By JAKE COYLE AP Film Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Fifty years after “Jaws” sunk its teeth into us, we’re still admiring the bite mark. Steven Spielberg’s 1975 film, his second feature, left such an imprint on culture and Hollywood that barely any trip to the movies, let alone to the beach, has been the same […]
Arts & Culture
A look at What’s Up in arts and culture in Newport, Rhode Island, and beyond.
Posted inArts & Culture
Bestselling author Sarah MacLean to host cocktail event in Newport
Charter Books in Newport is hosting New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean for a summer cocktail event on July 14, 2025, at Ocean Cliff in Newport. The event runs from 4 to 6 p.m. and features MacLean discussing her new book, “These Summer Storms,” which is perfect for readers who love family drama and […]
Posted inThings To Do
Things to do this week in Newport: June 17 – 22
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport County, Rhode Island, this week and weekend. Are you organizing an event? Submit events to our community calendar. Community Calendar More Events | Submit Your Event | Promote Your Event
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Live from Laurel Canyon’ to rock Historic Park Theatre
The Historic Park Theatre & Event Center in Cranston is gearing up for an exciting performance of “Live from Laurel Canyon” on October 18 at 7:30 p.m. This Spectacle Live production takes audiences back to the golden age of folk rock, showcasing the talented songwriters and musicians who called Los Angeles’ Laurel Canyon home during […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Student documentary filmmakers celebrated at newportFILM’s docUnbound screening
Tuesday, June 10 marked the premiere of two short documentaries made by newportFILM’s newest batch of homegrown filmmakers. Screened at the Firehouse Theater in Newport, “The People’s Policy” and “Talking Ghostly” were the semester-long capstone projects made by students participating in newportFILM’s Documentary Unbound (or “docUnbound,” for short) program. First beginning in February of 2022, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
newportFILM releases 2025 Summer Outdoors schedule
newportFILM Outdoors is back with another jam-packed summer season across Aquidneck Island. In an email to subscribers and supporters today, newportFILM announces its 2025 Outdoors lineup. THURS, JUN 26 — THE LAST DIVEGreat Friends Meeting House, NewportPre-film conversation with Cody Sheehy (Director)Live music by Dave Flamand6:00 PM Doors | 8:40 PM FilmTHURS, JUL 3 — GIRL CLIMBERFort Adams, NewportPre-film conversation with Emily […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Charles L. Roberts: America’s Second Independence Day
Earlier this week, I had a difficult decision to make. I was running myself ragged planning the 3rd annual Juneteenth in Newport in Washington Square for next weekend, and it was beating me down. I know some of you know the feeling! A wise advisor and friend sat me down and said, “Charles, you have […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up in Newport County this weekend: June 13 – 15
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport County, Rhode Island, this weekend, Friday, June 13 through Sunday, June 15. Are you organizing an event? Submit events to our community calendar. Friday, June 13 Things To Do 11 am: HART x Harper & Tucker Charm Bar Pop-Up at Harper & Tucker 12 pm: […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Back to the Future: The Musical’ is a fun bit of escapism
When I spoke with Zan Berube recently, she told me that “Back to the Future: The Musical” was a “tech heavy” show. Berube plays Lorraine, Marty McFly’s mother, in the musical now on stage at the Providence Performing Arts Center. The musical is based on the 1985 film starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Author Michael Farris Smith coming to Charter Books for book talk and live performance
Charter Books is gearing up to host acclaimed author Michael Farris Smith for a book talk and live music event on June 18 at 6:00 p.m. Smith, the writer behind “Salvage This World,” will be at the downtown bookstore at 8 Broadway to discuss his latest novel, “Lay Your Armor Down.” This event is a […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Music & Entertainment, Things To Do
Spruce Peak Unplugged returns with star-studded summer lineup
Spruce Peak, Vermont’s premier slopeside community, is gearing up for an exciting summer concert series featuring both Grammy-winning artists and local talent. From July through September 2025, “Spruce Peak Unplugged: Summer’s Biggest Stage” will bring a lineup of impressive acts to the Village Center. Fans can look forward to performances by The Wallflowers, RIPE, Phantom […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Instagram, Things To Do
Fort Adams Trust announces free Fourth of July celebration
