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
Back to Top of List- 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
Back to Top of List- 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.
Free “Hop-on Hop-off” Trolley
Back to Top of List- 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

FREE EVENTS
Concerts, films, tower climbs, oh my!
- Music at the Fort
- Climb the Towers of the Third Oldest Lighthouse in North America
- NIMFest & Friends of the Waterfront Concert Series at King Park
- Audubon Free Family Fun Days
- Easton's Beach Family Night Concert Series
- Bristol Fourth Concert Series
- newportFILM Outdoor Film Series
- Herreshoff Summer Sunset Music Series
- Food Truck Events
- Warren Summer Concert & Movie Series
- Strawberry Festival at Trinity Church
- Newport Pride
- Bristol Fourth of July Celebration
- Newport Independence Day Celebration
- Bristol Porchfest
- Art Night Bristol Warren
- Bike Newport's Full Moon Ride
- Cars & Coffee
- Newport Regatta
- French In Newport Weekend
- Free Guided Bird Walk
- Free Wednesday Walk
Music at the Fort
Back to Top of List- 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
Back to Top of List- 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.

NIMFest & Friends of the Waterfront Concert Series at King Park
Back to Top of List- 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
Audubon Free Family Fun Days
Back to Top of List- 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.
Easton's Beach Family Night Concert Series
Back to Top of List- 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
Bristol Fourth Concert Series
Back to Top of List- 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.

newportFILM Outdoor Film Series
Back to Top of List- 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.
Herreshoff Summer Sunset Music Series
Back to Top of List- 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.
Food Truck Events
Back to Top of ListFOOD 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.
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.
Warren Summer Concert & Movie Series
Back to Top of List- 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)
Strawberry Festival at Trinity Church
Back to Top of List- 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.

Newport Pride
Back to Top of List- 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
Bristol Fourth of July Celebration
Back to Top of List- 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.

Newport Independence Day Celebration
Back to Top of List- 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.
More Fourth of July Events
Bristol Porchfest
Back to Top of List- 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

Art Night Bristol Warren
Back to Top of List- 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!
Bike Newport's Full Moon Ride
Back to Top of List- 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.
Cars & Coffee
Back to Top of List- 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

Newport Regatta
Back to Top of List- 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.
French In Newport Weekend
Back to Top of List- 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.
Free Guided Bird Walk
Back to Top of List- 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.

Free Wednesday Walk
Back to Top of List- 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.
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.
PARKS + HIKING TRAILS
Brenton Point State Park
Brenton Point is your spot for unparalleled views of the shoreline, picnicking, and even kite…
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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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Fort Adams State Park
Fort Adams State Park is home to the largest coastal fortification in the country, constructed…
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more to explore
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