“The Gilded Age’s” Christine Baranski cuts a much more elegant figure than her character, Agnes Van Rhijn, in real life. Resplendent in a stunning black power suit, a fab wavy blonde bob, a striking brooch, and Christian Louboutin heels, the Juilliard-trained actress held sway during her talk at The Elms lawn Thursday evening, August 7. […]
Arts & Culture
A look at What’s Up in arts and culture in Newport, Rhode Island, and beyond.
Posted inArts & Culture
Documentary ‘Speak’ screens at newportFILM Outdoors with director in attendance
The documentary “Speak,” which had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, screened Thursday night at Miantonomi Park as part of newportFILM Outdoors’ 15th anniversary season. Co-director Guy Mossman attended the screening and participated in a post-film conversation with Todd Trebour, executive director of the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. The […]
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Things to do in Newport County this weekend: Aug. 7 – 10
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in Newport County this week and weekend. Are you organizing an event? Submit events to our community calendar. Thursday, August 7 Things To Do 9 am: Monthly Coffee with the Curator at The Sailing Museum 11:30 am: “The Beauty Molecule” with Nicholas Perricone M.D. at The Brenton Hotel 3 pm: Sakonnet Green Market at Sakonnet […]
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Edward King House to host treasure-hunting fundraiser Saturday
MIDDLETOWN — The Edward King House Senior Center will host “Plunder In The Parking Lot,” a treasure-hunting fundraiser Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 7 Valley Road. The event will feature three main attractions: a “Junk from the Trunk” community sale where residents sell items from their […]
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Movies and TV shows casting right now in Rhode Island
The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities’ Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of […]
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Secret Garden Tour returns in September after five-year hiatus
The Secret Garden Tour is making its comeback this fall after a five-year absence, with the September edition scheduled for Sept. 5-7 in Newport. The “Bellevue & Beyond” tour will be hosted by FabNewport in partnership with the Benefactors of the Arts, marking a shift toward what organizers call a “youth-led social venture.” Proceeds will […]
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Preserve Rhode Island announces 2025 Rhody Awards, recognizes 10 historic preservation projects
Preserve Rhode Island announced on Wednesday 10 recipients of the 2025 Rhody Awards for Historic Preservation, celebrating projects that utilize historic preservation to strengthen communities, improve quality of life, and address social challenges across the state. The awards recognize achievements spanning from Westerly to Pawtucket to Tiverton, demonstrating preservation efforts that impact communities statewide. This […]
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“French in Newport” kicked off NHS’s exciting Revolution250 foray
Last month, the French arrived in Newport’s Washington Square thanks to the Newport Historical Society (NHS), in collaboration with the Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary National Historical Trail. Historical 18th-century re-enactors took over the square to give demonstrations of woodworking and cider making. There were Colonial tea tastings (the Peach was my favorite), others got their Colonial […]
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Newport Folk, Jazz festivals announce 2026 dates
NEWPORT, R.I. — Fresh off the heels of another pair of sold-out festivals, the Newport Festivals Foundation announced Tuesday the dates for next year’s marquee events, giving music fans something to look forward to as summer 2025 winds down. The Newport Folk Festival will return to Fort Adams State Park July 24-26, 2026, while the […]
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The Newport Show sets fundraising record for local nonprofits
The 18th annual Newport Show raised a record amount for the Newport Historical Society and Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County during its three-day run at St. George’s School last weekend. The exhibition of art, antiques and design has now generated $4.75 million for both nonprofit organizations since the show’s inception in 2007. “The […]
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Vertical Horizon, Leo Kottke and Richard Thompson set to perform at The JPT this fall
NEWPORT — Three acclaimed musicians will take the stage at The JPT Film & Event Center this fall as part of a concert series presented by Spectacle Live. Tickets for all three shows go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. through JanePickens.com or by calling 1-800-657-8774. Vertical Horizon kicks off the series Wednesday, Oct. 8, […]
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Inaugural Ocean State Crossing brings competitive paddleboard racing to Newport
A common sight at Rhode Island beaches are paddleboarders. The past decade has expanded the paddleboarding scene from a novelty craze to a part of the state’s identity surrounding water activities. Despite the popularity, there have been few opportunities to bring paddlers together in a social and competitive manner. This year, lifeguard veteran Brian Guadagno […]
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Notes: Newport Navy Chorus seeks new singers for upcoming season
Good morning, Newport! 🗓️ Today is Monday, Aug. 4, the 216th day of 2025. There are 149 days left in the year. 🚨 You need to know The Newport Navy Chorus is calling for new vocalists to join its ranks for the 2025-26 season, welcoming singers of all voice ranges to participate in community benefit […]