Get ready for a fantastic Independence Day celebration at Fort Adams State Park. The Fort Adams Trust is hosting a free event on July 4, 2025, complete with live music, family fun, and a prime spot to watch Newport’s fireworks. “The Fort is simply the best place from which to watch Newport’s fireworks,” said Paul […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Explore 19 Newport area attractions for free, June 21-23
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 on June 21, 22, and 23. The Preservation Society of Newport County is participating with free admission to The Breakers, Marble House, […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Nonprofit, Things To Do
Four local artists to receive awards at Arts & Cultural Alliance’s ‘Raise Up the Arts’ event
The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County (ACA) is gearing up for its annual Raise Up the Arts event on June 25, 2025. The celebration will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Wyndham Newport Hotel in Middletown. Guests can look forward to an evening of live music and tasty bites, along […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Juneteenth celebrations in Newport to feature storytelling, lecture, and exhibition
The Rhode Island Black Heritage Society (RIBHS) and Newport Restoration Foundation (NRF) are teaming up to celebrate Juneteenth with events spotlighting Black freedom and the rich history of African heritage and Indigenous peoples in Rhode Island. From June 19-20, 2025, Newport will host storytelling, lectures, and an exhibition organized by these groups. Kicking off the […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Business, Columns, Instagram, People & Profiles
Provence sur Mer serves up elegant French-inspired hospitality
A Celebration of Vision and Place Karen Pinelli is enjoying her second act. And she has created the perfect backdrop: an 1850 historic building overlooking Washington Square in the heart of Newport. Pinelli was a sales executive in Boston for more than 30 years, working in the HR & Employee Benefits industry. As she helped […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Mah Jongg tournament to raise funds for Newport Mental Health
Newport Mental Health’s 100 Women group is gearing up for a unique fundraiser called “Mah Jongg for Mental Health.” This event aims to support affordable and accessible mental health services in Newport County. Mark your calendars for July 23, 2025, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event will be held at the Restoration Hall […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Charter Books celebrates Pride Month with LGBTQIA+ author events
Charter Books is gearing up for Pride Month with two exciting author events showcasing LGBTQIA+ perspectives. On June 11, 2025, at 6 p.m., award-winning author Lydi Conklin will present their debut novel, “Songs of No Provenance.” Two days later, on June 13, 2025, at 6 p.m., University of Memphis Professor Andrew Donnelly will discuss his […]
Posted inHistory
This Day in RI History: June 5, 1941 – Actor Spalding Gray born in Providence
Actor and writer Spalding Gray was born on this day in 1941. Gray was best known for the autobiographical monologues he wrote and performed as well as for his films including the critically acclaimed Swimming to Cambodia and Gray’s Anatomy. Born in Providence, Gray grew up in Barrington and summered in Newport. After graduating from Emerson […]
Posted inArts & Culture
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 […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Stephen King on ‘The Life of Chuck,’ the end of the world and, yes, joy
By JAKE COYLE AP Film Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Stephen King ’s first editor, Bill Thompson, once said, “Steve has a movie camera in his head.” So vividly drawn is King’s fiction that it’s offered the basis for some 50 feature films. For half a century, since Brian De Palma’s 1976 film “Carrie,” Hollywood has turned, […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Music & Entertainment, Things To Do
‘Wise Guys of Comedy’ set to bring laughter to The JPT in August
Get ready for a night of laughs as The Wise Guys of Comedy take over The JPT Film & Event Center on Aug. 22 at 8 p.m. Spectacle Live is bringing this comedy show featuring Ace Aceto, Frank Santorelli, and Brad Mastrangelo to Newport. Rhode Island’s own Ace Aceto is kicking things off as the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Robert Cray, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and Masters of Illusion coming to Historick Park Theatre
The Historic Park Theatre & Event Center in Cranston is gearing up for an exciting fall season with a lineup of top-notch performers. Blues legend Robert Cray and his band are hitting the stage on Sunday, September 28 at 7:30 p.m. With five Grammy Awards to his name and 19 studio albums to his credit, […]