Good morning, Newport.

At the Community College of Rhode Island – Newport Campus, the Boys and Girls Club of Newport County named 17-year-old Adequoyah Mathews as Youth of the Year for her leadership, good grades, and community service.

The junior from The MET High School East Bay Campus will represent the club at the state competition to fight for scholarships and spots at the regional and national levels.

Newport Historical Society is planning events for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence — under the banner Two Lights for Liberty — with a fundraising cocktail party on April 18 at the Colony House and living history re-enactments in Washington Square.

The celebration will include self-guided QR-code tours, monthly Tavern Talks starting April 10, and an interactive exhibition through December to highlight Newport’s role in the Revolution.

Kevin Kinsella, lead singer of John Brown’s Body, will perform at the Ragged Island Music Festival on June 8 at a local brewery.

The two-day event will have ten bands — including Dudemanbro, Start Making Sense, and The Original Wailers — and his band will debut a new single called Hard Fight.

URI’s Cooperative Extension will host a free Zero Waste Trivia event at Long Live Beerworks on April 9th that challenges adults to answer questions about food supply waste and compete for a special prize — the event will also feature a social media contest, free hors d'oeuvres, and on-site composting as part of National Food Waste Prevention Week.

Newport’s City Council will meet on April 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers on Broadway to review several applications — including liquor licenses for a Mark Erelli concert on May 2 and a swing dance event on May 17— and consider permits for special events and changes to city ordinances. The council will also discuss the fiscal budget for FY26, set a public advertisement date on May 14, and vote on resolutions supporting the Rhode Island Plan while opposing a tax increase on high-value real estate sales.

On March 31, the Middletown Town Council considered a new proposal to develop affordable housing at 650 Green End Ave and 26 Oliphant Lane that would raise the total number of units from 57 to 72.

Town Council President Paul Rodrigues said resident input is needed to ensure the changes work effectively.

Nick Bosse Performance

8:00-10:30 p.m. — Ocean Mist — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of live music with Nick Bosse & The Northern Roots in Matunuck, RI.

Cheesemaking Workshop

1-3 p.m. — Mozz — $95.00 — Learn the art of cheesemaking and craft your own fresh farmers cheese with expert guidance.

Game Night Gala

6-10 p.m. — Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick (Airport) — $225 — Experience an evening of fun with life-sized games and philanthropy supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.

ERICD Seedling Sale

10 AM – 12 PM — Greenvale Vineyards — Pre-orders required — Pick up your seedlings while supporting local agriculture education.

Dancing Daffodils: The RI Daffodil Society Show

11 a.m. — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Free entry — Discover a stunning variety of daffodils showcased by local enthusiasts.

Paint & Plant

4-5 p.m. — Newport Reading Room — Registration required — Children ages 5-12 can paint a pot and plant their favorite herb.

Ben-Hur - Silent Film with Live Music

4:30 PM — The JPT Film & Event Center — Tickets available through TickPick — Experience a classic silent film with a live musical score.

Easter Sunday Grand Buffet

11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. — Harbor Lights Dining Events Golf Marina — $60 Adults, $25 Children — Celebrate Easter with a lavish buffet featuring chef’s specialties and stunning bay views.

Secret Mall Live Performance

7:30-11:30 p.m. — The JPT Film & Event Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant live performance of Secret Mall in Newport.

Canard Vineyard Wine Dinner at 22 Bowen's

5:30-9 p.m. — 22 Bowen's Wine Bar & Grille — $160 plus tax and gratuity — Savor a four-course dinner with exquisite wine pairings from Canard Vineyard.