Good morning, Newport.

The Newport Tree and Open Space Commission will host an Arbor Day celebration with a tree-planting ceremony at the new Newport Skatepark on April 24 at 4:30 p.m. The event will officially dedicate the skatepark in memory of Seamus Kirby by planting a London Plane tree at the John Chafee Recreation Area in the City's North End.

Heritage Hotel Group completed its acquisition of The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection on April 15 by finalizing a deal announced earlier this year—Newport’s historic 33-room hotel will continue its operations under Auberge management with all reservations, staff, services, and guest programs remaining uninterrupted.

On April 16, Heritage Restaurant Group completed its acquisition of Caleb & Broad and said that founder Rich Willis joined in a corporate capacity while current staff remained—ensuring continuity during integration.

Guests will soon benefit from planned operational enhancements and menu innovations as the company moves forward.

Artist Gretchen Dow Simpson, who painted New Yorker covers and highway murals, died on April 11 at age 85.

She was a key figure in the local art scene—serving on art boards and mentoring young artists.

Newport Mansions and Nail Communications launched a new campaign today that invites visitors to Live the Drama at The Elms—a National Historic Landmark on Bellevue Avenue.

The project tells the story of the Berwind family and the immigrant staff who protested harsh work conditions to bring the mansion's history to life.

URI women's basketball junior forward Anaelle Dutat from Kingston—named to the Atlantic 10 Defensive Team last winter—entered the transfer portal and led the team with 7.9 rebounds per game in the 2024 to 2025 season.

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.

Kalliope Reed Quintet Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Bristol Art Museum — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a blend of historical and contemporary music by the Boston based Kalliope Reed Quintet.

Elvis Tribute Night with Dan Fontaine

7-9:30 p.m. — Courthouse Center for the Arts — Ticket required — Sing along to timeless Elvis classics in an evening of nostalgia and rock ‘n’ roll.

Newport's Irish Musicians Exhibit

12 noon - 4 p.m. — The Museum of Newport Irish History — Free entry — Explore the rich musical heritage of Newport's Irish community in this engaging mobile exhibit.

Return of the Dinosaurs

8-9 a.m. — Roger Williams Park Zoo — Special sensory-friendly event — Experience the wonders of dinosaurs before the regular public opening.

Residential Stormwater Mitigation Info Session

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Quinta Gamelin Community Center — Free entry — Learn about stormwater management strategies for residential properties in Eastern Rhode Island.