The Annual Newport Harbor Illuminated Boat Parade has 18 boats and counting lined up to be parading through the harbor on Friday night.

Boats congregate at the causeway Newport Shipyard, then travel south into the channel past Bowen’s Wharf and the other wharves. They’ll turn west around Ann St. Pier near Ida Lewis then north up the east side of Goat Island and either go to Newport Yacht Club or back to their own moorings.

Block Party 2015

The waterfront at Bowen’s Wharf offers exceptional views of the City of Newport’s Illuminated Boat Parade starting at 6:15pm.

The Bowen’s Wharf unique boutiques and restaurants will be offering free hot cider, in-store specials and good karma sales alongside live music while the flotilla motors past.

All are invited to meander through the waterfront and local businesses from 5-8pm, rain or snow, just dress the part!

Restaurant reservations should be made early for best viewing.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...