The Breakers. Photo Credit: Alexander Nesbitt Photography. Courtesy of The Preservation Society of Newport County Credit: Alexander Nesbitt

Good morning, Newport! Today is Saturday, June 21, the 172nd day of 2025. There are 193 days left in the year.

🚨 You need to know

Today marks the official start of summer, and Newport County is celebrating with a spectacular array of events that showcase the best of the region’s culture, history, and community spirit. From free museum admissions to beloved church festivals, today offers something for every interest and budget.

The weekend’s crown jewel is the Newport Flower Show running through June 22 at Rosecliff, where visitors can immerse themselves in stunning floral displays throughout one of Newport’s most elegant mansions. Meanwhile, Trinity Church continues its cherished tradition with the annual Strawberry Festival, featuring homemade strawberry shortcakes and fresh-squeezed lemonade that have drawn families for generations.

Music lovers have an exceptional treat in store as folk icon Suzanne Vega takes the stage at The JPT Film & Event Center at 8 PM, bringing her career-spanning repertoire and new material from her upcoming album. The performance represents a rare opportunity to see one of folk music’s most influential artists in an intimate Newport setting.

Perhaps most exciting for residents and hospitality workers is the weekend-long celebration of free admission to 19 Newport area attractions, running through June 23. This community-focused initiative opens the doors to many of the region’s premier cultural destinations without cost, encouraging locals to explore their own backyard treasures.

The day’s activities span from early morning community engagement—including the Tree Corps volunteer opportunity at Miantonomi Park and a neighborhood clean-up at Dunlap-Wheeler Park—to evening entertainment with live improv comedy at The Firehouse Theater. The Aquidneck Growers Market kicks off at 9 AM, while various venues across the county host live music performances throughout the day and into the night.

Historical enthusiasts can join guided tours at Island Cemetery or explore Newport’s Black History through walking tours, while garden lovers can attend the Garden Dialogues in Jamestown or tour the grounds at Rough Point Museum. The variety ensures that whether you’re seeking cultural enrichment, community involvement, or simple entertainment, this Saturday delivers in abundance.

Scroll down for the full schedule of events happening today and this weekend.

What else you need to know

🍓 On tap this weekend: Newport Flower Show, Strawberry Festival, Free For All Saturday at Newport Art Museum, and more. Get the weekend roundup here.

🆓 Reminder: Newport County residents and employees of the hospitality industry from any location are invited to “Be Our Guest” and enjoy free admission or discounts at 19 participating attractions in Newport and Bristol Counties this weekend.

📈 Yesterday’s most-read

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

  1. Procaccianti Companies gets green light for The Bellevue Hotel
  2. What’s Up in Newport County this weekend: June 20 – 22
  3. Morning Notes: Celebrating Juneteenth in Newport
  4. Obituary: Eugene “Joe” Sullivan
  5. Weather Alert: Extreme Heat Watch issued for all of Rhode Island
  6. Obituary: Nancy K. (Murphy) Flynn
  7. Letter to the Editor: Don’t waste $250,000 on redundant study…fund schools!
  8. Obituary: Evelyn Pine
  9. Obituary: Judith Davison
  10. Friends Of The Waterfront Concert Series returns to King Park for five shows this summer

📅 What’s Up Today

Weather Forecast

Marine Forecast

  • Today: Variable winds less than 5 kt becoming SSW 5 to 9 kt in the morning. Mostly sunny. Seas 1 ft or less.
  • Tonight: Variable winds 5 kt or less. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5am. Seas 1 ft or less.
  • The coastal water temperature is 65 degrees.

Sun, Moon & Tide

  • Sunrise at 5:11 am. Sunset at 8:22 pm. 15 hours & 11 minutes of sun.
  • High tide at 4:22 am & 4:57 pm. Low tide at 9:51 am & 11:28 pm.
  • The lunar phase is a Waning Crescent.

Things To Do

Live Music & Entertainment

Newport County Public Meetings

Cruise Ship Schedule

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...