5 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.
Newport Winter Festival Princess Party. Photo courtesy of Discover Newport
The thirty-sixth annual Newport Winter Festival kicks off this Friday, February 14 (yes, Valentine’s Day!), 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.)
28TH ANNUAL CHILI COOKOFF
Spice up the season with the festival’s annual chili cookoff full of innovative twists to get your taste buds sizzling. Enjoy unique variations of the classic meal served by restaurants and caterers competing to win. Taking place Sat. Feb 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Newport Marriott. To enter your chili, call 401-847-7666. Tickets are $12 in advance and at the door with a bracelet, or $15 at the door without a bracelet. Children ages six to ten are $4 in advance with a bracelet or $6 at the door without a bracelet. Children younger than five are free. Buy tickets here.
TROPICAL DRINK COMPETITION
Rather be on the beach? Not a problem at the Gas Lamp Grille, where you can sip on the summery flavors of the tropical drinks competing for best cocktail. Sample summer fun in a cup and help decide which drink best transports you from the cold into your beach chair. Taking place Sun. Feb 16, at 9 p.m. To compete, contact 401-845-9300. Must be 21+ to attend. No tickets necessary.
RAINFOREST REPTILE SHOW
Get up close to fascinating creatures during this reptile show. Kids will learn about the natural behaviors and habitats of alligators, snakes, turtles, lizards and more. Taking place Monday, Feb 17., at 2:30 p.m. at the Newport Marriott. Tickets are $7 with a bracelet or $9 without a bracelet at the door.
PRINCESS PARTY
Join your favorite Disney princesses at OceanCliff for an enchanting day of storytelling, songs and dancing. Treats will be provided to royal subjects and guests are encouraged to wear princess attire. Taking place Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 1–3 p.m. Tickets are $18 in advance, $18 with a bracelet at the door if available or $22 at the door without a bracelet if tickets are available. Buy tickets here.
Newport Winter Festival Ice Carving Demonstration. Photo courtesy of Discover Newport/David Hansen.
ICE CARVING DEMONSTRATION
Watch ice sculptors use their best chisels, chain saws and blow dryers to create breathtaking sculptures out of ice. Taking place Sunday, Feb. 23, at 11 a.m. at the Long Wharf. No tickets necessary.
To learn more about the festival, visit newportwinterfestival.com.
