Every year August rounds the corner faster than we're prepared for.

With the final days of summer upon us, we're jam-packing our schedules with all our summer bucket list items, including but not limited to sunset sails, rooftop bars, outdoor patios, lobster rolls, live music, movies under the stars, beach days, seaside concerts and so much more. 

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Soak up what is left of summer with our top picks for the month below.

1 Newport Jazz Festival

Where:
Fort Adams State Park
When:
August 1 - 3

The festival features three full days of jazz on four unique stages on the grounds at Fort Adams State Park situated at the mouth of Newport Harbor with panoramic views of the Newport Bridge and the East Passage. The festival features multiple stages of world class musicians, food, and crafts and a number of exhibits.

 

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Newport Jazz Festival

 

2 2025 Induction Ceremony & Celebration

Where:
International Tennis Hall of Fame
When:
August 21 - 23

The International Tennis Hall of Fame invites you to experience Newport in style this August during their first Induction Ceremony & Celebration weekend. 

The 2025 Induction Celebration will usher in a new era for the Hall of Fame that highlights the best of tennis culture through art, fashion, music and more. Five-time major champion Maria Sharapova and doubles legends Bob and Mike Bryan will receive the Ultimate Honor in Tennis to cap the weekend. 

Get closer to greatness at Tennis' Ultimate Celebration

WEEKEND AT-A-GLANCE:

Three star-studded days, one legendary weekend. 

Thursday, August 21:
  • 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM: The Tennis Wave at Bowen's Wharf, presented by 11th Hour Racing
  • ​​​7:00 PM: Fit for Fame: Blazer Presentation Dinner
Friday, August 22:
  • 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Grounds, Fan Fest, VIP Hospitality Opens 
  • 1:00 PM: Hall of Famer Q&A
  • 1:45 PM: Tennisworthy with Patrick McEnroe, live podcast recording
  • 2:00 PM: Hall of Fame Celebrity Pro Classic, presented by Fidelity Investments
  • 7:30 PM: Courting Fashion at Marble House, presented by Chubb
Saturday, August 23:
  • 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Grounds, Fan Fest, VIP Hospitality Opens 
  • 1:00 PM: Hall of Famer Q&A
  • 2:00 PM: Served with Andy Roddick, live podcast recording
  • 3:30 PM: Love All with Kim Clijsters, live podcast recording
  • 4:00 PM: Hall of Famer Q&A
  • 6:00 PM: Induction Ceremony
  • 8:00 PM: Fitz and the Tantrums Concert

 

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3 Coaching Weekend

Where:
Newport Mansions
When:
August 15 - 17

Authentic 19th-century coaches drawn by matched and highly-trained teams of horses visit Newport every three years for a Weekend of Coaching, hosted by The Preservation Society of Newport County.

 
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4 Black Ships Festival

Where:
Newport & Bristol, RI
When:
August 22 - 24
Cost:
Varies; several events free

The Japan-America Society of Rhode Island is celebrating the 42nd Black Ships Festival, a weekend of arts, culture, and fun in honor of the friendship and cultural ties between Japan and the United States.

This year's festival will feature a variety of free, family-friendly cultural events, including taiko drumming, martial arts, and other traditional Japanese arts. 

 

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Japanese Drummers at Festival

 

5 Safe Harbor Race Weekend

Where:
Safe Harbor locations in Newport, Portsmouth and Jamestown
When:
August 8th - 10th, 2025

Embark on Safe Harbor’s 5th annual Safe Harbor Race Weekend amidst the bustling cobblestone streets and seaside charm of downtown Newport.

 

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Also at Safe Harbor:

Food Truck Sunsets at Safe Harbor New England Boatworks
 

WHEN: August 16th from 4:30 to 8:30 PM
WHERE: Safe Harbor New England Boatworks
ADMISSION: Tickets are NOT required for this event and admission is free.

Enjoy the food trucks, live music and beer and wine, just pay for what you eat and drink. Over a dozen food trucks, live music with local beer and wine, from Trinity Brewhouse. Eat from your favorite local food truck or try something new...or maybe even eat at multiple trucks.

The trucks accept cash, credit, or debit. See which food trucks are participating at the upcoming events here.

 

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6 Fools Rules Regatta

Where:
East Ferry Beach, Jamestown
When:
August 16th, at 9:00 AM

Calling all creatives—for nearly half a century, the Fools Rules Regatta has stood as the crown jewel of Jamestown’s summer season, drawing adventurers, spectators, and creative minds from near and far to East Ferry Beach.

