Return of Newport Winter Festival among Newport area weekend event highlights
It may not have felt much like winter this season, but that doesn't mean we can't celebrate the coldest months and with school vacation kicking off, the ability to get out and let the kids loose doesn't hurt.
This weekend welcomes back the return of the Newport Winter Festival, a weeklong extravaganza of events for the whole family to enjoy. But that's not all that's happening.
You can find plenty of live music and art to return a little adult sanity if the kids are getting rambunctious.
So check out these events, including one that could be worth traveling a little for.
Newport Winter Festival is back
After a two-year hiatus, the Newport Winter Festival kicks off on Friday with a full schedule of events. Timed to coincide with winter break in local schools, events will continue through next weekend.
Among the highlights during the first weekend of events is the annual Chili Cook-off, a magic and illusion show, live concerts featuring a wide range of music, a reptile show and much more.
Support Seaman's Church Institue
The Newport Marriott and Rhode Island Wind Ensemble are teaming up in support of the Seamen’s Church Institute of Newport. RIWE is performing a benefit concert at 7 p.m. in the Atrium of the Newport Marriott that is free and open to the public. Donations - $10 is suggested - will be collected at the concert.
Matilda the Musical at Portsmouth Abbey
Portsmouth Abbey School presents Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical. Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, and recently made into a Netflix film, this delightful show revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. With a live orchestra and stunning visual elements, the talented cast brings to life this much loved show. Please join us for an exciting theatrical experience, right here in Portsmouth!
Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical will be presented in the Portsmouth Abbey School auditorium this Saturday at 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and kids under 12, and can be purchased at the door. There will be a bake sale during intermission with homemade desserts, popcorn and drinks.
Art show opening
Newport’s Gallery Sitka welcomes the Women’s Caucus for Arts’ Central Massachusetts chapter for a group show, opening with a reception on Saturday from 2-4 p.m. Many of the participating artists will be in attendance for the gallery reception.
The seven artists’ exhibited work is vastly different, ranging from realism to abstraction, painting to photography. The show will remain up through March 4, with gallery hours on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Artists include Alana Garrigues, Bonnie Iannotta, Christine Regan Davi, CM Judge, Helen Obermeyer Simmons, Joanne Stowell, and Susan Wadsworth. Additional information, artist bios, and examples of their work can be found at www.cmwca.org.
Celebrate Mardi Gras at Blithewood
Celebrate Mardi Gras and let the good times roll this Sunday from 1-3 p.m. as Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum transports you to the sounds of Bourbon Street. The Cajun Hobos, featuring local favorites Alan Bradbury, Michelle Kaminsky, and Mark Wholley, will kick off Mardi Gras with their old-fashioned Cajun music from southwest Louisiana.
This trio will keep you tapping your toes as you enjoy the stories and songs about Cajun-style Mardi-Gras. Carnival-inspired decorations, refreshments, and a signature drink complete the scene.
Tickets are $30 for members and $40 for non-members.
This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Newport area weekend events: Newport Winter Festival, Mardi Gras music
