{Photo of Milk + Honey at Newport Vineyards via Newport Vineyards}

Discover the best events, activities, entertainment, live music and things to do in and around Newport, RI this week!

The 28th Annual Newport Winter Festival, “New England’s Largest Winter Extravaganza”, is taking place February 12th – 21st, 2016 throughout Newport and Newport County. Featuring over 150 events, the Newport Winter Festival offers a unique winter experience combining food, festivities, music, and fun for all ages. Visit www.newportwinterfestival.com for full schedule of events.

In chronological order:

1 – Thomas Tew Cocktail Competition

Monday at 9pm at The Revolving Door Restaurant

Local bartenders will be competing in the 2nd Annual Thomas Tew Rum Cocktail Contest. The Revolving Door has a very intimate atmosphere that will give you the opportunity to educate and interact with judges and guests alike. $5 per person and 21+.

2 – Cocktails Wars

Monday at 9pm
The 3rd edition of Cocktail Wars, the competition that challenges the area’s best bartenders, has retured to the Gas Lamp Grille. At Cocktail Wars, participating bartenders will have no idea what liquor they are going to be required to use until the show starts. Once the liquor of the night is revealed, the bartenders then have 20 minutes to come up with their best concoction for the audience and judges.

The best part, you as an audience member get to sample all the drinks the bartenders create, for free! Every week a 3rd guest judge will be selected from the audience and the audience counts for 25% of the vote.

Cocktail Wars will take place every Monday from January 18th until the finals on February 29th. The event is free, intended for those 21+, feature’s a cash bar and Gas Lamp Grille’s kitchen is usually open until about 9pm.

3 – Brick Alley Nacho Tasting

Tue. – Fri. from 2pm to 4pm at Brick Alley Pub

BAP will host their 28th Annual Nacho Tasting during Newport Winter Festival. Enjoy award winning nachos for free with a Newport Winter Festival bracelet and purchase of a beverage.

4 – The C Word – Presented by Newport Film

Tuesday at 6:30pm at Casino Theater

From director Meghan O’Hara (known for Bowling for Columbine (2002), Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004) & Sicko (2007)) & executive producer Morgan Freeman comes a bold new film that will forever change the way we view cancer… THE C WORD With support from Newport’s Health Equity Zone Post-film discussion with director Meghan O’Hara This is a FREE event with a $5 suggested donation RSVP & DONATE here: bit.ly/CWordDoc

[contextly_auto_sidebar] 5 – Samuel Adams Beer Dinner

Tuesday at 6pm at The Mooring Seafood Kitchen and Bar

Enjoy this annual event as a visiting brewmaster from Sam Adams brewery guides guests through a selection of beers paired with a distinct menu specially prepared by the Mooring chefs for this occasion. Reception begins at 6pm; dinner at 6:30pm. For a complete menu, visit www.mooringrestaurant.com. $55 per person/$50 with Newport Winterfest bracelet. Reservations are required. Call 401.846.2260.

6  – Milk & Honey Cheese + Wine  (PICTURED ABOVE)

Wednesday from 6pm – 7:30pm at Newport Vineyards

Join Newport Vineyards for a winter warmer evening as our wine and cheese experts take you on a journey through Milk & Honey cheeses paired with Newport Vineyards wines. Dine at Brix following the class to cap off the night in front of their fireplace. Wednesday, Feb 17 | 6pm – 7:30pm. $35 per person

7 – Family Friendly Funnies

Wednesday at 7pm at The Firehouse Theater

The Bit Players, present a show for the kids during WinterFest in Newport! This event is for the whole family! We are doing a special discounted ticket price for this show, parents $15 and kids are just $10! The show will be an hour and is BYOB for adults. All children must be accompanied by an adult. We encourage ALL guests to make sure you get tickets in advance, shows often sell out. Show will start at 7:00pm, doors will open at 6:30pm. Laugh More.

