Good morning, Newport.

Memorial Day weekend in Newport County offers events to honor fallen service members and start summer—Operation Stand Down Rhode Island displays over 7,000 boots at Fort Adams from May 23—May 26 while Newport Vineyards opens its Tank Patio for live music, free axe throwing and tastings. Other events include the Rogue Island Comedy Festival in Newport, Tiverton Celebrates’ parade with a block party and fireworks on May 24 and a VFW Post 5390 ceremony in Portsmouth on May 26.

The Rotary Club of Newport will host its annual charity polo match at 5 pm on May 31 to start the summer season and support its scholarship fund at the Newport Polo Club—gates open at 3 pm with food trucks, a cash bar and an art fair available.

Admission is $15 with free entry for children under 15, and a rain date is set for July 13 at 5 pm.

Starting May 23 Newport will offer a free hop-on hop-off trolley service on RIPTA Line 67 that connects top spots such as Redwood Library, International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport Mansions, Cliff Walk, Belcourt, Rough Point and First Beach.

The service will run through October 31 and riders can pick up schedules at the Newport Visitor Information Center or park at Newport Transportation Center for $5—if they show proof of using the trolley.

The MLK Community Center announced a free summer concert series called Live from the Loading Dock held at Pocket Park across from their Edward Street Entrance—concerts will run monthly starting June 18 with indoor performances if weather issues arise and include food and seating options for all. Four bands are scheduled to perform this season.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management announced all state beaches will open on Memorial Day weekend with lifeguards, staff, concessions, and restrooms provided—except for Roger Wheeler, which will open on June 14 due to upgrades—and Scarborough South, which will open early with limited concessions. Visitors are urged to buy parking passes online and check beach capacity before heading out.

Earlier this month, more than 200 Newport community members attended a sold-out forum at Rosecliff mansion where experts explained beech leaf disease and treatment options such as root injections and foliar sprays.

The forum, hosted by local groups—like the Preservation Society—highlighted efforts to protect the city’s urban forests.

At a special Planning Board meeting on May 15, expert testimony ended a four-hour debate over the proposed Waites Wharf hotel, and public input will continue at the June 2 meeting.

The updated plan includes a 54-room hotel and two apartment buildings and has faced six years of objections from residents concerned about traffic and neighborhood changes—about 60 objection letters were submitted—prompting a new review of the project.

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.