Aquidneck Night Out (via Newport Police Department)

NEWPORT, R.I. — The Newport Police Department will host its annual Aquidneck Night Out from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Eastons Beach, bringing together families and law enforcement for an evening of community engagement.

The free event at 175 Memorial Blvd. will feature music, games, and special appearances from community partners. Activities include face painting, a rock wall, food trucks, and a photo booth.

“This Thursday night is the Aquidneck Night Out from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Eastons Beach! The community is coming together for a fun family night!” the Newport Police Department said in a Facebook post.

Free hot dogs will be provided for children under 12. The department will also offer free parking in both beach lots.

Children 12 and under will be entered in a bike raffle and receive other free items. Participating law enforcement agencies include the Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, Jamestown, and Tiverton police departments, along with the Rhode Island State Police.

The event is part of the National Night Out initiative, which takes place annually in communities nationwide to strengthen police-community relationships and promote neighborhood connections.

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...