Good morning, Newport.

Newport offers a range of holiday events starting today, with a winter coat drive at 4:30 p.m. and a film series at Newport Library at 2 p.m.—organizers also have lantern tours, craft workshops, and community markets scheduled through Thanksgiving.

The annual Thanksgiving Pie Run will mark its 40th year this holiday at the Newport County YMCA with runners and walkers starting at 8:30 a.m.—local charities benefit from food donations and coat drives as the event continues a tradition that began in 1986.

Retailers in Rhode Island will soon update their hours for Thanksgiving and Black Friday, with stores like Walmart, Best Buy, and Kohl’s closing on Thanksgiving and opening early on Black Friday.

Some chains will open as early as 5 a.m.—shoppers should check with local outlets for exact times.

Salve Regina University’s Dance Program will present REDUX, an evening of innovative dance at Casino Theatre in Newport from Nov.

20 to Nov. 22. The program features reimagined choreography by faculty, a guest artist and students—tickets range from $10 to $18 depending on the group.

The Museum of Newport Irish History will host a lecture on Helen Hooker O’Malley’s artistic legacy on November 19 at 6 p.m. at the Wyndham Newport Hotel.

Retired lawyer Cormac K.H. O’Malley will speak as part of the museum’s 24th Annual Lecture Series, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and reservations required (admission is $5).

Newport Historical Society is opening a holiday market at Colony House today—running until Dec.

31 with weekday hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and extended weekend hours—and offering shop items, book signings, crafts and a visit from Santa while also sponsoring a food and toy drive for the community center.

Newport Classical will host holiday concerts next month at Rosecliff Mansion on Dec.

21 and at Emmanuel Church+ on Dec. 13, featuring Handel's Messiah with Ensemble Altera and family-friendly holiday favorites by Frisson. The organization will also hold a Chamber Series concert on Jan. 23 featuring cellist Jonathan Swensen+ and offers ticket packages and gift certificates for Newport residents.

Trinity Church is preparing to mark its 300-year anniversary with Trinity 300 events while it undertakes essential exterior repairs and organ restoration (the historic organ was commissioned in 1733 by Bishop George Berkley) along its iconic waterfront spire.

The church also celebrated a milestone Pumpkin Patch fundraiser and recently opened the Glenn Family Center to support community events as more renovations are planned for the coming months.

Newport City Council and School Committee met on November 10 to discuss regionalization with Middletown, and leaders called for rewriting a March resolution to establish a joint Academic Integration Advisory Committee.

Mayor Charles Holder and School Committee Chair James Dring urged scheduling a meeting—possibly in November—to address differences over full regionalization and merging administrative teams amid declining enrollment and financial challenges.

On Nov.21, the Newport Rifle Club at 360 Wyatt Road in Middletown will hold a free marksmanship safety training where girls and boys aged 8 to 18 learn to handle firearms safely; participants must be accompanied by a parent and arrive by 6:45 p.m., with registration required by Nov.18 and the session ending at 8:30, and questions answered by calling Bob King (401-847-5678).

Newport City Council is looking for a new place for the 73-year-old Easton's Beach carousel that was removed after its building was torn down, costing the city $48,000 a year in storage.

Council members oppose selling it because they fear it will take away Newport's charm & want a location that keeps the ride as a local landmark, though plans remain uncertain.

City officials said the Easton’s Beach bathhouse complex is structurally sound but will eventually be demolished because water infiltrates its raised concrete platform—making costly maintenance unfeasible.

The bathhouses will likely open for the 2026 season if no severe weather damage occurs while city planners weigh mobile amenity options for essential services.

Fall Fury VI will take place on Nov.

22 at St. George’s School in Middletown with local and regional fighters competing in 8 to 10 exhibition bouts to raise funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County. Newport Boxfit, which has hosted the event since 2019, will offer general and VIP ringside tickets — uniting the community and supporting youth programs.

The Dave Matthews Tribute Band Live

9:00 – 10:30 PM — Ocean Mist — Ticketed event — Enjoy a night of soulful tunes from a band that captures the essence of Dave Matthews Band.

Holiday Mini Sessions Photography

10:00 – 10:30 AM — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Details on pricing not specified — Capture your holiday memories with professional photography in a beautiful setting.

Big Trouble In Little China - Film Screening

8:30-10 p.m. — The JPT Film & Event Center — Tickets available — Enjoy a classic film with a cult following in a cozy cinema setting.

Hey Nineteen - A Steely Dan Tribute Experience

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Ocean Mist — Tickets required — Experience the top Steely Dan tribute band's complex musical repertoire live.

Winter Afternoon Tea

1-2 p.m. — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Cost varies — Gather with friends over tea and indulge in delightful treats.

Thanksgiving Dinner at The Chanler

1-7 p.m. — The Chanler at Cliff Walk — Price not specified — Indulge in an elegant four-course Thanksgiving feast featuring signature dishes and seasonal flavors.

Megan Chenot Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Gooseneck Vineyards — Free entry — Experience a night of diverse musical styles with Newport's own singer-guitarist Megan Chenot.

Lighting of the Lighthouse

5-11 p.m. — Newport Harbor Island Resort — Enjoy a cozy holiday atmosphere with carolers, warm drinks, and festive treats as the historic lighthouse is illuminated.

Holiday Kickoff Party for Operation: Blue Santa

2-4 p.m. — Sakonnet Vineyard — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with free visits to Santa and Mrs. Claus while enjoying delightful wines and seasonal treats.

Holiday Card Painting

3:30-5 p.m. — Courthouse Center for the Arts — Free entry — Create beautiful, handmade holiday cards with guidance from a festive instructor.