Good morning, Newport.

Operation Stand Down RI will bring back its Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial to Fort Adams State Park this Memorial Day Weekend, May 23—26, featuring over 7,000 combat boots that honor service members lost in the Global War on Terror since 9/11.

The memorial is free to visit and is arranged alphabetically by state—visitors can view it from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 23—25 and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Memorial Day.

Entrepreneur Jay Lasky opened Big Weather Gear at 154 Thames Street last week.

The store offers marine and outdoor apparel along with seasonal promotions and a booth at the Newport International Boat show in September.

Newport Vineyards, founded by brothers John and Paul Nunes in 1995 and now stretching over 100 acres of sustainable land, will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a series of events.

The festivities will start with the Tank Patio season opening on May 23 — followed by monthly wine discounts, a Seafood Sunday Supper on June 29, and additional special dates through October 19.

Gov. McKee appointed Karen Bradbury to the state's Public Utilities Commission and a Senate committee held her confirmation hearing on May 20.

If confirmed, she will replace former Senate Majority Leader John C. Revens (who earned over $168,000) and continue her work as administrator of energy programs (a role that secured major federal funding) to help regulate utility rates.

Rhody summer events bring a host of food and drink festivities starting with Memorial Day weekend—Sweet Berry Farm reopens on May 23 at 8 a.m. and chef Mike Solomonov will host a meet-and-greet on May 24 and a BBQ on May 25, while farmers markets, local food fests, and seasonal gatherings are planned across Newport, North Kingstown and Pawtucket with tickets or reservations required. These events give residents many ways to enjoy local flavors and celebrate the start of summer.

Nathan Sena, a Middletown resident, won the 2025 APA 8-Ball Classic Pool Championship in Las Vegas and took home a $15,000 prize package after beating nearly 6,000 competitors in a tournament held from April 27 to April 29 — his victory brings home bragging rights at his local poolroom.

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.

Memorial Day Weekend American Cookout

6-9 p.m. — Newport Harbor Island Resort — $45 per person — Celebrate the start of summer with burgers, live grilling, and live music overlooking the beautiful Newport Bridge.

World Sailing 2025 Team Race World Championship

All day — New York Yacht Club Harbour Court — Registration required — Witness thrilling team sailing competitions in Newport's picturesque harbor.

Atlantis Rising International Sand Sculpture Competition

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Ninigret Park — Free entry — Watch world-class artists carve stunning sand sculptures while enjoying food, live music, and family-friendly fun.

Dudemanbro Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Greenwich Odeum — Ticket information unavailable — Celebrate the musical talent with dynamic performances that inspire both young and old.

BankNewport 10 Miler

7:30-10:30 a.m. — Fort Adams Trust — Registration opening soon — Participate in the annual 10 Miler benefiting local charities in Newport.

3rd Annual Newport Open

1-5 p.m. — Newport Country Club — Not specified — Swing into summer with a round of golf at this iconic venue supporting the Naval War College Foundation.

Megan Chenot Performance

4-7 p.m. — Gooseneck Vineyards — Free entry — Experience a versatile singer-guitarist covering songs from every decade with ease.

Honey Island Swamp Band Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — The Greenwich Odeum — Ticket prices vary — Experience the genre-defying sounds of the Honey Island Swamp Band in a night of eclectic music.