New
in Newport
Friday, April 3rd, 2026
Good morning, Newport. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 3rd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce will host a free expo at Wyndham Newport Atlantic Resort in Middletown on Wednesday, Apr. 8 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Over 70 local businesses will offer interactive displays, live DJ music and food samples. What's Up Newp
- ➤ Newport Restaurant Group donated $81,314 to seven local nonprofits through its annual gift card program (cumulative giving now exceeds $366,000 since 2019). The 2026 campaign, which gives $2 from every gift card to nonprofits fighting food insecurity, is ongoing. What's Up Newp
- ➤ Kenton Goldsby, a California native and youngest cleric, starts his role as pastor at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Newport (he brings energy for community engagement and partnerships with local groups). He plans to foster inclusivity and welcome new neighbors as Holy Week nears. Newport This Week
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Rhode Island Slave History Medallions will unveil a maquette of the George T. Downing statue on April 11 at Newport Art Museum, marking the first local memorial for a person of color. The eight-foot model will be installed near Bellevue Avenue and Pelham Street — a nod to Downing’s legacy. Newport This Week
- ➤ Bravo’s new Real Housewives of Rhode Island debuted Thursday, April 2 at 9 p.m. on Bravo and begins streaming today, with cast members including local entrepreneur Elizabeth McGraw and reality star Ashley Iaconetti — note newcomer Dolores Catania from New Jersey launching a line of gummies. The Newport Daily News
- ➤ The National Sailing Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2026 featuring six sailors with historic achievements in the sport. The induction ceremony and luncheon will be held Wednesday, Oct. 7 at New York Yacht Club Harbour Court from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. What's Up Newp
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ RENEWport is hosting economic innovator Zita Cobb on Wednesday, Apr. 8 at 5:30 p.m. at Salve Regina University where she will present her talk on community economic stewardship; the free event is part of the Newport Together series and funded partly by a Rhode Island Foundation grant. Newport This Week
- ➤ Community economic innovator Zita Cobb will speak on April 8 at Salve Regina University on how local leaders can shape resilient economic futures. The free event, hosted by RENEWport as part of its Newport Together series, is partially funded by the Rhode Island Foundation. Newport This Week
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Jo Eva Gaines was honored today by the Rhode Island Foundation with its 2026 Black History Month Award for her pioneering work in education. She served as a teacher and school board member in Newport, inspiring Black educators and students to succeed. Newport This Week
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ At a March 23 meet and greet, candidate Keith Hoffman warned Newport Hospital's birthing center may close if Brown University Health seeks a reverse certificate of need amid financial strain from its Massachusetts deals. Community groups will attend Lobby Day at the State House on April 9 at 3 p.m. Newport This Week
- ➤ NOSOLO Giveback Foundation is celebrating five years of mental health advocacy by hosting Off to the Races: NOSOLO Foundation Derby on Saturday, May 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Salve Regina University’s Young Building to support student mental health programs. What's Up Newp
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Book Talk with Terry Gaspard
2-3 p.m. — Newport Public Library — Free entry — Explore financial discussions that strengthen relationships in this insightful book talk.
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Easter Brunch Buffet
10 AM – 3 PM — Newport Vineyards & Restaurant — Adults $85, Kids $27 — Celebrate Easter with a delightful brunch buffet and a fun egg hunt for kids.
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Big Lux and The Hype
8-11:59 p.m. — Ocean Mist — Check website for pricing — Enjoy a lively mix of reggae, funk, and rock by Sea of Giants in a vibrant coastal setting.
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Daffodil Society of Rhode Island Preview Party
5-7:30 p.m. — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Admission details not specified — Preview stunning floral arrangements in a delightful garden setting.
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Newport Rhode Races
7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. — Easton's Beach — Marathon: $110, Half Marathon: $85, 5K — Experience the thrill of the race along the scenic Newport coast.
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Pollinator House Workshop
10 AM – 12 PM — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Free entry — Create a pollinator house and learn about the importance of pollination for trees on Arbor Day.
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Arbor Day Festival and Bristol Community Day
10 AM – 4 PM — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Free entry — Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the arboretum with family-friendly nature crafts and scavenger hunts.
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The British Invasion Years Live Tribute
7-10 p.m. — The JPT Film & Event Center — Ticket info not provided — Experience a lively tribute to the 1960s musical revolution featuring classic hits from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
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Northern Italy to Tuscany Wine Dinner
6:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. — The Coast Guard House Restaurant — $— Explore the exquisite food and wine from Northern Italy and Tuscany.
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A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — Ryan Center — Last-minute tickets available — Catch A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie live in Kingston, RI.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout New in Newport
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