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: Every third Thursday of the month, 5:30 PM
Where: Fort Adams State Park
Head to the largest coastal fortification in the country for Music at the Fort, a live music series hosted by Fort Adams Trust featuring food and refreshments from Newport Craft Brewing, plus a variety of local food trucks. All concerts start at 5:30 PM every third Thursday of the month June - September, and feature live music performances from a variety of artists and performers. Bring a blanket and enjoy performances for all ages accompanied by Narragansett Bay in the backdrop.
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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 7
Where: King Park
NIMFest takes place in the park gazebo on Wellington Avenue, offering unparalleled views of Newport Harbor, live music, food trucks BBQ and more. Presented by the City of Newport, concerts are held on Sunday afternoons from 3:00 - 6:00 PM July 7 - August 25. All concerts are free of charge, just bring your lawn chair or a blanket!
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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.
EISENHOWER HOUSE TOURS
When: Every Monday, 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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FREE FILM SERIES
When: Every other Friday through August starting June 7; 2:30 PM
Where: Newport Public Library
Join Newport Public Library for free screenings every other Friday through August starting on June 8. Popcorn provided.
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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 9 through August 13
Where: Easton's Beach
Live music with an ocean view is the agenda for Easton's Beach Family Night Concert Series every Tuesday starting July 9 through August 13. All shows begin at 6:00 PM and last for approximately an hour and a half.
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JAMESTOWN EVENING MUSIC CONCERT SERIES
When: Every Sunday at 6:30 PM starting July 7
Where: East Ferry Memorial Square
Head to East Ferry Memorial Square in Jamestown with a picnic and a blanket or lawn chair for free evening music set on Narragansett Bay throughout the season. Concerts are held every Sunday at 6:30 PM starting July 7 through August 25.
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EASTON'S BEACH CAROUSEL
When: Daily
Where: Easton's Beach Carousel
Little ones in tow? Go for a spin on the classic carousal at Easton's Beach Rotunda, a fixture since 1958. Parking: 60-minute validated parking is available in the Short Term / Reserved lot (just past the Rotunda). Easton's Beach Carousel rides are free on week days, $2 on weekends.
NEWPORTFILM OUTDOOR FILM SERIES
When: Every Thursday
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 August.
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WARREN SUMMER CONCERT & FOOD TRUCK NIGHTS
When: Every other Sunday starting July 14
Where: Burr's Hill Park
Enjoy savory bites from local food trucks and a variety of live music on every other Sunday starting July 14 through August 25 at Burr's Hill Park in Warren.
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FREE SIGHTS
FREE EVENTS
When: June 22, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: Herreshoff Marine Museum
Enjoy free sailboat rides on historic Herreshoff 121/2s around Bristol Harbor along with food trucks, the annual Herreshoff wharf sale, free museum admission and kids activities.
When: June 28
Where: Fort Adams State Park
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority will celebrate 50 years of the Newport Bridge during a celebration at Fort Adams State Park. Free and open to the public, visitors can enjoy food trucks, music from Take It to the Bridge (see what they did there), lawn activities, touch a RITBA truck, build-a-bridge workshop, exhibits of bridge history and engineering, and a fireworks display at 9:15 PM.
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.
When: July 4, 7:30 PM
Where: King Park
The Alliance Brass opens Newport Music Festival’s 2019 Summer Season with a free Fourth of July Extravaganza to celebrate America’s birthday. It begins with the National Anthem and includes an array of familiar tunes honoring members of the U.S. Military, and presents selections from composers whose experiences in this country are reflected in their music.
When: July 6
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.
When: July 7 + July 21
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.
When: July 9 + July 16, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: Newport Art Museum
Bring your family (and a blanket) to enjoy a free evening of music on the Newport Art Museum lawn.
When: July 13
Where: Touro Park
This annual event is a cultural exchange that celebrates the City's relationship with the people of Shimoda, Japan. The day will be filled with traditional Japanese crafts, music & culture mixed with local and regional artists, makers, musicians, food purveyors and family activities.
When: July 13 - 14
Where: Brenton Point State Park
Learn to fly a kite or show off your skills at Brenton Point State Park as endless kites take to the sky.
When: July 20 - 21
Where: Burrs Hill Park, So. Water Street, Warren
Enjoy arts and crafts vendors; seafood, chowder, clams, and other food; and live entertainment.
When: July 25 - 27
Where: Newport Shipyard
The 2018 Candy Store Cup Superyacht Regatta will be hosted and organized by Newport Shipyard and Bannister's Wharf and carries forward the tradition of the Newport Bucket.
When: July 26 - 29
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.
When: July 27 - 28
Where: Tiverton Four Corners Arts Center
This free admission, family-friendly festival features art, crafts and other ethically made cultural products created by Indigenous artists from dozens of countries. Enjoy demonstrations by artists, Indigenous cuisine, and live music from around the world. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to exchange, connect, and build community. Chat with Indigenous artists about their crafts and bring home a beautiful memento of your local trip around the world.
When: August 9 - 11
Where: Independence Park
Independence Park on Thames Street is transformed into a Japanese-American Cultural Center, featuring demonstrations, workshops, and displays. Including Arts and Crafts and Martial Arts Demonstrations.
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