The City of Newport will be celebrating one of New England’s oldest Sister City relationships this week as Mayor Jamie Bova and the Newport City Council welcome an official delegation from Shimoda, Japan for a weekend filled with events paying tribute to Japanese culture and the legacy of Newport native Commodore Matthew C. Perry, USN.
The 2019 Newport-Shimoda Sister City Celebration will take place from Thursday, July 11th to Sunday, July 14th with events and ceremonies designed for visitors of all ages. Participants can expect to find a myriad of opportunities to be immersed in cultural and historical activities that bring the Japanese and American lifestyles and history to life.
Thursday, July 11, 2019 6:00 pm
Newport Shimoda Sister City Celebration Welcome Reception
Innovate Newport
Join the City of Newport as they welcome the visiting delegation from Shimoda, Japan at INNOVATE NEWPORT on Broadway. Refreshments will be served.
Friday, July 12, 2019 11:00 AM
Newport-Shimoda Sister City Celebration Opening Ceremonies »
Touro Park
Newport The public is invited to attend the 36th Annual Newport-Shimoda Sister City Celebration Opening Ceremony at Touro Park on Bellevue Avenue in Newport. This wreath laying ceremony will be in remembrance of Newport’s native son, Commodore Matthew C. Perry, USN, and his historic journey to Japan. In addition, the event will commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa which opened trade between Japan and the United States. This ceremony will be conducted by the Commodore Perry statue lead by Newport Mayor Jamie Bova and members of the City Council with contributions by American and Japanese dignitaries. The US Navy Color Guard will be in attendance along with the Newport Artillery Company.
Saturday, July 13, 2019 10:00 AM
Newport-Shimoda Arts & Cultural Festival »
Touro Park
NewportPlease join us for a beautiful day in Touro Park as we carry on the yearly celebration of the twinning of Shimoda Japan and the City of Newport that began in 1958. The day will be filled with traditional Japanese crafts, music & culture mixed with local and regional artists, makers, musicians, food purveyors and family activities!
This event is free and open to the public and it is family and pet friendly!
Saturday, July 13, 2019 6:00 PM
Easton’s Beach
Newport The Celebration will be in full swing for this evening event under the stars at Newport’s acclaimed Eastons Beach.
Participants will be treated to a myriad of family friendly experiences that highlight the sights, sounds and tastes that Newport has to offer.
The evening will begin with delectable offerings from the Eastons Beach Snack Shack and food trucks.
The Shin Daiko Drummers will provide a half-hour long live performance on the beach at 6:30 p.m. The Swinglane Orchestra will delight the public with their toe-tapping and get up and dance live musical performance from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 14, 2019 9:30 AM
Newport-Shimoda Closing Ceremonies »
Island Cemetery
Corner of Farewell & Warner StreetsThe public is invited to attend the 36th Annual Newport-Shimoda Sister City Celebration Closing Ceremony at Island Cemetery on the corner of Farewell and Warner Streets in Newport. This memorial ceremony will feature a wreath laying on the tomb of Commodore Perry by American and Japanese dignitaries.
For more information, visit http://newportshimodasistercity.org/ .