This beloved island tradition is a celebration of originality

 

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7 Fishes at the Fort

Where:
Fort Getty, Jamestown
When:
August 17th, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Cost:
$262.50 per person

Indulge in an unforgettable evening of coastal delights at our extraordinary seafood fundraiser!


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8 Warren Folks Festival

Where:
30 Cutler Street (the lot behind the mill), Warren
When:
Saturday, August 16th, from 1:00 - 7:00 PM
Cost:
Free

Think: Two stages of live music, local artists and vendors, food, drinks, and so much more. 

 

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9 Blithewold Family Clambake

Where:
Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, Bristol
When:
August 28th, from 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Cost:
Adult: $105, Child: $35

The Great Lawn has been the scene of family clambakes for more than a century! Step back in time, play lawn games, and stroll the Gardens and Grounds. Feast on a traditional Rhode Island clambake while you relax and enjoy the sunset as Blithewold guests have for generations.


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Clambake at Blithewold

Also At Blithewold

 

10 10-Spot Ride

Where:
Around Newport
When:
August 23, from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Cost:
$150 through March 31st; On April 1st, $175 per person will go into effect, until the limited 300 event tickets are sold

Ride to 10 beautiful private “Spots” around lovely Newport for live music & local food.


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11 Farmaesthetics Pop-Up at Sweet Berry Farm

Where:
Sweet Berry Farm, Middletown
When:
Thursday - Saturday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

The natural and sustainable beauty brand, Farmaesthetics, will be hosting a pop-up shop at Sweet Berry Farm. 

Shop and swoon over the assortment of sustainable products and accessories, open weekly on Thursday - Saturdays all month. 

 

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Farmaesthetics at Sweet Berry Farm

 

12 NewportFILM Outdoors

Experience award-winning documentaries, pre-film live music and local food vendors at some of Aquidneck Island's most beautiful outdoor spaces. Screenings begin at sunset on Thursdays. 

 

SPEAK

When: August 7th
Where: Miantonomi Park, Newport
Details: Venue opens at 5:00 PM, Live Music by Lainey Dionne at 6:30 PM, Film starts 8:10 PM

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ANDRÉ IS AN IDIOT

When: August 14th
Where: O’Hare Lawn, Salve Regina University, Newport
Details: Venue opens at 5:00 PM, Live Music by Thirsty Boots at 6:15 PM, Film starts 8:10 PM

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STARMAN

When: August 21st
Where: Rosecliff Lawn, Newport
Details: Venue opens at 5:00 PM, Live Music by Chelley Knight & Chris Vaillancourt at 6:15 PM, Film starts 7:50 PM

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MIDDLETOWN

When: August 28th
Where: Marble House Lawn, Newport
Details: Venue opens at 5:00 PM, Live Music by Jill Tereshka & Ross McAndrew at 6:00 PM, Film starts 7:40 PM

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Rosecliff newportFILM Outdoors

13 Barrel of Laughs Comedy Show

Where:
Newport Vineyards, Middletown
When:
Friday, August 1st from 8:00 - 9:30 PM
Cost:
$25 per person

Think: An evening of wine, beer, and a barrel of laughs as host and comedian Jeremy Furtado welcomes comedians from around the region.

Meet the Headliner: Dan Davies

Dan Davies was named a Comic to Watch by the New York Comedy Festival—blends sharp writing with absurd, relatable stories from a childhood split between rural Pennsylvania and Brazil, plus romantic misadventures in NYC. 

 

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14 Salute to Summer Free Concert & Fireworks Show

Where:
Dewey Field, Naval Station Newport
When:
August 23rd, 2025 from 4:00 to 10:00 PM

End summer in style, head to Dewey Field, open to the public at 4:00 PM for a night of live music, food trucks, fireworks, kid friendly activities and more! 

 

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Fireworks

 

15 Must-Take Food Tours

These leisurely-paced food tours will take you on journey that sharpens your senses and indulges your foodie side. 

 

   

16 Sails aboard Schooner Aurora

Where:
Schooner Aurora, Newport
When:
Dates Vary

Two amazing sailing experiences, one great boat. Hop aboard Schooner Aurora for two specialty cruises (with lobster!)

Lobster Boil & Sunset Sail 

When: August 6, 13, 20
Time: Dinner: 5:00 - 6:30 PM | Sail: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Cost: $95 adult & $45 children 12 and under

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Lobster Lunch Sail

When: August 6, 13, 20, and 27
Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Cost: $55 adults | $45 children under 12
 

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Aurora Sailing in the Harbor

17 State Street Festival

Where:
1 State Street, Bristol
When:
August 23rd
Cost:
Free to the public

70+ local fine artists & artisan makers, craft foods and beverages, florists, authors, holistic beauty, pet products, face painting, henna artists, live alpacas, family friendly fun & more!