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71st Newport Jazz Festival concludes with perfect weather, full crowds
NEWPORT, R.I. — The 71st Newport Jazz Festival wrapped up Sunday evening at Fort Adams State Park under perfect weather conditions, capping three days of sold-out performances that showcased everything from high-energy acts to traditional jazz, proving one thing for certain: Jazz music is fun. Friday’s opening day featured a unique educational component as high […]
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Notes: Newport Gulls, Mystic Schooners set for winner-take-all game 3 at Cardines Field
Good morning, Newport! 🗓️ Today is Sunday, Aug. 3, the 215th day of 2025. There are 150 days left in the year. 🚨 You need to know The Newport Gulls will host the Mystic Schooners in a winner-take-all Game 3 of their New England Collegiate Baseball League quarterfinal series tonight at 6:35 p.m. at Cardines Field. […]
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71st Newport Jazz Festival opens with student performances, star-studded lineup
NEWPORT, R.I. — The 71st Newport Jazz Festival kicked off Friday at Fort Adams State Park, combining the energy of emerging talent with legendary performers across three days of music that has drawn sold-out crowds to Newport’s iconic waterfront venue. Friday’s opening day featured a unique educational component as high school students from across the […]
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Notes: Newport organizations launch summer campaign to boost bicycle transportation
Good morning, Newport! 🗓️ Today is Saturday, Aug. 2, the 214th day of 2025. There are 151 days left in the year. 🚨 You need to know Bike Newport has partnered with 11th Hour Racing and local businesses this summer to encourage more residents and visitors on Aquidneck Island to choose bicycles over cars for […]
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Morning Notes: Newport Jazz Festival expands beyond Fort Adams with four intimate shows
Good morning, Newport! 🗓️ Today is Friday, Aug. 1, the 213th day of 2025. There are 152 days left in the year. 🚨 You need to know As the 2025 Newport Jazz Festival officially launches today at Fort Adams State Park with sold-out crowds, jazz enthusiasts who missed out on the main event have multiple […]
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Jazz quartet to perform at NIMFest Summer Concert Series Sunday
The John McKenna Quartet will perform at the Newport Independent Music Festival concert series Sunday, Aug. 3, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the King Park Gazebo. McKenna, a saxophonist, composer and music educator, teaches at the University of Rhode Island, UMass Dartmouth, Roger Williams University and the Community College of Rhode Island. The New […]
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Morning Notes: JPT’s annual Big Lebowski Party returns tonight
Good morning, Newport! 🗓️ Today is Thursday, July 31, the 212th day of 2025. There are 153 days left in the year. 🚨 You need to know The Jane Pickens Theater will transform into The Dude’s favorite bowling alley tonight as Newport’s beloved summer tradition returns for another year. The annual Big Lebowski Party kicks […]
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Celebrity chef to headline 20th Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival
Chef Marcus Samuelsson will headline the 20th annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, scheduled for Sept. 18-21 at Rosecliff and Marble House. Tickets for all festival events go on sale to the public today at 9 a.m. at www.newportmansions.org/events/newport-mansions-wine-food-festival-2025. The festival will feature 23 tasting seminars, the Vintner Dinner, Sunday Jazz Brunch, “Conversation with Marcus […]
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Rhode Island Foundation offers $30,000 grants to local visual artists
Rhode Island visual artists have until Aug. 14 to apply for $30,000 fellowships from the Rhode Island Foundation, among the largest no-strings-attached awards available to artists in the United States. The foundation will award grants to three emerging or mid-career visual artists through its Robert and Margaret MacColl Johnson Fellowship Fund. The awards are designed […]
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newportFILM raises more than $375K at 15th Anniversary Summer Benefit
newportFILM raised more than $375,000 at its 15th Anniversary Summer Benefit on July 19, supporting the organization’s year-round documentary film programming and educational initiatives. Hundreds of guests gathered at IYRS’s Restoration Hall in Newport for the organization’s largest annual fundraiser. The event was presented by the Stratus Foundation/FlyAdvanced, with additional support from The Newport Experience […]
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Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival returns with star power and cultural legacy
By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr. AP Entertainment Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — No matter the time on Martha’s Vineyard, a shimmering glow will be powered by the star presence of Black filmmakers, actors and tastemakers like Issa Rae, Mara Brock Akil and Michelle Obama who are shaping culture on their own terms. For two-plus decades, the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival has […]
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Morning Notes: Air Quality Alert issued for Washington, Newport Counties due to elevated ozone levels
Good morning, Newport! 🗓️ Today is Wednesday, July 30, the 211th day of 2025. There are 154 days left in the year. 🚨 You need to know The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has issued an air quality alert for Wednesday, warning that ozone levels will reach unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups in Washington […]