8 – Ballard Park Illuminated Garden

Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 6pm – 9pm

Ballard Exploration Company, Inc. presents the 11th Annual Illuminated Garden on Thursday, February 18th; Friday, February 19th and Saturday, February 20th, 2016 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at Ballard Park.  The free event features thousands of lights displayed on the trees and unique features of Ballard Park’s three acre quarry meadow.

9 – Polar Pineapples

Friday and Saturday from 3pm – 9pm at Hyatt Regency Hotel & Spa

Pineapples on the Bay will be transformed again this year for the 3rd annual Polar Pineapples. Try a signature infused cocktail or specialty hot drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available) while enjoying views of the bay. This year will feature a variety of ice sculptures and an ice luge! Hours 3-9pm Free Hot Chocolate at the Five33 Lounge w/bracelet, 401.851.1234.

10 – Live Improv Comedy with The Bit Players

Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Saturday at 10pm

RI’s most award-winning comedy troupe hits the stage with their hilarious improv show full of larger than life characters, hysterical musical numbers, & the quickest wit you’ll ever see EVERY Fri & Sat night at 8pm. If you are going for a special occasion & would like a person(s) of honor to be part of the show let us know in advance. We will create a customized game just for your group! We encourage ALL guests to buy tickets online, shows often sell out. All shows are BYOB! Laugh More.

Live Music & Entertainment Listings – Newport, RI

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Monday

  • Diegos: Trivia at 9pm
  • Fastnet: Live music with The Ubiquitones from 10pm to 1am. No cover.
  • Fifth Element: Live music with The Groove Merchants from 7pm to 10pm
  • Midtown Oyster Bar: Live music from 9pm to 1am. No cover.
  • Perro Salado: Live music with Julio Amaro from 6pm to 9pm. No cover.

Tuesday

  • Empire Tea & Coffee (Broadway Location): Acoustic folk jam at 7:30pm.
  • O’brien’s: Trivia at 9:30pm
  • Wharf Pub: Open Mic at 8pm.

Wednesday

  • Buskers: Open mic night with Mike Warner from 9pm to 1am. No cover.
  • Fastnet: Pub Trivia at 9pm.
  • Jimmy’s Saloon: Live music at 8pm
  • Norey’s Star Restaurant: Live music with at 9pm. No cover.
  • Perro Salado: Live music with The Throttles from 10pm to 1am. No cover.
  • Sardella’s: Live jazz music at 7:30pm. No cover.
  • Tavern On Broadway: Live jazz music at 7pm.

Thursday

  • Celtica: Trivia at 9pm
  • Hibernian Hall: Live music with The Playboys at 6pm.
  • Jimmy’s Saloon: Open mic at 9pm.
  • Norey’s Star Restaurant: Live jazz music at 7:30pm. No cover.
  • Perro Salado:  Live music with The HonkyTonk Knights from 9pm to 1am. No cover.
  • Speakeasy: Live music with Justin Pomfret at 9pm.
  • Wharf Pub: Bingo at 8pm

Friday

  • Buskers: Live music from 9pm to 1am. No Cover.
  • Celtica: Karaoke at 10pm. No cover.
  • Chanler at Cliff Walk: Live music with Dick Lupino & friends from 6pm to 10pm. No cover.
  • Clarke Cooke House: DJ & Dancing in the Boom Boom Room from 10pm to 1am. No cover.
  • Firehouse Theater: Live improv comedy with The Bit Players at 8pm.
  • Hotel Viking (One Bellevue Lounge): Live music from 7pm – 11pm.
  • Jimmy’s Saloon: Live music with at 9pm.
  • Jo’s Bistro: Live music with John & Joanne from 7pm to 10pm. No cover.
  • Midtown Oyster Bar: Live music at 10pm. No cover.
  • Newport Blues Cafe: Live music at 9pm.
  • One Pelham East: Live music at 9pm.
  • Parlor Bar & Kitchen: Live music at 9pm.
  • Speakeasy: Live music with Chopville from 10pm to 1am. No cover.
  • Tavern On Broadway: Live Reggae music from 10pm to 1am. No cover.
  • Wharf Pub: Live music at 8:30pm. No cover.

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