Newport Jazz Festival

The Newport Jazz Festival is a famous annual festival held every August at Fort Adams State Park. It was first founded by jazz pianist George Wein in 1954, and has hosted many famous jazz musicians ever since.

Website: newportjazz.org (opens in a new tab)

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Newport (Rhode Island), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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Fort Adams
Containing over 180 years of history, the fort itself is the largest coastal fortress in the United States and offers seasonal guided tours that showcase the property’s soldier’s quarters, Naval War College Museum Exhibit, beautiful architecture and engineering. Besides looking at the splendor that is Fort Adams, you can see the view of the Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay from Fort Adams State Beach. A beautiful beach with picnic and fishing areas; concession stand and public bathrooms are also available. Fort Adams is not just a historical part of Newport, it is also home to various festivals and events that take place on the fortress’ six and a half parade field and lawns. Some of these festivals include Family Day, a celebration for families, especially those with small children, which include clowns, face painting, and other fun activities and attractions. Fort Adams is also home to the annual George Wein’s Folk Festival, George Wein’s Jazz Festival, and McGrath’s Public Clambake.
Guided tours $20; ages 6–17 $10; 5 and under free
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Fort Adams State Park
Perhaps one of the most well-kept establishments on Aquidneck Island is Fort Adams. The 30-year construction of the fort began in 1824, and was built by hundreds of immigrants new to America. The fort was used during the Civil War by the Naval Academy. This elaborately constructed fort used to contain more than 500 cannons, some of which were preserved and can be seen today. The stone structure is only used recreationally for festivals, and often for wedding receptions due to its beautiful location. Fort Adams can be seen to the right of the Newport Bridge in crossing.
9AM-6PM daily, lifeguards in season
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King Park Beach
It has a free boat ramp, but this beach is fairly small and the sand is just ok. It does have a great view of the Newport Bridge. Adjacent Kings Park also offers picnic tables and areas to barbeque. Close to the action, but often overlooked by tourists. Not to be confused with King's Beach across town.
Sunrise-sunseet dailyFree
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Scales & Shells
A strictly seafood restaurant that carries a wide variety of fish such as grilled fish (salmon, mahi mahi and bluefish) as well as a wide selection of wines. The entrees feature muscles marinara, linguine with clams, and lobster fra diavolo. Menu of fresh selections scrawled on a chalkboard.
Sun Mon Wed Thu 5-9PM, Fri Sat 5-10PM, closed Tue$26-33