The summer season is fast approaching and there are many events happening around Newport to keep you occupied through the end of July.
The events kick off with the Great Chowder Cook-Off and Newport Oyster Festival on June 7th at the Newport Yachting Center. The Chowder Cook-Off draws competitors from around the country and is the longest running chowder championship. If you’re attending, get ready to sample endless amounts of traditional and exotic chowders in three categories: clam, seafood and creative. There will be live music and alternative food and bar options throughout the festival. The Oyster Festival takes place along with the Chowder Cook-Off and includes great local shellfish and seafood presented farmers’ market style. The Oyster Festival continues after the Cook-Off comes to an end so it’s a great “after party.” For more information, click here.
If you’re looking to get all dresses up and attend a Gala, then consider the SSV Oliver Hazard Perry Underwater Gala happening on July 5th. This event is sponsored by the non-profit Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island in order to celebrate their 200-foot square rigged Tall Ship SSV Oliver Hazard Perry’s first summer. The Gala will take place at the Newport Shipyard and will pay tribute to the completion this official Sailing Education Vessel. Guests of the Gala will be able to enjoy cocktails, dinner and dessert while touring the ship and participating in live and silent auctions.
Come July, the summer season is in full swing, and festivals become more frequent, starting with the Newport Kite Festival. The Newport Kite Festival will be held July 12th and 13th at Brenton Point State Park. This events is just what it seems, a weekend spent flying kites and enjoying the outdoors. A variety of kites of all shapes, sizes, and colors will fill the sky on Ocean Drive. This event is free and is always a great site to behold. For more information, check out the official Newport Kite Festival website here.
On July 17th, the Preservation Society of Newport County and Designer Angela Moore will be hosting their first fashion show and champagne brunch that will be held at Rosecliff mansion. The theme is “Newport Forever,” to celebrate the 375th anniversary of Newport and the city’s “nautical chic resort style.” Angela Moore will be showing her new collection as well as debuting limited edition Newport Forever jewelry. The doors open at 9am with cocktails and will proceed to the ballroom for the fashion show and brunch. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
The Black Ships Festival will be held from July 17th through the 20th. This festival is a celebration of the friendship between Newport and Japan and includes events that emphasize Japanese Art and Culture. It commemorates the achievements of Commodore Matthew C. Perry of Newport, who negotiated the Treaty of Kanagawa, ending two centuries of Japanese trading isolation. Events during this festival include: a formal Gala, Japanese arts and crafts, martial arts, tea ceremonies and Taiko Drums. For the full calendar of events, click here.
One of, if not, the most popular Festival that takes place in Newport is the Newport Folk Festival, which will take place July 25th through the 27th. This music festival has been a Newport tradition since it was founded in 1959. This festival is known for introducing some major stars to the folk world such as Bob Dylan and Joan Baez. This years line up includes Nickel Creek, Deer Tick, Jenny Lewis, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Houndmouth, Phox, The Oh Hellos, Benjamin Booker and many, many more.
If you weren’t able to get tickets to the Folk Festival in time, the Newport Antiques Show will also be in town from July 25th through the 27th and will take place at St. George’s School in Middletown. This is one of the nation’s premier antiques venues and it presents a large selection of American antiques, from over 40 of the country’s top dealers. This event benefits both the Newport Historical Society and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Newport County. For a list of exhibitors and ticket information, click here.
With summer rolling in, make sure you check out some of the great festivals and events happening to round off a great Newport vacation.