Good morning, Newport.

At the Newport store, Ace Hardware is running its Hometown Days event through Father's Day, offering $230 off a Traeger grill (a top selling outdoor grill) and exclusive Ace Rewards benefits, along with daily savings on outdoor gear and home improvement tools.

Judy Collins performed at the Jane Pickens Theater in Newport today as she prepared to launch her 'Sweet Judy Blue Eyes' farewell tour starting July 4 in Colonial Williamsburg — the 87-year-old icon also introduced support act Ari Hest.

Belcourt will open its first permanent exhibition of metal artifacts from the Statue of Liberty's 1980s restoration on July 4, featuring relics like railings, a cog, and lamps in the historic estate (designed by Richard Morris Hunt).

Fort Adams Trust is hosting Independence Week at Fort Adams State Park with free events including music and fireworks on July 4.

The celebration continues on July 5 with veterans’ tours and a Navy Band performance as the Trust kicks off a summer series through Oct. 17 (registration required).

Beavertail State Park invites visitors to explore coastal trails and climb a 64-foot lighthouse tower, where a museum details the history of one of America’s oldest lighthouses.

Local experts and historians are examining the origins of the Sakonnet River name, noting its role in colonial deeds and Revolutionary War events.

The debate over whether it truly is a river continues as new research reviews historic maps and records.

On Saturday, June 13, rumors spread that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce would wed in Watch Hill (a famed local spot), but no wedding took place in Rhode Island as Swift was seen in New York.

Reports now shift the planned ceremony to New York on July 3.

Advocates propose cooking invasive green crabs to help protect coastal wildlife in Newport.

The effort aims to shift the market from using these crabs as bait to serving them on menus during Green Crab week.

A new RIPEC analysis shows that property tax increases in fiscal 2026 climbed sharply as statewide municipal levies rose 3.7%, with some areas exceeding the 4% cap.

The report warns that further tax revisions will burden renters, landlords & businesses amid rapidly rising property values.

Rhode Island college basketball teams are finalizing rosters and coaching staffs for next season with key transfers and coaching hires — Providence’s Daquan Davis transferring to Long Island, URI’s Moek Icke signing with Ohio, and Brown and Bryant boosting their teams ahead of offseason workouts.

The 54th Newport Bermuda Race starts Friday, June 19, as over 150 boats begin a 636-nautical-mile journey across the Gulf Stream.

The public can join a free Starting Line Festival at Fort Adams from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for family activities & race views.

A new guide spotlights five ideal paddleboarding locations across Rhode Island such as Barrington, Portsmouth and Narragansett.

Readers can learn about free parking, paddleboard rentals and tide tips to enjoy a safe paddleboarding adventure.

At the NYYC Regatta on Narragansett Bay, the 113-year-old classic yacht Spartan dominated its division with three wins in four races and credited owner Charlie Ryan for restoring her over 15 years — she will return to race at the Tiedemann Classics Regatta on June 27.

Simon & Garfunkel Tribute: On Bleecker Street

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Courthouse Center for the Arts — Cost info not provided — Feel groovy with amazing harmonies at this tribute to Simon & Garfunkel.

Dueling Pianos Saturday - Early Show

7:30 p.m. — Dueling Pianos Bar at Top Of Pelham — Check for availability — Experience an unforgettable evening of music with audience-requested songs and stunning harbor views.

URI Boarding Camp (MMA & Surf)

All day — Boss Ice Arena — Check website for prices — Experience two weeks of hands-on training in MMA and surf activities.

Summer Sailing Camp Session 1

8:45 AM - 3:30 PM — Herreshoff Marine Museum — Visit herreshoff.org/sailing/ for details — Dive into sailing with hands-on learning and maritime history in Bristol Harbor.

FREE Inclusion Art Class

Create and carry home your own art in just one session — — Courthouse Center for the Arts — Free entry — Craft a masterpiece and show it off that night.

Weekend Comedy by Sam Bobrick at Newport Playhouse

Performances June 24 - July 19 — Newport Playhouse & Cabaret Restaurant — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a lighthearted comedy featuring couples navigating life's surprises.

Newport Yacht Rendezvous 2026

5-10 p.m. — Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard — Proceeds benefit local Boys & Girls Clubs — Experience an extraordinary evening with a Super Yacht Hop, dinner, and dancing.

A Wilhelm Scream Concert

5-10 p.m. — What Cheer Tavern — 21+ only — Enjoy an evening with A Wilhelm Scream and special guests Riverbed on the patio.

Morning Tours of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse

9:00 – 11:30 AM — Edgewood Yacht Club — Ticketed entry — Explore the historical Pomham Rocks Lighthouse during select summer mornings.

Fireworks Sail on Schooner Aurora

8-10 p.m. — Schooner Aurora — $105 per person — Experience a spectacular fireworks show while sailing on the historic Schooner Aurora in celebration of America's 250th anniversary.