
Where: Downtown Bristol, Hope Street

The Fourth of July Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. and will step-off at the corner of Chestnut Street and Hope Street (Rt. 114) and ends on High Street, between State Street and Bradford Street.

NEWPORT 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS DISPLAY

When: July 4, starting at 9:15 PM
Where: Newport Harbor

Weather permitting, this year’s display is scheduled to light up the harbor beginning at approximately 9:15 PM on Monday, July 4th, with a rain date slated for Tuesday, July 5th.

Newport's annual Fourth of July Fireworks display traces its history to a small but dedicated group of community members who volunteered their time to help celebrate our nation's founding with a safe, family friendly atmosphere.

Where to View: For best viewing, be sure to find a westward facing spot along Newport Habor. Popular viewing locations include Perrotti Park, King Park, and Queen Anne Square.

CARS & COFFEE

When & Where: See website for full calendar.

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

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NEWPORT REGATTA

When: July 9 - 10
Where: Sail Newport at Fort Adams

Sail Newport has a long history of hosting this East Coast keynote event for one-design classes where they live by the motto: "More Racing, Less Waiting, Cold Beer." Sit along the shore and enjoy a classic sailing event in the Sailing Capital of the World.

FREE GUIDED BIRD WALK

When: June 19
Where: Norman Bird Sanctuary

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.

FREE WEDNESDAY WALK

When: Wednesday Afternoons
Where: Norman Bird Sanctuary

Stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and end the day with a walk in nature. Join us and explore the Norman Bird Sanctuary trails during a free guided walk every Wednesday afternoon. Norman Bird Sanctuary offers seven miles of unique trails that meander throughout a diverse array of habitats and ecosystems. Learn to spot native species, identify plants, and see what you find along the way.  

HELLENIC FEST

When: July 15 - 17
Where: St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church

Hellenic Fest is St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church's annual festival which dates back to 1983 and transports us for one weekend from our island to the beautiful islands and mainland of Greece. Enjoy authentic Greek Cuisine and pastries, live music and dancing, Ouzo, Greek beer and wines and shop at the marketplace.

FREE JAZZ CONCERT AT HERRESHOFF

When: July 27, 6:00 PM
Where: Herreshoff Marine Museum

Project Flynn will be performing for free at the 2022 Summer Jazz Series at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Waterfront. Registration is required for attending to ensure enough seating for the audience.

A WEEKEND OF COACHING: FREE PUBLIC VIEWING

When: August 19 - 21
Where: Newport, Bellevue Avenue

The public can enjoy free viewing of the colorful and historic coaches every day, as they drive through the streets of Newport and the grounds of the Newport Mansions, celebrating and preserving a century-old sporting tradition. Authentic 19th-century coaches drawn by matched and highly-trained teams of horses visit Newport every three years for a Weekend of Coaching, hosted by The Preservation Society of Newport County.

A WEEKEND OF COACHING: THE ELMS DRIVING EXHIBIT

When: August 20
Where: The Elms

The public is welcome to this free driving exhibition on the grounds of The Elms, beginning at approximately 10:30 a.m. This is an opportunity to get a close up, extended look at each of the teams, and to hear details about the horses and the history of each coach as their whips guide them around the back lawn.