Winter is upon us, and while we may like nothing more than to bundle up and hibernate until spring, our children have other ideas, and hibernating for adults can only be satisfying for a limited time.
There’s no disputing the fact that in RI, Newport offers countless activities, fairs, festivals, and events, throughout the year. Everyone loves flocking there in the summer months to experience all that’s offered in the “City by the Sea.” What many may not know is that in the winter months, Newport, rightfully so, is a destination in RI for just as much fun, entertainment, and truly countless entertaining activities for all ages, as it is in the warmer months.
To ease the burden of hunting down ideas to keep the entire family entertained when the inevitable chill envelops our state, check out what’s listed below and discover just a portion of Newport’s available wintertime events .
37th Annual NEWPORT WINTER FESTIVAL
Upcoming Festival February 14th-23rd, 2025
The Newport Winter Festival is chock full with ten days of events to help you beat the winter blues! This year’s lineup includes performances by Little Lies–A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac, Bennie and The Jets: A Premier Elton John Tribute, Toe Jam Puppet Band, The Magic and Illusions of Jason Purdy, and more. There will also be a Tropical Drink Competition, Rainforest Reptile Show, Princess Party, Mac & Cheese Smackdown, and a Chili Cook-Off and many more events being added by the day.
VISIT https://www.newportwinterfestival.com/copy-of-featured-events-2025 TO SEE THE GROWING LIST OF ADDED EVENTS.
FEBRUARY 14TH – FEBRUARY 23, 2025
Catch a Flick at the Providence Children’s Film Festival
February 14–23, 2025
Across multiple locations in Providence, and featuring over 200 short films made by filmmakers around the world, the Providence Children’s Film Festival hopes to inspire and educate children and families from Rhode Island. Some screenings are free or “pay what you can,” to eliminate financial barriers and make the films accessible to every patron.
Featured Events 2025
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH
Little Lies- A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac!
Newport Marriott
8:30pm
Little Lies is a high energy tribute band performing an authentic playlist of your favorite Fleetwood Mac hits. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering their music for the first time, this show promises to be a night filled with classic tunes good vibes, and memories to last a lifetime! Enjoy a night of romance, drama, and, of course, “Rumours”! Get ready to sing along to all their greatest hits like “You make loving fun,” “Little Lies,” “Go your own way.” and “Dreams.”
Tickets are $22 in advance, or at the door with a bracelet for $27 at the door, w/o bracelet.
VIP Tickets are $52 in advance/ w/bracelet and $57 at the door, w/o bracelet, if available.
VIP Tickets include a drink ticket and upfront seating at a table.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH
28th Annual Chili Cook-Off
Newport Marriott
11:00am-3:00pm
Winter heats up as area restaurants and caterers compete to see who has the best chili in town! Bring your appetite, sharpen your taste buds, and join in the fun. as you choose your favorite chili! From classic recipes to unique twists, you’ll find a chili to satisfy every craving. Mark your calendars and bring your appetite for a day filled with flavor, fun, and friendly competition! To enter your chili call 401.847.7666.
Tickets are $12 in advance/ at the door, with bracelet, and $15 at the door, without bracelet
Children ages 6-10 are $4 in advance, with bracelet, and $6 at the door, without bracelet
Children under 5 are free.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH
Toe Jam Puppet Band
Newport Marriott
12:00pm
Toe Jam Puppet Band offers a special brand of hands-on children’s entertainment that grown-ups can also enjoy. The performances are very active, encouraging kids and parents to sing and dance along with the band, as they entertain with a unique combination of original songs, masterful shadow puppetry, storytelling, and just plain old good fun.
Tickets sold at the door are $5, with bracelet, and $8, without bracelet,
Magic by George
Newport Marriott
2:00pm
Get ready for an afternoon of magic, comedy, and fun-filled family entertainment, with multi-award-winning magician Magic By George!
This dynamic show is a compelling blend of jaw dropping magic, psychic mind reading and light, warm-hearted comedy. And the best part is… spectators will actively participate in the show to help create a unique, fun, and memorable experience!
You’ll be amazed by the appearance of LIVE BIRDS and an audience member actually FLOATING IN MID-AIR!!
Tickets: $7, with bracelet, and $10, without bracelet.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH
Fire & Ice Mad Science Show
Newport Marriott
12:00pm
This spectacular show thrills audiences with impressive science experiments. The event includes foggy dry ice storms, and demonstrates how giant beach balls can float in the air. The Mad Scientist will demonstrate fire’s use of oxygen to pull an egg “magically” into a flask! Families are amazed by sizzling, shivering scissors, and special bubbly showers!
