Good morning, Newport.

Kevin Michaud, a Newport resident, urged city leaders to maintain strong funding in the FY2026 capital budget to keep roads, public facilities, and coastal defenses in good shape—projects like the Easton’s Beach seawall and water system repairs are critical for the community’s future. He also called on residents to share their support at upcoming budget hearings.

Newport County offers a full weekend of events starting today—events like live music, art exhibits, and public meetings are planned for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Residents can enjoy local gatherings at museums, restaurants, and community spaces.

Surv, a home services platform from Little Compton, announced a nationwide expansion today when it partnered with Cornerstone Franchise Brands + BrandONE Franchise Development.

Founder Patrick Brown, who started the company at 18 to help pay for college, said the new deal will bring improved back office systems, funding and franchising expertise to support local work.

Newport is No.6 on the Conde Nast Traveler list of best beach towns on the East Coast—its historic mansions and steep cliff walk attract visitors who tour museums and attend local festivals.

The Newport Historical Society is launching a free interactive exhibition called 'Newport 1775: Whose Side Are You On?' on May 15 at the Richard I.

Burnham Resource Center—part of its two-year celebration of 250 years of American independence. It is also offering a self-guided QR code tour of Colony House and has scheduled a related 'Tavern Talk' with historian Donald Johnson on May 22.

Bravo announced on May 7 that Real Housewives of Rhode Island will soon air, featuring a tight group of local residents with deep community ties — no cast or premiere date has yet been confirmed.

At Free Cone Day at Newport Ben & Jerry’s on April 8, extra waffle cones and extra scoops raised $1,509 for the Newport Public Education Foundation—boosting funds for local public school improvements.

On May 8, board members accepted the check from Tyler Rosenberg and Mickie Deary—ensuring continued support for education in Newport.

Newport City Councilor Xay Khamsyvoravong called for an investigation into a possible charter violation during an April 29 budget workshop at Innovate Newport—he warned that changes to the city government structure, including the Utilities Department's reporting, may weaken clear accountability. He also questioned City Manager Colin Kennedy over actions taken without proper council approval.

Newport City Council and the School Committee met on April 24 to talk about budget problems as the school district is short $3.3 million and the city faces an $8.4 million deficit — officials debated staff cuts and scaling back capital projects.

They also discussed potential regionalization with Middletown and a steady drop in student enrollment that could affect future funding — both groups are weighing ways to close the funding gap.

Crafting for Critters Spring Bazaar

All day — Airport Professional Park — Free entry — Explore an array of handcrafted items just in time for Mother's Day while supporting local artisans for a good cause.

Mother's Day Tea

11 AM – 4 PM — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Check ticket prices — Celebrate Mother's Day with an exquisite afternoon of tea and treats in a picturesque setting.

Wooden Spoon Carving Workshop with Steve Emma

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Admission fee required — Learn the art of spoon carving using native hardwoods in a hands-on workshop.

Megan Chenot Live Performance

4-7 p.m. — Gooseneck Vineyards — Free entry — Experience a versatile Newport-based singer-guitarist with a repertoire spanning decades of music.

The Uncle Louie Variety Show

8-11 PM — The Greenwich Odeum — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of laughter with the premier old school comedy experience.

Dueling Pianos at the Top of Pelham

8 PM - 1 AM — One Pelham East Bar & Grill — Tickets recommended — Experience a unique night of live music where entertainers take audience requests on grand pianos above Newport Harbor.

Women’s Bird Walk at Miantonomi Park

8-10 a.m. — Miantonomi Memorial Park — Free entry — Experience the thrill of spring songbird migration with fellow women birders in a picturesque park setting.

DuMOL Wine Dinner at 22 Bowen's

5:30-9 p.m. — 22 Bowen's — $175 per person — Savor an exquisite four-course meal expertly paired with acclaimed wines from DuMOL.

Memorial Day Weekend Celebration

4-8 p.m. & 11 a.m.-6 p.m. — Newport Vineyards & Restaurant — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday with live music, wine tastings, and food bites under the sunshine.

Drawing the Big Bamboo Birds with Artist Joanne Murrman

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Materials provided — Capture the beauty and texture of Blithewold’s Big Bamboo Birds in this outdoor drawing class.