Good morning, Newport.

Rhode Island Slave History Medallions will unveil the George T.

Downing Statue with an Oyster Fest Reception at Newport Art Museum on Feb. 28 from 6-9 p.m., while the Potter League photo contest runs until March 2 to support pet care programs.

Backstage has compiled casting calls for local film and TV projects, including roles in Newport and nearby towns.

One student film will hold auditions tomorrow in Medford (with details on pay and age requirements) for aspiring actors.

The 2026 Newport Folk Festival will be held July 24-26 at Fort Adams State Park.

Five-time Grammy winner Lauryn Hill will headline Friday and additional performers include Hudson Freeman, Lizzy McAlpine, Gillian Welch, and Brittany Davis & Black Thunder, with tickets having sold out seconds after Feb. 4.

The Redwood Library and Athenaeum, founded in 1747 at 50 Bellevue Ave. in Newport, houses over 200,000 volumes, historical artifacts, and hosts book clubs and concerts.

The museum welcomes visitors today between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Marc Roberge, frontman of multi-platinum alt-rock band O.A.R., will bring his solo tour to The JPT Film + Event Center on Wednesday, Apr.

29 at 7:30 p.m. Presented by Spectacle Live, the show will feature stripped-back renditions and candid conversations in an intimate setting.

Middletown-based SENEDIA got a $195,500 grant from Real Jobs Rhode Island to support its Defense Partnership Program, which offers direct hire opportunities & internships in high-growth defense fields.

The program, which has led to over 350 placements, will host an informational session on March 5 for local defense companies.

A new RIPEC report shows a gap in chronic absenteeism for the 2024–25 school year+ Newport recorded a rate of 34.6% ranking second worst behind Woonsocket while Jamestown and Little Compton posted rates of 4.3% and 7.3% respectively and other districts performed near or below the 22.1% state average.

Coach Tammi Reiss was named to the Naismith Women’s College Coach of the Year watch list after the Rams posted a 23-2 record and a 17-game winning streak.

The list will be cut on March 19 and 25, with the winner announced on April 1 in Phoenix.

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.

Wellness & Wine: Zumba with Tracy

10 AM – 12 PM — Newport Vineyards & Restaurant — $28 — Energize with Zumba and enjoy a wine tasting among vineyard views.

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.

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.