The Newport Kite Festival returns to Brenton Point State Park this weekend

Good morning, Newport! Today is Saturday, July 12, the 193rd day of 2025. There are 172 days left in the year.

🚨 You need to know

Newport County is buzzing with activity this Saturday, July 12, as summer reaches its peak with an impressive lineup of events spanning from early morning markets to late-night entertainment. The day kicks off bright and early with the Aquidneck Growers Market at 9 am, where locals can stock up on fresh produce and artisanal goods, while history buffs can explore the area’s rich past through multiple walking tours and commemorative events.

The spotlight shines particularly bright on two major festivals drawing visitors from across the region. The 39th Annual Newport Kite Festival at Brenton Point promises colorful skies and family fun, while the prestigious Newport Classical Music Festival continues its celebrated run with an evening performance featuring Karen Slack in “African Queens” at The Breakers. Tennis enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Hall of Fame Open for the Van Alen Cup at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, adding athletic excitement to the cultural offerings.

For those seeking unique experiences, the day offers everything from “Vinyasa & Vines” yoga at Greenvale Vineyards to wine cupcake pairings at Newport Vineyards, and car enthusiasts can enjoy both the “Hoods Up Weekend” at Newport Car Museum and the “Cars & Coffee — Youngtimers” gathering at Fort Adams. The evening brings the elegance of the Newport International Polo Series at 5 pm, followed by the IYRS Summer Gala for those looking to cap off the day with sophisticated celebration.

As night falls, Newport’s vibrant music scene takes center stage with performances across the county. Highlights include The High Kings performing live at The JPT, live improv comedy with the Bit Players at The Firehouse Theater, and an eclectic mix of local and touring acts at venues from Busker’s Irish Pub to Newport Blues Cafe. With dueling pianos at Top of Pelham and DJ sets at multiple locations, the entertainment options ensure there’s something for every musical taste as Saturday night unfolds across Newport County.

Scroll down for the full roundup of events, live music, and entertainment.

Here’s what else you should know

🏘️ On the market for a new house to call home? Tyler Bernadyn has a look at the 70+ open houses taking place this weekend across Newport County.

🗓️ Here’s our roundup of all that’s happening this week and weekend for events, live music, and entertainment.

📰 The Latest from What’sUpNewp

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📈 Yesterday’s most-read

The following were yesterday’s most-read What’sUpNewp articles.

  1. Newport Mansions opens new dining experience at The Elms Carriage House
  2. Newport Police arrest couple in $100,000 shoplifting operation
  3. Newport Polo sets attendance record, announces capacity limits beginning in 2026
  4. Preservation Society shows off the elegance of The Carriage House at opening party
  5. On the Market: Over 70 Open Houses to explore this weekend in Newport County
  6. Obituary: Jan Menzi
  7. Newport County road work continues with bridge, Route 138 lane closures next week
  8. A stormy season for short-term rentals on Nantucket
  9. Senator Whitehouse delivers 300th “Time to Wake Up” climate speech, calls for fight against “shadow government”
  10. Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County raises $464,000 at 12th Annual Yacht Rendezvous

📅 What’s Up Today

Weather Forecast

  • Today: Patchy fog before 11 am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 75. Calm wind becoming southeast 5 to 9 mph in the morning.
  • Tonight: Patchy dense fog after 11 pm. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 65. East wind around six mph.

Marine Forecast

  • Today: Variable winds less than 5 kt becoming SE 5 to 8 kt in the morning. Patchy fog before 11 am. Seas 1 ft or less.
  • Tonight: Variable winds 5 kt or less. Patchy dense fog after 11 pm. Seas 1 ft or less.
  • The coastal water temperature is 66 degrees.

Sun, Moon & Tide

  • Sunrise at 5:22 am. Sunset at 8:19 pm. 14 hours & 56 minutes of sun.
  • High tide at 9:33 am & 9:49 pm. Low tide at 3:18 am & 3 pm.
  • The lunar phase is a Waning Gibbous.

Things To Do

Live Music & Entertainment

Newport County Public Meetings

Organizing an event? Submit your event to What’sUpNewp’s Event Calendar.

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...