 

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18 Hellenic Fest - The Sounds and Tastes of Greece

Where:
1 State Street, Bristol
When:
August 23rd
Cost:
Free to the public

The sounds and tastes of Greece will be brought to Newport starting August 15-17, 2025. Come enjoy homemade Greek food, live traditional music, and great vibes. Opa!

Friday, August 15th: 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Saturday, August 16th: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Sunday, August 17th: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

 

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19 Coastal Queen Cruises

Want to earn your sea legs? Summer isn’t the only time to get out on the water. Find the July specialty cruises from Coastal Queen Cruises below.

20 A Dog's Day Out at Rough Point

Where:
Rough Point Museum
When:
Saturday, August 9th from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost:
Free to the public

It’s the dog days of summer! Join us and our community partner The Potter League for Animals for the 2nd Dog’s Day Out at “Ruff” Point. 

Picture this: a photo booth for your pup to pose, treats to enjoy, and a pet-tique market to peruse. All proceeds will go to the Newport Restoration Foundation and the Potter League for Animals to support our missions promoting preservation, animal welfare, and the shared love of pets and people.

 

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21 Cars & Coffee

   

22 Monthly Bristol-Warren Art Night 2025

Where:
Bristol & Warren
When:
August 28th from 5:30 to 8:30 PM
Cost:
Free to attend!

Walk, drive, or bike through each town at your own pace using our Handbill of Events as a guide. Visit featured Galleries, Artist Studios and Art Friendly Businesses.

Enjoy live music, theater performance, dance, artists’ talks and demonstrations. Every month features a host of new and unique art experiences!

 

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Monthly Art Night: Bristol & Warren 2025

 

23 Yoga & Fitness Events

If you can't take a break from the gym, keep your workout up by attending a class from a yoga studio, or spend the day at a fitness center in Newport.

   

24 A Spirited Evening at Fort Adams

Where:
Fort Adams State Park
When:
August 8th at 8:00 PM
Cost:
$40 + tax per person

A group paranormal investigation through the living quarters and dark corners throughout Historic Fort Adams.

Join the Fort Adams staff and our volunteer team of expert paranormal investigators on a four-hour group paranormal investigation of historic Fort Adams. Experience the paranormal side of Fort Adams for yourself.

This perfect for everyone - from those who have never been on a paranormal investigation to seasoned investigators.

 

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25 Annual Bristol Harbor Festival & Blessing of the Fleet

Where:
Fort Adams State Park
When:
August 23rd from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Cost:
Free. Donations to the RISP Museum are appreciated.

The Bristol Harbormaster’s Office and local fishing community are teaming up, once again, to host the 12th Annual Bristol Harbor Festival & Blessing of the Fleet. The event will kick off at Rockwell Park on Thames Street in historic Bristol, RI at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 16, 2025 and consists of a full day of activities, including:

  • Blessing of the Fleet at 1:00 PM
  • Stuffie Competition at 2:00 PM
  • Live Music
  • Childrens' Activities
  • Cash Beer, Wine, Chowder, Stuffies and a Raw Bar
  • Traditional native Littleneck Boil or optional Steak Dinner from 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Tickets for the Littleneck Boil or Steak Dinner are $30 each (children receive a free hot dog with purchase of a ticket) and should be purchased in advance by clicking here or you may purchase in person at the Harbormaster's Office. There is only a limited number of tickets available for purchase at the event (there is no cost to participate in the daytime festivities).

 

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26 Rhode Island State Police Vintage Police Car Show

Where:
Rockwell Park, 162 Thames Street, Bristol
When:
Saturday, August 16th from 1:00 to 7:00 PM
Cost:
Littleneck Boil or Steak Dinner: $30 (+tax and fees) per person

Celebrating 100 years of the RISP!

Fort Adam's is the place to be for the Rhode Island State Police Centennial Vintage Cruiser Car Show on August 23rd from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

What to expect: Classic police vehicles on display with a variety of food trucks, games for the little ones, and fun for the entire family.

 

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27 Tours to Take this August

There’s no shortage of immersive ways to experience The Coast, here are just a few happening this month.

   

live music

Dylan doesn’t go electric every day (Newport ‘65 Folk Festival) but chances are somebody is plugging in or stepping up to the mic on any given day here on The Classic Coast. Find all live performances happening throughout the month below.

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