13 Wicked Fun Things to Do at the Newport Winter Festival

The ten-day Newport Winter Festival involves everything from ice sculpture competitions and kids activities to a chili cook-off.
Ice

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The thirty-sixth annual Newport Winter Festival kicks off this Friday, February 16, and will span ten days with more than 150 events featuring food, music and fun. Don’t know where to begin? Here are our top picks. (And pssst… You can purchase a festival bracelet in advance here for discounts on some of the featured events.)

 

1. The Eagles Experience

Are you an Eagles (the band, not the Super Bowl LVII runner up) fan? Miss hearing classics like “Best of My Love” and “Take it Easy”? Wyndham Newport Hotel presents an Eagles tribute event live on Friday, February 16 at 8:30 p.m. Listen to the Eagles Experience as they bring you back to the band’s heyday in the ‘70s with hits such as, “Hotel California,” “The Long Run” and “Heartache Tonight.” Tickets are $18 in advance with a bracelet or $22 at the door. You can also purchase VIP tickets — which include a drink and prime, up front seating — for $45 in advance or $50 at the door. Buy GA and VIP tickets here.

 

2. Tropical Drink Competition

Come with your best tropical drink recipe and compete for the top title, or just enjoy free sampling of said drinks at the Gas Lamp Grille. Contestants will need to supply their own glassware and liquor. To enter, call 401-845-9300. Must be twenty-one or older to compete/attend. Gas Lamp Grille, 206 Thames St., Newport, 401-845-9300, gaslampgrille.com

 

3. Silent Disco 

Ever wished you could dictate the playlist while out dancing? Now’s your chance  A silent disco is a giant dance party where all the participants wear headphones so each individual can enjoy dancing together while controlling their own volume and music genre.  The disco will be hosted by Ocean Cliff and tickets are $20 in advance with a bracelet or $22 at the door without. Buy tickets here.

 

4. Twenty-Seventh Annual Chili Cook-Off 

Spice up your life and head to the Newport Marriott Hotel and Spa on Saturday, February 17, as area restaurants and caterers compete to see who has the best chili in the City By the Sea. Bring your appetite and taste different chilis while battling it out with your family on which chili reigns supreme. If you think you have the best chili, call 401-847-7666 to inquire about entering the cook off. Tickets are $15 or $12 with a bracelet. Tickets for children ages five through ten are $6 or $4 with a bracelet. Children four and younger are free. Buy tickets here.

 

5. Rainforest Reptile Show

Bring out the snakes! Both adults and kiddos alike can learn about reptiles behaviors as well as their natural habitats at this family-friendly show at the Wyndham Newport Hotel on Monday, February 19. Featured reptilian guests include alligators, snakes, turtles and lizards. The show begins at 2:30 p.m. and admission is $8 without a bracelet or $6 with a bracelet, all available at the door.

 

6. Fire and Ice Mad Science Show

Join the wonderful world of science and take a look at a mad scientist. On Monday, February 19, children will be “edutained” as they watch things bubble, explode and shatter during different science experiments. The show begins at noon and tickets are available at the door for $6 with a bracelet or $8 without. Wyndham Newport Hotel, 240 Aquidneck Ave, Middletown, 401-236-2020, wyndhamnewportri.com

 

7. Juggler and Comedian Robert Clarke

On Saturday, February 17, Boston magician and juggler Robert Clarke will entertain you and your children and leave you wishing for more. Head to the Newport Marriott and watch as he mystifies your whole family with magic, juggling skills, a comedy routine and tons of audience participation opportunities. The high-energy show is for all ages and begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $11 at the door or $8 with a bracelet.

 

8. Princess Party

Your favorite Disney princess are traveling from their magical realms all the way to Newport to party with you and your family on Wednesday, February 21 at OceanCliff. Wear your favorite royal attire and enjoy stories, songs, dances, treats and surprises all fit for a princess. You can even create your own crown to bring home. Tickets are $15 in advance and with a bracelet or $20 without a bracelet. Both children and adults require tickets to enter. Buy tickets here.

 

9. Teddy Bear Musical Celebration and Story Time

Grab your favorite teddy bear and head over to the Newport Harbor Hotel on Tuesday, February 20, at 11 a.m. to listen to musical storyteller Christopher Carbone share stories and songs about the wonders of winter. Adults can sip tea while the children enjoy milk and cookies. Tickets are $3 at the door with a bracelet or $5 without a bracelet. Newport Harbor Hotel, 49 America’s Cup Ave., 401-847-9000, newporthotel.com

 

10. BubbleMania

On the evening of Friday, February 24, delight in a fascinating show of quick wit, visual comedy, big band swing music and even juggling with bubbles (you read that right) at the Wyndham Newport Hotel. Whether you’re five or eighty-five, you’re sure to have a fun-filled night. Tickets will be available at the door for $10 or for $7 with a bracelet or in advance.

 

11. Beer Dinner at the Mooring

Beer lovers come one, come all. On Tuesday, February 20, the Mooring will play host to a visiting brewmaster as he guides guests through a selection of beers paired with a distinct menu specially prepared by the Mooring chefs. The chefs will prepare a delicious four-course meal with a welcome reception full of hors d’oeuvres that will perfectly pair with five featured beers from Tilted Barn Brewery. The reception begins at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. View the full menu here. Tickets are $85 with a bracelet or $95 without and can be purchased by calling the restaurant. The Mooring Seafood Kitchen and Bar, 1 Sayers Wharf, Newport, 401-846-2260, mooringrestaurant.com

 

12. Mac & Cheese Smackdown

The cheesiest event the state has ever seen is back at the Newport Marriott. Whether you’re a mac and cheese connoisseur or just a fan of this comfort food classic, this event is a must-attend. From traditional recipes to innovative twists, sample a variety of mouthwatering mac and cheese creations prepared by talented local chefs before casting your vote for the best of the best. Tickets $20 in advance or $22 at the door. Kids ages four through nine are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Children four and younger get in for free. Purchase tickets here

 

13. Ice Carving Demonstration presented by Dunkin

Don’t miss the chance to witness ice sculptors wield chisels, chain saws, blow dryers and power sanders to create ice masterpieces on Sunday, February 25 at 11 a.m. The sculptures will be on display until they melt so be sure to check them out before they are gone! Dunkin’ will also be onsite with samples and giveaways. Long Wharf, Newport. 

To learn more about the festival, visit newportwinterfestival.com.

 

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