Good morning, Newport.

The Center for Black History, located in the oldest house in Newport, opened on Juneteenth to tell the deep story of the Black community.

Director Akeia de Barros Gomes said the museum features interactive exhibits — showing local stories and links between Black and Indigenous histories — to educate and honor their shared heritage.

WaterFire volunteers are preparing for the Fourth of July full lighting event scheduled for Saturday, with a procession beginning at the State House at 8:40 p.m. & the lighting starting at 8:50 p.m. special visuals and a Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra concert are planned to honor the nation’s 250th birthday.

Farm Fresh RI is hosting its Local Food Fest on Tuesday, Aug.

11 at Castle Hill Inn's Chalet Patio and Lawn. Attendees will enjoy a champagne toast, chef-crafted tasting dishes and live music while taking in views of Narragansett Bay.

Veterans get free admission to The Elms, Marble House, and Rosecliff on Sunday, July 5, while children 12 and under enjoy free access on Monday, July 6; the Preservation Society also offers free tickets for public visits to Hunter House on Saturday, July 11 for French in Newport Day.

Fort Adams Trust and Rogers High School’s Advertising, Design and New Media program have launched a youth scavenger hunt booklet redesigned by ninth-grader Charlie Johnson to reimagine the 'Tunnel Rat' character—children ages 6 to 14 can earn a sticker by exploring the historic fort on guided or self-guided tours.

SENEDIA announced today that its New England Submarine Shipbuilding Partnership has trained over 10,000 people for submarine careers, investing over $100 million in 14 trades programs across eight institutions including Middletown and Warwick (supporting the U.S. Navy fleet).

RIPTA has extended its Flex On Demand pilot in northern Aquidneck Island through Dec.

31. Launched on April 29 and originally set to end June 30, the service now offers on-demand, ADA-accessible rides in Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth using a smartphone app + phone reservations.

To ease traffic for Saturday's fireworks, parking is banned along key streets (West Narragansett Ave, Washington St, and Memorial Blvd) from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; towing will apply and the ban remains if the fireworks are moved to July 5.

Local housing experts say three trends will mark the summer market as stable prices persist due to limited inventory, rising affordability concerns push buyers to be cautious, and more housing development is needed.

Newport advisors stress that meeting demand will help preserve the community's character.

Twenty-five sailors raced at the 24th Clagett Regatta and U.S. Para Sailing Championships in Newport during a five-day event that began with a coaching clinic.

Chuck Allen won the 2.4mR class while Tracy Schmitt and Igor Momot and the team of Tim Brown and Cindy Walker won their events.

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.

Pomham Rocks Lighthouse Morning Tours

9-11:30 a.m. — Edgewood Yacht Club — Ticket required — Explore a beautifully restored historical lighthouse and its scenic surroundings.

Newport Jazz Age Weekend

All weekend — Founders Hall — Check website for costs — Experience the vibrant spirit of the Jazz Age with music, dance, and more.