It's gonna be May: 9 can't-miss events in Newport County in May

Scott Barrett, Newport Daily News
·4 min read

The doldrums of winter have left us, the temperatures are getting warmer and the days are getting longer. May is the month that sets the table for the summer season in the City-by-the-Sea, and there is no shortage of things to do through Memorial Day weekend.

Here are some can’t miss events in Newport County during the month of May.

Aquidneck Island National Police Parade

Sunday, May 1

It’s been a few years since the parade made its way from Middletown, past One Mile Corner and into Newport. Organizers canceled the annual event because of COVID concerns in 2020 and 2021, but it returns this spring.

Back again: After 'very trying two years' for law enforcement, Aquidneck Island Police Parade returns

The Police Parade set to step off at 11:50 a.m. at 317 West Main Road in Middletown, just after Two Mile Corner, and ends at Washington Square. The event is held to honor law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Stoneacre Dog Show

Sunday, May 1

Who doesn’t love a well-dressed dog? A panel of judges will grade some VIPs (very important pups) in 10 categories at the second annual Stoneacre Dog Show, which runs from 1 to 4 p.m. at Stoneacre Garden, 151 Swinburne Row in Newport.

The cost to enter a furry friend is $35, and general admission is $50. All proceeds benefit The Potter League for Animals.

Newport County days at the Newport Mansions

Sunday, May 1

Residents of Newport County are invited to enjoy free admission to The Breakers and Green Animals Topiary Garden as part of Newport County days (also April 30) hosted by the Preservation Society of Newport County. The Breakers and Green Animals Topiary will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

After an extensive renovation, the Armory building on Thames Street in Newport is ready to house The Sailing Museum, which is set to open to the public on May 10.
After an extensive renovation, the Armory building on Thames Street in Newport is ready to house The Sailing Museum, which is set to open to the public on May 10.

Sailing Museum opens its doors

Tuesday, May 10

It’s been a long road since the National Sailing Hall of Fame first set eyes on the former Armory building on Thames Street in Newport. But the time has come to open up. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Sailing Museum is scheduled for May 6, then the museum will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting May 10.

Go inside: The Sailing Museum inside the former Armory has set a date to open. Here's what to expect.

Tickets will be offered at $18, with discounts for seniors, students and military, and children 10 and under will enjoy the museum free of charge.

Food trucks populate the grounds of Fort Adams State Park during the inaugural Newport Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival in May 2019.
Food trucks populate the grounds of Fort Adams State Park during the inaugural Newport Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival in May 2019.

Newport Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival

Saturday and Sunday, May 14-15

Bring your appetite to Fort Adams State Park, where the third annual, two-day Newport Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival will be held. Hosted by the Food Truck Festival of America, the hours are noon to 5 p.m. both days, with a VIP hour from 11 a.m. to noon.

Food trucks in Newport: Where could food trucks locate in Newport? Council to weigh options.

Thirty of the area’s most popular food trucks will be in attendance, as well as dozens of regional and national craft breweries. Tickets start at $10.

Bowen's Wharf was packed in May 2021 for the Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival.
Bowen's Wharf was packed in May 2021 for the Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival.

Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival

Saturday and Sunday, May 21-22

Live music, good drink and fresh seafood are on tap for the Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival to be held at Bowen’s Wharf. The hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. The event is free and open to the public. All food will be available for purchase directly from vendors, with multiple cash bars on site.

Rogue Island Comedy Festival

Thursday-Monday, May 26-30

Over the course of five days, dozens of comics will perform at a number of local venues, including the Jane Pickens Theater, Top of Pelham, the Wayfinder Hotel, Ragged Island Brewing and The Reef restaurant. Tickets for all shows cost $30.

The Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial will be on display at Fort Adams State Park from May 27-30.
The Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial will be on display at Fort Adams State Park from May 27-30.

Boots on the Ground memorial

Friday-Monday, May 27-30

Operation Stand Down Rhode Island once again will display more than 7,000 boots at Fort Adams State Park to honor fallen troops in the War on Terror. The display will be open from Friday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Memorial Day.

Honoring veterans: On the front lines during WWII, Newport soldier's story will be told to future generations

The 88th Army Band of the Rhode Island National Guard will play a patriot concert on Saturday at 5 p.m.

Roam Around Rough Point

Saturday, May 28

Explore the house and grounds of Rough Point Museum from 5 to 7 p.m. during this special after-hours event. Explor the house of Doris Duke, then stroll the gardens and take in the seascape outside. A family-friendly craft will be provided. The cost is $20, but free for Newport County residents.

This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Newport RI things to do in May 2022: Food trucks, chowder and sailing