6 Wicked Fun Things to Do at the Newport Winter Festival
The ten-day Newport Winter Festival involves everything from stand up comedy and kids activities to a chili cook-off.
Photo via Getty Images /VeselovaElena
The thirty-seventh annual Newport Winter Festival kicks off this Friday, February 13 (yes, Galentine’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.)
29TH 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 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Newport Marriott. Tickets are $12 in advance or at the door with a bracelet, or $15 at the door without a bracelet. Children ages six to ten are $4 in advance or with a bracelet at the door, or $6 at the door without a bracelet. Children younger than five are free. Buy tickets here.
ANNUAL BEST HOT DRINK CONTEST
Like to be warm from the inside out this time of year? That won’t be a problem at the Red Parrot Restaurant on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 8:30 p.m., when you can sip on delicious cocoas, hot toddys and more competing for the best hot drink title. Sample specials from local bars, restaurants and cocktail makers. To enter, contact the Red Parrot at 401-847-3140. Contestants must provide their own liquor, garnishes and glassware. Guests must be 21+ to enjoy the concoctions. No tickets necessary.
FIRE AND ICE MAD SCIENCE SHOW
Grab your little Einsteins and head to the Newport Marriott on Wednesday, Feb. 16, at noon for a thrilling show filled with impressive science experiments. Think: foggy dry ice storms, shivering scissors, free-floating beach balls, bubbly showers and more. The resident Mad Scientist will also demonstrate fire’s use of oxygen to pull an egg “magically” into a flask.
REPTILE SHOW
Get up close to fascinating creatures during this reptile show. Kids will learn about the natural behaviors and habitats of snakes, turtles, lizards and more. Taking place Monday, Feb 16, at 2 p.m. at the Newport Marriott.
FOURTH ANNUAL TILTED BARN BEER DINNER
For the fourth year in a row, a visiting brewmaster from Tilted Barn brewery in Exeter will guide guests through a selection of beers paired with a four-course menu specially crafted and prepared by chefs from the Mooring. Taking place at the Mooring Seafood kitchen and Bar, the reception will kick off with hors d’oeuvres at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. The night is priced at $95 with a festival bracelet or $105 without. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 401-846-2260.
STAND UP COMEDY
Have a laugh with three cheeky comedians from Next Stop Comedy at Newport Craft Brewing and Distilling Co. on Friday, Feb. 20 from 8–10 p.m. Each performer has their own unique style, sharp wit and fresh perspective, delivering big punchlines and nonstop fun. The show is for ages sixteen and older. Tickets are $30 in advance here or at the door with a WinterFest bracelet, or $35 at the door without a bracelet.
To learn more about the festival, visit newportwinterfestival.com.
