Newport, Rhode Island, awakens with the vibrant hues of spring, painting the historic streets with blooming daffodils and the enticing aromas of culinary festivals. April marks the beginning of a season filled with diverse experiences, from elegant afternoon teas at the Hotel Viking to the thrilling Newport Night Run, benefiting local education. Whether you’re a connoisseur of fine wines and craft beers, a lover of outdoor activities like the Newport Rhode Races, or simply seeking family-friendly entertainment, the City-by-the-Sea offers an exciting array of events. Our curated list, crafted with insights from our team, ensures you won’t miss a moment of Newport’s springtime charm.
April Events
Newport Daffodil Days
This year, daffodil-seekers will find more than 1.2 million (yes, you read that right!) here in Newport County. From bike rides to shopping excursions with spring-themed window displays and beyond, daffodil-themed events are in full bloom all month long.
Where: Various locations across Aquidneck Island
When: April 1 – 30, 2025
Full details: Newport Daffodil Days
Newport Night Run
Get ready to light up the night at the Newport Night Run, an after-dark road race in support of the Newport Public Education Foundation. This scenic course starts at Rogers High School and winds through the peaceful rural roads of Aquidneck Island, offering a unique way to experience Newport after sunset. Runners and walkers alike are encouraged to bring headlamps, wear bright colors, and embrace the glow stick spirit. Whether you’re racing for fun or competition, your participation helps support local education initiatives. Don’t miss this exciting nighttime tradition!
When: Saturday, April 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Race starts and finishes at Rogers High School
Full Details: Newport Night Run
Afternoon Tea at the Hotel Viking
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Hotel Viking each Saturday and Sunday in April. Sip loose-leaf teas and nibble a selection of savory and sweet treats in the elegant Garden Room. The Hotel Viking’s team will help you choose the perfect tea and prepare it tableside for each guest.
Where: Hotel Viking
When: Saturdays and Sundays in April from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Full details: https://www.hotelviking.com/events/afternoon-tea-service/
Rhode Races Newport
Celebrate spring in Newport with the Newport Rhode Races, a breathtaking running event featuring a marathon, half marathon, and 5K. In partnership with the Daffodil Days Festival, the course winds through a stunning landscape bursting with over 1.2 million blooming daffodils. Runners can take in the coastal beauty while tackling this scenic challenge. The marathon, a Boston Qualifier, kicks off at 7:30 a.m., followed by the half marathon at 7:45 a.m. and the 5K at 8:15 a.m.
Where: Races start at Easton’s Beach (First Beach)
When: Saturday, April 19
Full details: Rhode Races
Newport Beer Festival
Sample over 100 of the best beers from over 50 breweries at the Newport Beer Festival (formerly the Newport Craft Beer Festival), sponsored by Newport Craft Brewing and Distilling. Listen to live music and sample beer while you walk around historic Fort Adams State Park. Food will be available from several food vendors. Admission includes a souvenir tasting glass and all samples. 21+; must have a valid ID.
Where: Fort Adams State Park
When: April 19, 2025 from 1:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Full details: Newport Beer Festival
May Events
2nd Annual Hope Gala Rhode Island to Support the LGBTQ+ Community
Celebrate love and acceptance at Blithewold Manor! This special event brings together delicious food, lively music, and plenty of dancing—all in support of Haus of Codec, a vital organization providing emergency housing, mental health care, and essential resources for 2SLGBTQ+ youth (18-24) facing homelessness. Come show your solidarity and make a difference!
Where: Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum 101 Ferry Road Bristol, RI
When: Saturday, May 3 from 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Full Details: Hope Gala
APERICENA! A Night In Italy
Experience the Italian tradition of aperitivo with a special tasting class that explores this time-honored pre-dinner ritual. Guided by experts from the Boston Wine School, this event offers an introduction to the cultural and social role of aperitivo, where wine and small bites are enjoyed as a way to unwind and connect. Sample classic pairings, from sparkling wine with bruschetta to bold Italian reds, while learning about the flavors and traditions that make this practice so beloved. Set against the scenic backdrop of Greenvale Vineyards, this class provides a relaxed and informative way to experience Italian culinary culture.
