New
in Newport
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning, Newport. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ This weekend, Newport WinterFest will end with multiple food and drink contests from WienerFest on Feb. 21 to the Burger Bender on Feb. 22, while Aquidneck Island firefighters and police will face off in the Guns and Hoses charity hockey game at St. George’s ice rink in Middletown. The Newport Daily News
- ➤ Potter League for Animals is inviting pet owners to enter its 10th annual P.S. I Love You Pet Calendar Photo Contest until Monday, Mar. 2 at 5 p.m.-each $10 entry can earn a professional photo shoot if it wins high votes, with proceeds supporting its shelter and care programs. What's Up Newp
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Newport Vineyards & Taproot Brewing Co. hired Kyle Johnson as executive chef on Feb. 6. The Rhode Island native, with acclaimed Boston kitchen experience, leads a refreshed dining menu to complement the estate's wines and beers; further culinary changes will come in April. What's Up Newp
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Tallulah's Taqueria is closing in Providence due to its chef-owner's health struggles + Newport's Hotel Viking will debut new restaurant and bar concepts when it reopens in May, while a family-run Italian restaurant opened in Warren earlier this month. The Newport Daily News
- ➤ Rhode Island Slave History Medallions will unveil a maquette of an 8-ft bronze statue of George T. Downing at an Oyster Fest reception on Feb. 28 at Newport Art Museum from 6 to 9 p.m. The event supports a $250,000 campaign to complete the installation at a historic downtown site. What's Up Newp
- ➤ The Preservation Society of Newport County is hosting a panel discussion on the legacy of Monumenta—a pioneering 1974 outdoor sculpture exhibition—on March 6 at 6 p.m. at Rosecliff, featuring original artist Richard Fleischner, artist Uri Aran, and moderator Natalie Bell with a reception to follow. What's Up Newp
- ➤ The Newport Artists Collective has canceled Art Newport 2026 and the Fine Arts Ball due to a drop in sponsorship and ticket sales — rising costs forced the decision. The group plans to regroup and set new priorities for the rest of the year. Newport This Week
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Newport City Council approved a resolution to honor Black History Month by holding an annual flag raising at City Hall and supporting local educational and cultural events. Council members said the move would celebrate the city’s historic Black community. The Newport Daily News
- ➤ State regulators are still reviewing applications as they plan to award up to 20 cannabis retail licenses by lottery as early as May. Commissioners discussed staggering the awards during their meeting and will decide on the process at a follow-up on Friday, March 20. What's Up Newp
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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Wellness & Wine: Zumba with Tracy
10 AM – 12 PM — Newport Vineyards & Restaurant — $28 — Energize with Zumba and enjoy a wine tasting among vineyard views.
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Songwriters in the Round: Natalie Paige, Myah Sallena, Ben Hoke
7 p.m. — Pump House Music Works — Free entry — Experience a night of intimate acoustic performances featuring evocative original music from talented songwriters.
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Newport St Patrick's Day Parade
11 a.m. — Newport City Hall — Free entry — Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a festive parade featuring leprechauns and community spirit.
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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.
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