Good morning, Newport.

AARP awarded $143,000 in Community Challenge grants to nine Rhode Island groups; Bike Newport will install a temporary separated bike lane and the Edward King House Senior Center will host emergency preparedness events in Newport.

The grants support local improvements in public spaces, transportation, and digital connectivity.

Two Declaration signers from Rhode Island are remembered at their historic gravesites as preparations begin for Fourth of July celebrations; Stephen Hopkins rests at North Burial Ground in Providence and William Ellery is interred at the Common Burying Ground on Farewell Street in Newport (each site reflects our local heritage).

Newport Pride launches its annual festival this weekend with a kickoff event today at the Newport Pride Center on Spring Street – a parade tomorrow starting at Great Friends Meeting House, 21 Farewell St follows, featuring live performances, vendors, and themed afterparties.

Newport will mark Fourth of July on Saturday, July 4 with festivities at Newport Harbor.

Fireworks will start at 9:15 p.m., followed by lawn games, food trucks, a bouncy house, and live music from 6 to 9 p.m. to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.

The musical 'Newport' will debut tomorrow at Newport Pridefest, reviving a 1919 Navy scandal that affected local community members.

Written by Richard Byrne and composed by Stephen Baranski (drawing on historic records), the show revisits an important chapter of our city's past.

Tracy Weisman's exhibition (Some Birthday, America) opens at Cusp Gallery on Washington Square, featuring mixed media works that examine American history and identity.

A reception is set for June 27 from 5 to 8 p.m. while proceeds benefit the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center.

Newport Vineyards will begin its Tuesday Tunes series on Tuesday, June 30 from 5 to 8 p.m. with Funkademic.

The winery will also host its free Sunday Music Series from June 28 featuring live music, a charcuterie cart, and brunch on the patio.

Belcourt of Newport will open a new exhibition on July 4 featuring metal artifacts removed during the Statue of Liberty’s 1984-1986 restoration + items include railings, a cog, and lamps displayed publicly for the first time in 40 years.

The Jane Pickens Theatre on Washington Square will screen the documentary Steal This Story, Please this weekend on Saturday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 28 at 2 p.m. followed by a Q&A with independent journalist Amy Goodman.

Newport Area Career and Technical Center Instructor Anthony Hanos was named Rhode Island’s 2026 Computer Science Teacher of the Year following the June 15 announcement and leads the P-TECH cybersecurity program + gives students direct college opportunities and job-ready skills.

He will be honored at Waterfire’s Celebrating Rhode Island Educators event on Sept. 26.

Thompson Middle School students enjoyed a summer enriched by local programs (including teacher grants, boat excursions, and DARE DAY events) that provided hands-on learning and fun.

At a June 23 Politics and Pancakes event at Salve Regina University, Rep. Abney and Sen. DiPalma discussed rising healthcare costs and their effect on Newport Hospital’s birthing center (backed by $1.6 million state funds) and local employers facing higher insurance rates.

Sakonnet Vineyard has announced a summer fitness series featuring sculpt workouts every Wednesday at 6 p.m. beginning July 1 and outdoor yoga sessions every Saturday at 10 a.m. starting July 11 — both include a post-workout glass of wine at the Little Compton venue.

The Clagett Regatta will host the U.S. Para Sailing Championships at Sail Newport from today to Sunday.

The event marks its fourth national championship and will feature 25 sailors from the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada competing in adapted singlehanded and doublehanded races.

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.

Newport Library Chess Club

2:30-3:30 p.m. — Newport Public Library — Free entry — A friendly chess gathering for all skill levels every 1st and 3rd Tuesday.

Newport Classical Music Festival: Sandbox Percussion & Kristin Lee

8-10 p.m. — The Breakers — Cost not listed — Experience a breathtaking performance by Sandbox Percussion alongside violinist Kristin Lee at a historic venue.

The Jeweled Collective: Jewelry Pop-Up

2-5 p.m. — Newport Harbor Island Resort — Free entry — Explore fine vintage, antique, and contemporary jewelry from various talented artisans.

Newport Kite Festival

12-6 p.m. — Brenton Point State Park — Free entry — Experience the joy of colorful kites soaring high at Rhode Island's beloved annual festival.

The Lafayette Band Concert

5-7 p.m. — Touro Park — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful evening of historic music in the beautiful setting of Touro Park.

Willie J Laws Jr and The Ocean Mistics Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Ocean Mist — Cost not specified — Experience a night of modern funky blues with deep Texas roots music.

The Earl Knightwood Band at The Towers

7-10 p.m. — The Towers — $20 Tickets available at the door — Experience the rhythmic fusion of R&B, Funk, and Soul with The Earl Knightwood Band.