Black Ships Festival Opening Ceremonies

Rockwell Park Rockwell Park, Bristol, RI

Colorful ceremonies to commemorate Rhode Island’s native son, Commodore Matthew C. Perry, and the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa, which opened trade between Japan and the United States. Wreath-laying and speeches by American and Japanese dignitaries. Colors will be presented by the Bristol Police Color Guard.

Black Ships Festival – Sushi Sake Sail I

Goat Island Marina 5 Marina Plaza, Newport, RI

Sail aboard one of the magnificent Tall Ships, the 101′ Schooner Aurora. View Newport harbor as you sip sake from Gekkeikan, and sample some great sushi. Space is limited to 68 people. A sellout every year! Sponsored by IDC, The Newport Experience. $45 per person. Purchase Tickets Online * Please arrive 15 mins prior to the sail to get checked…

Black Ships Festival Taiko Drum Performance 

Rockwell Park Rockwell Park, Bristol, RI

Odaiko New England, will dazzle you with their electrifying drums. The taiko is said to be the voice and spirit of the Japanese. The sound of the taiko has an irresistible draw the summons people to seek out its source! Bring chairs & blankets.

Black Ships Festival Arts & Crafts and Martial Arts Fair

Independence Park 419-459 Thames St, Bristol, RI

Independence Park on Thames Street is transformed into a Japanese-American Cultural Center, featuring demonstrations, workshops, and displays. Including Arts and Crafts, Taiko, and Martial Arts Demonstrations. Full Schedule ​

Black Ships Festival Gala

Ochre Court Ochre Point Ave, Newport, RI

Celebrate the 39th Anniversary of the Black Ships Festival. Enjoy a formal gala honoring the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa and the accomplishments of the United States Navy. Join us as we welcome Japanese Dignitaries, RI Officials and the US Navy. Enjoy a unique evening that fuses both Japanese and American culture. The Gala includes dancing, an Open Bar,…

Black Ships Festival Memorial Ceremony 

Island Cemetery Farewell St & Warner Street, Newport, RI

Wreath ceremony at Perry's tomb by American and Japanese dignitaries. Navy color guard, Northeast Band Bugler. The public is invited to experience this commemorative service. 

Aquapalooza

Flotilla party of hundreds of boats in Potters Cove at Prudence Island (always last Saturday in July) Location: Potters Cove at Prudence Island Register here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aquapalooza-Rhode-Island/1649535998623703 Contact: Derek.Leigh@BlueWaterBoatSales.com

Fort Adams Park Clean-Up

Sail Newport @ 72 Fort Adams Dr, Newport, RI 02840, USA

Sail Newport is pleased to team up with Clean Ocean Access for the Fort Adams Park Clean-Up in honor of Earth Month! From Clean Ocean Access: Join Clean Ocean Access  and Sail Newport as we eliminate marine debris at Fort Adams in Newport! Join us to celebrate the first day of Earth Month and learn more about what you can…

Newport Folk Festival

Folk music outdoors at Ft. Adams with hundreds of spectators both at the venue ashore and on boats anchored off Ft. Adams.

Aquapalooza

Flotilla party of hundreds of boats in Potters Cove at Prudence Island (always last Saturday in July)

Newport Jazz Festival

Jazz music outdoors at Ft. Adams with hundreds of spectators both at the venue ashore and on boats anchored off Ft. Adams.

Newport International Boat Show

The Newport International Boat Show (NIBS), one of the largest and most prestigious boat shows in the country, spans over thirteen acres of historic downtown Newport, Rhode Island.