Thursday, February 5th, 2026
Good morning, Newport. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 5th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ MLK Community Center and Jennifer Carter Photography are offering free prom dresses as part of Runway 401 for Newport teens; residents can donate gently worn dresses at several local sites. A try-on event is scheduled at Newport Elks Lodge #104 on March 19 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Newport This Week
- ➤ The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center partners with the Four Hearts Foundation to run a kids’ clothing drive until Tuesday, Feb. 10, accepting clothing at local drop-off sites. A free distribution event is set for Wednesday, Feb. 11 at MLK Community Center from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Newport This Week
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Historian Nina Sankovitch will discuss her new book Not Your Founding Father today at Colony House in Washington Square from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event includes a Q&A and book signing that explore the story of the Public Universal Friend. Newport This Week
- ➤ The Rhode Island Wind Ensemble is launching its 'Made in America' concert series to celebrate America's 250th anniversary by performing patriotic music from pieces by Morton Gould and Sousa and inviting donations at free venues. WJAR NBC 10
- ➤ Tiverton Public Library will display a replica of the Declaration of Independence from Thursday, Feb. 19 through July 7 + installation will begin at 11 a.m. with craft activities starting at 10 a.m. during the welcome event. The Newport Daily News
- ➤ The historic White Horse Tavern at 26 Marlborough St. has been named one of America's top 100 romantic restaurants by OpenTable in its 2026 rankings based on a 4.8 diner rating — it is one of only two Rhode Island establishments recognized nationally. What's Up Newp
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents must move vehicles to off-street parking today from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Off-Broadway area for snow removal after last week’s storm + a similar ban will take effect Friday on Carroll Avenue in the Fifth Ward. What's Up Newp
- ➤ Governor McKee said URI could add a new medical school by 2030 to help ease the primary care shortage and keep 70% of graduates local—initial funds of $20 million may be available this year as the university plans to raise another $150 million for startup and hiring strategies. What's Up Newp
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Rhode Islanders felt low on health and well-being as the RI Life Index was 57 in 2025, unchanged from last year and six points lower than in 2021. The survey found drops in cost of living + health care scores, showing ongoing challenges for the community. What's Up Newp
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Newport's La Forge Casino Restaurant and Newport Craft Brewing will offer Super Bowl Sunday specials with buffet service and drink deals, while other local venues in Providence and Warwick host game-day parties featuring walk-in seating and extra entertainment (like dance lessons). Plan ahead as spots may fill fast. The Newport Daily News
- ➤ Local residents looking to host a Super Bowl LX wing night can take advantage of discounts on grills, fryers, and sauces from major retailers. The game airs on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. ET, and deals help turn a wing night into a winning spread + party. The Newport Daily News
-
An Evening with Violinist Rachel Barton Pine
7:30 p.m. — Rosecliff — Ticket prices vary — Experience the virtuosic talent and soulful musicianship of acclaimed violinist Rachel Barton Pine.
-
In Bannister’s Footsteps Exhibition
2-3:30 p.m. — Bristol Art Museum — Free entry — Explore the life and work of Edward Mitchell Bannister in this special art exhibition.
-
Beatles Tribute Concert
7:30 p.m. — Courthouse Center for the Arts — Tickets available — Experience Boston’s celebrated Beatles tribute band performing classic hits from 1962–1966.
-
30th Annual WINEterfest
11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Newport Vineyards & Restaurant — $45 General Admission — Celebrate Valentine's Weekend with wine, beer, and friendly competitions to warm you from the winter chill.
-
Winter Fest Princess Party
1-3 p.m. — OceanCliff Hotel — $ — Get ready for a magical time where little ones can meet their favorite princesses.
-
Winter Mini Golf and Games Night
1-8 p.m. — Taproot Brewing Co. — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled mini golf and games night during Newport Winter Festival Week.
-
The Cowsills Concert
8-11 p.m. — The Greenwich Odeum — Check venue for ticket details — Enjoy the infectious harmonies of the family band that inspired The Partridge Family.
-
Won't Back Down - Tribute to Tom Petty
8:30-11:30 p.m. — Wyndham Newport Hotel — Ticket purchase required — Celebrate the legendary music of Tom Petty in a heartfelt tribute show.
-
Dumpling Eating Contest
12-4 p.m. — Yagi Noodles — Entry fee applies — Get ready to stuff your face at the 4th Annual Dumpling Eating Contest!
-
Grateful Dub Tribute Concert
9:00-11:59 p.m. — Ocean Mist — Tickets starting at $60 — Experience the sounds of the Grateful Dead like never before with Grateful Dub.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
If you want to remember something, write it down. If you want to understand something, explain it to someone else.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout New in Newport
Welcome to the New in Newport, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Newport, Rhode Island community. If you like the New in Newport, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Newport.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Newport and across Rhode Island. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to New in Newport
A free Newport community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://newinnewport.com/sitemap