Where: Greenvale Vineyards, 582 Wapping Road, Portsmouth, RI
When: Wednesday, May 14 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Full Details: Greenvale Vineyards
Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival
No tickets are needed for this free-admission food festival, which is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Enjoy a cocktail while sampling oysters from some of Rhode Island’s more than 45 oyster farms. Local restaurants will have food for purchase and cash bars will be set up on site. Come enjoy some live music while tasting your way through some of the best food and drinks Rhode Island has to offer.
Where: Bowen’s Wharf
When: Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Full details: Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival
Rogue Island Comedy Festival – Spring
Rogue Island Comedy Festival has expanded to a semi-annual event! Come celebrate Spring Fest over Memorial Day weekend at exciting Newport locations, including the Jane Pickens Theater, Ragged Island Brewing, and the Top of Pelham. Join native Rhode Islanders Doug Key and Katie Latimer for a weekend of laughs as they celebrate 10 years of Rogue.
When: Thursday, May 22 – Sunday, May 25
Where: Various venue throughout Aquidneck island
Full Details: Rogue Island Comedy Festival
June Events
British Motorcar Festival
Back for another year is British Motorcars of New England’s annual British Motorcar Festival which takes place over two days in different locations throughout Bristol, RI. Festivities include a scenic tour around Southern New England, a block party that’s open to the public at Independence Park, and a public car show. This event raises money for local charities through car show registrations, vendor booths, area sales, and sponsorships. Help support the BMCNE while seeing some of Britain’s most beautiful and iconic motorcars!
Where: Various spots throughout Bristol, RI
When: Friday, June 6, and Saturday June 7, 2025
Full details: https://britishmotorcarsinbristol.com
Newport International Polo Series
Join the excitement at the 34th season opener of the Newport International Polo Series! Hogan Associates Christie’s International is a proud sponsor of this thrilling event, where Team Morocco and Team USA will face off in a highly anticipated tiebreaker match. With each team holding a win from their previous encounters in 2016 and 2018, this match will determine the ultimate champion. Arrive early to take part in the best-in-show contest celebrating the most spirited fans, enter to win a door prize, and enjoy refreshments. Don’t forget to stick around for family-friendly fun and the time-honored polo tradition—the halftime divot stomp!
Where: Newport International Polo Grounds & Pavilion at Glen Farm
When: Saturday, June 7, 5 p.m.
Full details: https://www.nptpolo.com
Newport Flower Show
Join the Preservation Society of Newport County at the historic Rosecliff mansion for their 29th annual Newport Flower Show. This year’s theme is “A Floral Fair,” celebrating Rosecliff’s original owner, Theresa Fair Oelrichs. Floral and botanical artists will recreate her 1913 fairy tale-themed dinner, while a playful county fair theme brightens the first floor. Outside, the terrace and lawn will host horticultural competitions featuring stunning plants and flowers. Remember to stop by the Marketplace and take some beautiful plants home.
Where: Rosecliff
When: Friday, June 20 through Sunday, June 22, 2025
Full details: Newport Flower Show
Remember to check event websites for updates and to confirm if pre-registration or advanced tickets are required. Hope to see you around town this spring!
ABOUT HOGAN ASSOCIATES
Hogan Associates is an independent Rhode Island brokerage founded by Leslie Hogan and Matt Hadfield, two of Rhode Island’s most experienced agents, each with a strong track record of success in the Greater Newport real estate market. Hogan Associates’ 36 sales agents work on behalf of buyers and sellers of fine properties in the coastal communities of southern RI. The firm has offices in Newport and Middletown and is a member of Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, an elite broker network with more than 130,000 sales professionals located in approximately 880 offices in 70 countries and territories. In 2020 & 2021 Hogan Associates received Newport Life Magazine’s Best of Newport County award. For more information, visit HoganRI.com.
