Good morning, Newport.

The Jamestown Newport Ferry will launch its 2026 season Saturday, May 16, offering a Hop-On Hop-Off service that runs daily through Oct.

12 and coincides with the Oyster & Chowder Festival at Bowen’s Wharf on May 16 and 17. Newport residents will enjoy a discounted $26 fare for local rides.

Newport Hospital awarded $185,000 today to 26 local youth organizations through its Frederick Henry Prince Memorial Fund.

The grants, ranging from $2,500 to $15,000, support programs in athletics and enrichment across Newport County.

Fort Adams Trust announced two new guided tours—Storm the Fort, which examines the fort’s defenses, and Life at the Fort, which tells the stories of those who lived and worked there.

The tours run seven days a week through May 22 with set times starting at 9:30 a.m.

Tickets are on sale now for the 30th Newport Flower Show at Rosecliff, set for June 19-21 - the event features the 'Pearls of Newport' theme honoring Newport's Gilded Age and coastal charm.

Attendees will explore floral displays, botanical talks, and a marketplace on the oceanside lawn.

Bravo has renewed Real Housewives of Rhode Island for a second season — filming begins in July and new episodes will stream on Peacock, following record-breaking ratings.

NBCUniversal announced on Monday that 'The Real Housewives of Rhode Island' will return for a second season.

The reality series follows seven local women as they navigate family and friendship drama + airs Sunday nights on Bravo.

Senator Louis DiPalma and Representative Mia Ackerman are honored today at the Rhode Island State House (as part of Legislative Appreciation Day) with the 2026 Champion of Youth Award for their efforts in supporting local youth programs, as announced by the Rhode Island Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs.

Local softball fans can vote for the Week 6 Longplex Athlete of the Week starting today by reviewing nominees like Frankie Arnold, Maya Etheridge, Adriana Jeannenot, Ella McKenney, or Izzy Sousa.

Voting is open until Friday and the winner will be announced next week (each voter may cast multiple votes).

Local voters can now cast ballots in the Longplex Athlete of the Week poll for boys volleyball with nominees Henry Kenyon from Westerly, Zoltan Libertini from Exeter-West Greenwich, Cameron Marcotte from Coventry, Donovan Park from Barrington, and Jaymeson Taylor from St. Raphael; voting closes Friday at 11:59 p.m.

Morning Coffee Networking

8-9 a.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Providence Airport Warwick — Free entry — Enjoy fresh coffee and cookies while connecting with local professionals.

Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival

11 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Bowen's Wharf — Enjoy the waterfront — Taste oysters and sip champagne at this culinary celebration.

Spring Watercolor Series with Artist Mary Ellen Dwyer

10 AM – 12 PM — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Materials not included — Explore the basics of watercolor painting in this engaging six-class series.

Killer Night Out - An Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner

7-9 p.m. — Belle's — Ticketed event — Solve a murder before dessert in an engaging, interactive dinner experience.

2026 CCBA Annual Meeting & Conference

8 AM – 5 PM — Newport Harbor Island Resort — Registration required — Attend for professional development and networking opportunities with CCBA members.

Junior Toots Concert

9:00-11:59 p.m. — Ocean Mist — $92+ — Experience the vibrant energy of Junior Toots live in concert.

2026 Inorganic Chemistry Conference

8 PM — Salve Regina University — Check website for cost — Premier international conference advancing inorganic chemistry research.

Lived Experience: What Connects Us Across Generations

5-6:30 p.m. — Newport Elks Lodge #104 — Complimentary light appetizers — Engage in a live conversation with elders exploring wisdom and connections across generations.

Free Adult Aerial Silks Intro Class

5:30-6:15 p.m. — Attitude Academy of Performing Arts — Free entry — Experience the joy of aerial arts with simple poses and climbing techniques on silks.

Mudslide Island Cocktail Competition

2-4 PM — Newport Harbor Island Resort — $20 per person (+tax) — Experience a thrilling cocktail competition featuring creative mudslide concoctions.