The Big Lebowski

Good morning, Newport! Today is Monday, July 14, the 195th day of 2025. There are 170 days left in the year.

🚨 You need to know

The Jane Pickens Film & Event Center (The JPT) will once again transform into the Dude’s favorite bowling alley on July 31 for their annual Big Lebowski Party, a beloved summer tradition that brings together film buffs, Lebowski devotees, and anyone who appreciates a good White Russian on a hot July evening.

The evening kicks off at 6:15 p.m. with live music from Los Duderinos, followed by a 15-minute intermission before the 1998 Coen Brothers masterpiece screens at 7:30 PM in stunning 4K DCP. This year’s event comes with sponsorship from Rhode Island’s Hangar 420 cannabis cultivator and Narragansett Beer, creating an authentic atmosphere that honors the film’s counter-culture roots. Narragansett will host a pre-film beer tasting, while Hangar 420 will set up shop in the lobby with “righteous swag” and Dude-inspired raffles and giveaways.

The Big Lebowski has evolved from a modest 1998 box office performer to a genuine cultural phenomenon, and the annual JPT screening has become a staple for Rhode Island fans. Attendees are encouraged to dress the part in comfortable cardigans and bowling shoes for another memorable night celebrating one of cinema’s most enduring cult classics. The event takes place July 31 at the Jane Pickens Theater, presented in partnership with What’s Up Newp.

Tickets and more information.

Here’s what else you should know

🎾 The 2025 Hall of Fame Open concluded Sunday with American players capturing every title in a historic sweep at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, marking the first time in over 35 years that a women’s professional singles champion was crowned on Newport’s storied courts. WUNs Justin Walker was there and has the story and photo gallery.

🎶 The 28th Annual IYRS Summer Gala on Saturday successfully merged maritime heritage with musical prowess, raising significant funds for the IYRS School of Technology & Trades. I was there and have a short recap on the party for a purpose.

⚾ In a hard-fought defensive battle that showcased the talent of both squads, the Middletown/Newport 12U All-Stars rallied for two runs in the fifth inning and added an insurance run in the sixth to defeat Portsmouth 3-1 on Saturday afternoon at Arthur Sherman Field. WUN’s Justin Walker was there and has the story and photo gallery.

🎬 Sam Waterston returned to Rosecliff last week, 51 years after the filming of “The Great Gatsby”. WUN’s Veronica Bruno was there and has the story and photos.

🎤 With many believing U.S. democracy is in peril, Brookings Senior Fellow Darrell M. West offers a more optimistic outlook. West recently spoke with WUN’s Frank Prosnitz.

🩺 As more healthcare professionals earn doctoral degrees, patients struggle to navigate a system that prioritizes profit over personal care. WUN columnist Dr. Michael Fine has more here – What’s crazy about who is what?

📰 The Latest from What’sUpNewp

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📈 Yesterday’s most-read

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

  1. Sewage-contaminated water made 60% of R.I. beaches unsafe for swimming in 2024
  2. Newport City Council fights to save hospital birthing center from closure
  3. Nine Homes Under $600K: Aquidneck Island’s housing market reality
  4. Middletown/Newport 12U All-Stars rally past Portsmouth 3-1 in season finale
  5. Early morning boat fire in Newport Harbor quickly extinguished, three occupants safe
  6. A stormy season for short-term rentals on Nantucket
  7. Newport Mansions opens new dining experience at The Elms Carriage House
  8. Newport Police arrest couple in $100,000 shoplifting operation
  9. This Day in RI History: July 13, 1948 – US Congressman and Bryant University President Ron Machtley is born
  10. Morning Notes: IYRS Summer Gala raises thousands for skilled trades education, features Legendary Wailers

📅 What’s Up Today

Weather Forecast

  • Today: Patchy fog before 11 am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 77. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
  • Tonight: A slight chance of showers before 8 pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 am. Patchy fog after 11 pm. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 70. Southwest wind 6 to 8 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.

Marine Forecast

  • Today: Variable winds less than 5 kt becoming S 5 to 9 kt in the morning. Patchy fog before 11 am. Seas 1 ft or less.
  • Tonight: SW wind 5 to 7 kt. A slight chance of showers before 8 pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 am. Patchy fog after 11 pm. Seas 1 ft or less.
  • The coastal water temperature is 66 degrees.

Sun, Moon & Tide

  • Sunrise at 5:24 am. Sunset at 8:17 pm. 14 hours & 53 minutes of sun.
  • High tide at 11:04 am & 11:21 pm. Low tide at 4:24 am & 4:29 pm.
  • The lunar phase is a Waning Gibbous.

Things To Do

Live Music & Entertainment

  • Landing: Justin Pomfret at 12:30 pm, Mark Flynn at 4 pm, Motion Ave. at 8 pm
  • Newport Craft: Bingo at 6 pm
  • Newport Harbor Island Resort: Music Bingo at 6:30 pm
  • Newport Pickleball Club: The Newport Groove Merchants at 6:30 pm
  • One Pelham East: Bruce Jacques at 9 pm
  • Perro Salado: John Monllos at 5:30 pm
  • The Fastnet Pub: The Ubiquitones at 10 pm

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...