Tickets $7, with bracelet, and $9, without bracelet
Reptile Show
Newport Marriott 2:00pm
In this show, the animals are the stars! Kids will learn all about these fascinating animals, their natural behaviors and their habitats. Animals include alligators, huge snakes, turtles, and lizards! With Reptile Shows of New England!
Tickets $7, with, and bracelet $9, without bracelet
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH
Teddy Bear Musical Celebration and Story Time
Newport Harbor Hotel
11:00am
Bring your favorite Teddy Bear and listen to the musical storyteller, Christopher ‘Kavi’ Carbone, share captivating stories and songs of the wonders of winter, while having tea for adults and milk and cookies for children. Presented by the Newport Harbor Hotel.
Tickets will be sold at the door, and will be $3, with bracelet, and $6, without (both parents and kids).
Beer Dinner at the Mooring
6:00pm
The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar
1 Sayer’s Wharf
(401) 846-2260
Enjoy this annual event, as a visiting brewmaster will guide guests through a selection of beers, paired with a distinct menu specially prepared by the Mooring chefs for this occasion. Reception begins at 6:00pm; dinner at 6:30pm. Chefs will prepare a delicious 4 course meal with welcome reception hors d’oeuvres that will be paired with 5 featured local beers from Tilted Barn Brewery. You can purchase tickets by calling the Mooring Restaurant.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH
Princess Party
1:00pm-3:00pm
OceanCliff
Join Elsa, Moana, and Ariel at OceanCliff Castle! Enjoy treats fit for a princess. Wear your favorite princess attire for a royal afternoon filled with stories, songs, dancing, face painting, and even decorate your own crown to bring home!
Co-Sponsored by OceanCliff/Newport Experience.
Questions? Prince’s are welcomed too! All children and parents will need a ticket. Call 401-847-7666. No strollers allowed in the ballroom due to space.
Tickets are $18 in advance, with bracelet, at the door, and if available, or $22 at the door, if available.
(This event usually sells out quickly )
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH
Jazz for Kids at Greenvale
1pm-4pm
Greenvale Vineyards
582 Wapping Road
Portsmouth
401-847-3777
The artists will entertain guests and they will love enjoying jazz in a setting incorporated with old time standards. Wine tasting will be available for purchase.
FREE/Open to the public.
Robert Clarke Magician/Comedy/Juggler
Newport Harbor Island Resort
6:30pm
Superb, sophisticated, and stylish! Boston Magician & Juggler Robert Clarke will entertain, mystify and keep you wanting more. Providing a total variety of magic shows in RI, Boston, and beyond that includes awesome magic, cool juggling skills, hilarious comedy routines and tons of audience interaction. This show is non-stop, high energy and crowd pleasing. A show for all ages young and old and not to be missed.
Tickets are $8, with bracelet, and $11, without bracelet.
Annual Best Hot Drink Contest
8:00pm
The Red Parrot Restaurant
348 Thames Street
Newport
The competition heats up, as judges determine the Best Hot Drink in Newport! Local bars and restaurants are invited to compete for the Festival Plaque. Guests 21+ will get to sample the delightful concoctions as well as enjoy drink specials. To enter, contact the Red Parrot 401.847.3140. Contestants must provide their own liquor, garnishes and glassware. FREE Admission and FREE Samples!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22ND
Mac & Cheese Smackdown
Newport Marriott
11:30am-3:30pm
The Mac is Back! – The Cheesiest Event Rhode Island Has Ever Seen… The Mac and Cheese Smackdown! Take all of your family and friends for the ultimate mac and cheese showdown at the Newport Marriott Hotel. Get ready to indulge in a cheesy extravaganza, like no other. Whether you’re a mac and cheese connoisseur, or just a fan of this comfort food classic, this event is a must-attend.
Sample a variety of mouthwatering mac and cheese creations, prepared by talented local chefs. From traditional recipes to innovative twists, you’ll have the chance to savor an array of cheesy delights. Cast your vote for the best mac and cheese dish and help decide the winner!
Bring your appetite and prepare for a cheese-filled day of fun and friendly competition. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience a mac and cheese lover’s dream. Grab everyone and get over to the Newport Marriott Hotel for the Mac and Cheese Smackdown!
Tickets are $18 in advance, with bracelet, or $20 at the door, without bracelet.
Kids’ Tickets, Ages 4-9 are $9 in advance, and $11 at the door, without bracelet. Children under age 4 are free.
