9 Ocean Race Newport stopover events not to miss

The Ocean Race stopover in Newport nears closer and closer. Being one of the largest events to kick off Newport’s summer tourism season, the event promises to bring fun and activities that all visitors to the City-by-the-Sea can enjoy.

In addition to larger, race-centric events, such as the pro-am speed runs and the in-port race taking place on May 20, smaller events will be taking place in the weeks between when the boats arrive and when they set sail for Denmark on May 21.

You can check out the full schedule, but here are nine events not to miss during the Ocean Race stopover.

The Opening Ceremony at Ocean Live Park

May 13 at 11 a.m.

This opening day celebration includes a parade, performers, music and a salute to the Ocean Race. The parade features groups like the Artillery Company of Newport, the Narragansett Indian Tribe, the Navy Band, the Portuguese Social Club’s Rancho Folclórico Dancers, mascots and Sail Newport students carrying the flags of the 13 nations represented in the race.

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The Exploration Zone

Throughout the stopover

Opening at 2 p.m. on May 13, this exhibit at Ocean Live Park features interactive activities on sailing, ocean health, coastal sustainability, marine science, technology and art.

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Live Music Performances

Throughout the stopover.

Bands from across New England will be performing live throughout the two weeks, including Comanchero, The Z-Boys, the TeleDynes, Wooden Leg, The Void Union, Newport-based Honky Tonk Knights, Newport-based Chelley Knight and the Dope Things and Dan Burke and the Royale Treatment. The full entertainment schedule is on the Ocean Race Newport website.

SailNewport's Try Sailing

Throughout the stopover

Sail Newport’s experienced skippers will take you and your family out on one of their J22’s for a tour of Newport Harbor. No experience is necessary. The activity will be held each day from Saturday, May 13 to Sunday, May 21, weather permitting. The times for each day differ, according to the official daily schedule.

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One Blue Voice Immersive Experience

Throughout the stopover

This featured exhibit, presented by 11th Hour Racing, is a show which combines video, audio and holograms to take visitors to an IMOCA 60 then dives into the sea to explore the importance of ocean conservation.

Wing Foil Race

Sunday, May 14 at 1 p.m.

Sail Newport will host a slalom-style course racing and open sailing by the race village at Fort Adams Park. The event includes commentators, awards, a beer tent, food trucks and live music. There is a $30 entry fee for those interested in participating.

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newportFILM’s Shaped by Water movie screening

Sunday, May 14 at 5 p.m.

Produced by 11th Hour Racing, Shaped by Water is a documentary about athletes and the environments they work in, showcasing personal stories from athletes such as freediver Zandile Ndhlovu, freeskier Jess Hotter and the 11th Hour Racing Team. This live screening will be held at Fort Adams Park. RSVP is encouraged but not required.

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Audrain Auto Museum Car Parade and Classic Car Viewing

Tuesday, May 16 at 4:30 p.m.

Check out Audrain Auto Museum’s classic car collection during a car parade and a special edition of their Cars and Coffee event at 5 p.m.

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Genoa Pesto Competition

Friday, May 19 at 1 p.m.

The Genoa, Italy Pavilion at the race village in Ocean Live Park is planning to host a special edition of the Pesto World Championship, a tournament held at Genoa’s Doge Palace every two years. The Italian city, which also happens to be where the Ocean Race finale is held, is credited as the birthplace of the traditional basil pesto.

This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Ocean Race stopover events in Newport to visit