Hall of Fame Open and history comes alive. Check out these Newport County events this weekend

Will Richmond, Newport Daily News
·4 min read

Hopefully the July 4th long weekend didn't take too much energy out of you because there are a number of great events ready to roll this coming weekend.

For tennis fans, the annual Infosys Hall of Fame Open returns with a number of recognizable names ready to hit the grass courts.

If music is more of your thing, then you're in luck, with another outdoor summer concert series starting and a waterfront reggae concert putting you in the summer mood, if you aren't already.

History buffs will also find a great opportunity to learn more about Newport's role in the Revolutionary War.

Not to mention there's a great art festival just over the Jamestown Bridge for those willing to leave the region.

Infosys Hall of Fame Open

The only grass court venue on the ATP Tour outside of Europe begins Sunday when The Infosys Hall of Fame Open kicks off.

The annual men's tournament at the International Tennis Hall of Fame continues through July 17. This year's tournament includes some high-profile players returning to Newport, including four-time Infosys Hall of Fame Open singles champion and world No. 26 John Isner, world No. 33 Jenson Brooksby and No. 37 Alexander Bublik.

Alexander Bublik, the 2019 runner-up at the Hall of Fame Open in Newport, is set to return to the City-by-the-Sea for this year's tournament.
Alexander Bublik, the 2019 runner-up at the Hall of Fame Open in Newport, is set to return to the City-by-the-Sea for this year's tournament.

Additionally, it was officially announced on Monday that Andy Murray, a two-time Wimbledon champion, US Open champion and former world No. 1, is set to compete as a wild card. Felix Auger-Aliassime, currently No. 9 in the Pepperstone ATP Tour rankings and a 2021 US Open semifinalist, has also accepted a wild card entry, making him the first top 10 player to compete in Newport since 2018.

Tickets for the Infosys Hall of Fame Open can be purchased at infosyshalloffameopen.com/tickets or by calling 401-849-6053.

Reggae Night at Newport Regatta

Reggae Night at Newport Regatta, featuring Professor Roots, will take place harbor side lawn of the Sail Newport Sailing Center on Saturday from 4-8 p.m. Guests will hear an eclectic mix of reggae, ska, steady rock and original Jamaican music. Food will be provided by McGrath Clambakes and Catering, with a fun variety of drinks, games and more.

Tickets include entry to the social, food and one drink ticket. Additional drink tickets will be available for purchase at the event for $5. This is a 21+ event.

Tickets are available to the public for $30 and at the door for $40 if the event hasn't sold out. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reggae-night-at-newport-regatta-tickets-361849119457 for tickets and more information.

NIMfest kicks off

The outdoor concert season is officially underway and the scene is about to get a little bit more robust with the addition of the annual NIMfest concert schedule.

NIMFest concerts return this year to King Park in Newport.
NIMFest concerts return this year to King Park in Newport.

With eight concerts scheduled through the summer, the first show takes place on Sunday from 3-6 p.m. at King Park, with Future Phrase/Dan Burke & the Royal Treatment performing.

Outdoor concerts: Here's where you can find free summer outdoor concerts all summer long in Newport

Lawn seating will be available and a food truck is scheduled to be on site.

The French in 1780 Newport

The French in Newport Weekend, running Thursday through Sunday, will feature living historians portraying recognizable figures such as George and Martha Washington along with the head of the French army, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau. Dozens of costumed living historians representing both civilians and French soldiers will discuss what it was like to build a relationship with this new ally. Programming will take place outside of the Great Friends Meeting House, the Colony House and the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House.

The weekend-long event is taking place through a partnership between the Newport Historical Society and the Museum of the American Revolution’s First Oval Office Project. Highlights this weekend will include a hand-sewn replica of George Washington’s sleeping tent, the National Park Service’s (NPS) traveling archaeology lab will be available on Friday, and NPS is also sponsoring a kids scavenger hunt that allows participants who complete this activity to enjoy a free sail on schooner Adirondack II.

The 2022 French in Newport living history weekend will run each day starting at 11 a.m. Admission is free; donations are welcome.

Wickford Art Festival

The Wickford Art Festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature over 180 juried artists from all over New England and the East Coast in Wilson Park.

In addition to the artists, food from Newport Chowder Company, Little B's BBQ, Sam's New York System, Kettle Korn Express, and more will be featured.

Visitors check out the work of artist Jillian Krenshaw during the annual Wickford Art Festival in 2021.
Visitors check out the work of artist Jillian Krenshaw during the annual Wickford Art Festival in 2021.

Parking is available at Wilson Park and Wickford Middle School. A complimentary shuttle will run from Wickford Middle School to Wilson Park. Parking is also available at the town’s public lots and permitted street parking is available on West Main Street, Main Street and Brown Street. Admission is free.

Do you have an event you'd like to be considered for our weekly roundup? Email details to newsroom@newportri.com.

This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Infosys Hall of Fame Open, Nimfest, French in 1780 Newport lead events