Ballard Park

Newport, RI – Discover the best events, activities, and things to do during February in and around Newport, RI (besides Super Bowl Sunday and Valentine’s Day).

1 – Preservation Society of Newport County’s Lectures – February 1, 8, 15, 22

2 – 2018 Newport Annual Members’ Juried Exhibition – February 3 – May 20

One of the Newport Art Museum’s most anticipated annual events, this exhibition highlights top talent from the region, bringing together an eclectic mix of art sourced from Rhode Island and beyond. Entries are open, calling established and emerging artists alike to submit their work for exposition and review. The resulting mix of art on display is always surprising and diverse, showcasing the varied interests and focus of our region’s passionate artists.  More info

3 – 90th Annual Winter Speaker Series – February 3, 10 17

This year marks the 90th Winter Speaker Series at the Newport Art Museum! Spend Saturday afternoons with seven inspiring, enlightening and entertaining speakers this winter. Topics include assessing Trump’s presidency, art in public places, the future of museums, the fate of newspapers in the digital age, and more. The Newport Art Museum’s Winter Speaker Series reveals new creative communities in some of today’s most exciting fields. More info and schedule

4 – 30th Annual Newport Winter Festival – February 16 – 25

Featuring over 150 events, the Festival offers a unique winter experience combining food, festivities, music, and fun for all ages. More info at www.newportwinterfestival.com

5 – 2nd Annual Newport Burger Bender  – February 16 – 25

The Newport Burger Bender is a simple “best burger” contest taking place Friday, February 16th through Sunday, February 25th, 2018 at participating restaurants throughout Newport and Bristol counties. More info and participants can be found at www.discovernewport.org/burger-bender/

6 – WINEterfest Speakeasy Soiree – February 16

Sip, savor and swing into WINEterfest Weekend with Newport Vineyards Speakeasy Soiree on February 16th. Dance the night away with Miss Katie Kleyla and a Speakeasy Jazz Band, wine, prohibition style cocktails and handcrafted light fare. Speakeasy attire and flare encouraged! More info at www.newportvineyards.com.

7– 21st Annual Wineterfest – February 17 – 18

Celebrate the season at our 22nd Annual WINEterfest Weekend. Two days full of grape stomping, ice wine bar tasting goodness. Enjoy live music from Little Compton Band, while sipping at our infamous Ice Wine Bar and noshing on food created by scratch from our culinary team. Feeling competitive? You could be called to compete in our Grape Stomp Competitions! More info at www.newportvineyards.com.

8 – Rhody Beer & Cheese Pairing – February 17, 18, 24, 25

Back by popular demand! Newport Storm Brewery and Narragansett Creamery are teaming up to bring you the flavors of Rhode Island. Experience a beer and cheese pairing of five locally brewed beers with five locally made cheeses that show off the best of Rhode Island artisan agriculture. More Info

9 – 13th Annual Illuminated Garden – February 22 – 24

Ballard Park will present the 13th Annual Illuminated Garden on Thursday, February 22nd through Saturday, February 24th from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. The free event features thousands of lights displayed on the trees and unique features of Ballard Park’s three-acre quarry meadow. For more information on the event, visit www.ballardpark.org.

10 – African Drumming & Black History Festival – February 23

Children of all ages are invited to Newport’s Black History Festival, featuring an interactive African drumming concert. The community celebration will be held during February vacation (Friday, Feb. 23 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.) at Emmanuel Church and is free of charge!  The afternoon will include African and Carribean drumming and dancing, African-inspired crafts, African art, and information on Newport’s black heritage. Snacks will be provided. The event is a collaboration with Emmanuel Day School, Common Fence Music’s Connecting the Beats program and Sankofa Community Connection Free and open to the public. There is free parking available in the lot across the street. More Info

11 – UNA NOCHE PARA Puerto Rico – February 23

Join Newport Vineyards for a night ( 7 pm to 10 pm) of authentic Puerto Rican cuisine and dancing to benefit those affected in Puerto Rico by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria. This event is inspired by Newport Vineyard’s employees whose family, friends and colleagues in Puerto Rico have been affected by the 2017 hurricanes. Their Executive Chef Andy Teixeira will welcome his close friend Chef Kevin Roth of La Estacion Restaurant in Fajardo, Puerto Rico into our kitchens to bring guests authentic Puerto Rican specialties. Then dance the night away with live music from Robertico y Su Alebreke. Puerto Rico inspired auction items will also be available (more to be announced!) More info at www.newportvineyards.com.

12 – Colonial Career Fair: A Living History Event – February 24

In the mid-18th century, Newport was the fifth wealthiest city in colonial America. What jobs were people doing that helped the city become so successful? On Saturday, February 24, 2018 from 10am-1pm, join the Newport Historical Society to learn how people made their living. During this colonial career fair costumed interpreters will represent different occupations that would have been present in this seaport. Jobs range from tradespeople like a printer, milliner and leather worker to merchants such as a toy seller and store owner, along with food service jobs such as a baker, brewer, coffeehouse owner and tavern keeper. Join the action and try a traditional 18th century craft: candle making. For $5 make a beeswax candle to take home while learning about a candle making trade in colonial Newport. The program will take place at the Colony House on Washington Square. Admission is free, donations are welcome More Info

13 – Barrel Of Laughs Comedy Show: Will Noonan – February 24

Join Newport Vineyards for an evening of wine and a barrel of laughs as host and comedian Jeremy Furtado welcomes comedians from around the region and headliner Will Noonan! Will has appeared on “Laughs” on FOX and HULU , “Gotham Comedy Live” on AXS-TV and his comedy albums are played often on Sirius XM. He is a regular on “The Artie and Anthony Show” with Artie Lange and Anthony Cumia. He has appeared on The Oddball Comedy Festival with Louis CK, Amy Schumer and Sarah Silverman, and told a story on NPR’s “This American Life” .He’s appeared on MTV as a comedian and was named Comedy Ambassador and a Moment Maker by Skype. He’s also starred in commercials for Staples, Ocean Spray, and LastPass among hundreds of others. More info at www.newportvineyards.com.