Good morning, Newport.

Aquidneck Island Robotics held a demonstration at People's Credit Union in Middletown this morning where K–12 students explored STEM skills, and the Newport post office now offers a free 1776 commemorative pictorial postmark available by mail for 90 days.

Wayfinder Newport launched Going Analog today by partnering with Polaroid to lend film cameras for guests to capture local views without a phone screen — guests can check out a camera during their stay and leave one photo in the guestbook at checkout, subject to availability.

HBO drama The Gilded Age, partly filmed here, received eight Emmy nominations on Wednesday, July 8, including nods for best drama series, acting & production design, and costumes.

The news shows Newport's link to this acclaimed period production.

Sheila Mullowney, former executive editor of The Newport Daily News, was inducted into the Rhode Island Journalism Hall of Fame on June 26 at the Quonset O Club in North Kingstown (she began as a copy editor in 1999 and led the newsroom to multiple awards).

At Pell Elementary School, volunteers help run a morning greeting program and operate the library in the absence of a full-time librarian during the 2025/2026 school year (with nearly 70 percent of students receiving free or reduced lunch), boosting student engagement; school officials plan to expand the program next year.

On Jul. 8, 1663, King Charles II granted Rhode Island its first royal charter to establish rights for the colony.

The detailed document, which regulated governance and daily life, is on public display (at the State House).

The Rhode Island Department of Health confirmed three cyclospora cases this year, and officials say the illness is seasonal with most patients recovering without treatment (risk for the general public remains low).

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.

NIMFEST 2026

5-6 p.m. — King Park — Free entry — Experience lively performances at the Newport Independent Music Festival in a beautiful park setting.

Sunset Tours of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Edgewood Yacht Club — Cost details not provided — Discover the history of a restored local lighthouse during a scenic sunset tour.

Rolling Thunder Revue Live Tribute Concert

7-10 p.m. — The JPT Film & Event Center — Ticket price not specified — Experience a dynamic tribute concert featuring New England Music Award winner Avi, noted for his comparisons to Hozier and Bob Dylan.