Summer certainly is the season of festivals here in Newport. This summer has been off to a great start with lots of warm sunny days and beautiful starry nights perfect for enjoying just about everything Newport has to offer . This time we’ll be highlighting events from July 15th to August 15th and as always there’s sure to be something for everybody.
All sorts of music festivals abound this time of year! The Newport Music Festival allows concert goers to enjoy chamber music in the historic mansions from July 10th-28th. See their website to buy tickets and view the complete schedule. The Newport Blues & BBQ Festival on July 20th is sure to be a delicious treat for ear and palate alike! Just like all events at the Newport Yachting Center, it’s sure to be a hit. Click here to get your tickets now! Just a week later is the not to be missed, world famous Newport Folk Festival out at Fort Adams from July 26th-28th. Hurry to their website because tickets for Friday are still available to an otherwise sold out event which will feature acts such as The Avett Brothers, Beck, and The Lumineers. The lineup is always spectacular so it’s never too early to start planning for Folk Fest 2014. For another famous festival out at the fort, check out the Newport Jazz Festival on August 2nd-4th. Several great acts are on their way and tickets for all days are still available at their website.
Looking to celebrate a bit of local culture? These festivals will have something in store for you! The Black Ships Festival celebrates a history of friendship between Newport and Japan which began when Commodore Perry was the first foreigner to trade with Japan after nearly 200 years of isolationism. Stop by Touro Park on Pelham Street on July 18th-21st and see some fine examples of Japanese art and culture and check out their website for more details. Once you’re ready for something more Mediterranean, head over to the Hellenic Fest at the corner of Thames and Brewer Streets on July 19th and 20th. Experience the finest food, music, and ouzo that Newport’s Greek Community has to offer! Get your preview of the festivities here. Lastly, you haven’t been truly immersed in Newport’s local culture until you consider the pull the that the tides and the surf have on this community. Water Bros will be hosting their third annual Surf Fest on July 20th. Click here to learn more!
The summer is also the season fantastic parties and important galas. Have an eye for fine art? Help us celebrate Newport Art Museum’s 100th year on July 20th. Come participate in Newport’s tradition of fine art by clicking here for more details. Or support the Newport Music Festival at the Sapphire Gala on July 29th. Tickets are available here. On July 27th the Aquidneck Land Trust hosts Fiesta Verde, their annual summer fundraiser which helps raise the money to protect Aquidneck Island’s remaining green space. To contribute to this important cause and to attend what has recently been named one of Newport’s best summer parties click here and scroll down to the “Fiesta Verde” section.
Is it time to kickback and just enjoy summer? Newport’s famous cliff walk, which gives breathtaking views of ocean and historic properties alike, is in great shape despite some damage from Hurricane Sandy. Most of the 3.5 trail is still open! So get out your walking shoes! After you’re done you can always head to the beach! Newport is blessed with many fantastic beaches. Easton’s (First) Beach is a short walk from Bellveue Avenue right on Memorial Boulevard. After a good long day outside in the sun, be sure to catch a Newport Gulls game in historic Cardines Field! Click here to see their schedule.
There is plenty going on here in our little city by the sea. We hope that you join us, whether for a day or a week, and come explore. See you on the beach!