Get ready for an unforgettable winter experience as the Newport Winter Festival returns for its 2025 edition! From February 14th to 23rd, this 10-day extravaganza promises a perfect blend of family fun, musical entertainment, and exciting festivities that will chase away the winter blues.

Culinary Delights and Musical Treats   

One of the festival's highlights is the return of the Mac and Cheese Smack Down, aptly dubbed "The Cheesiest Event Rhode Island Has Ever Seen." This culinary showdown at the Newport Marriott Hotel will feature local chefs battling it out to create the most delectable mac and cheese dishes. It's a must-attend event for food lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike. Music lovers are in for a treat with the newly announced concert featuring Bennie and The Jets, a premier Elton John tribute band. Get ready to sing and dance to all your favorite Elton John hits, including classics like "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," and "I'm Still Standing".

Family-Friendly Activities

The Newport Winter Festival isn't just for adults – it's a family affair! Kids will love the variety of events tailored just for them. From magic shows to puppet performances, there's something to keep every child entertained. The Newport Recreation Department is organizing exciting activities like sledding, snow tubing, and even a cardboard sled race at Prouty Beach. For the artistically inclined, don't miss the Snow Sculpting Contest. This week-long event allows participants to showcase their creativity by crafting impressive snow sculptures throughout Newport. It's a fantastic opportunity to witness winter art in the making.

Exciting Competitions

Sports enthusiasts can participate in the Slap Shot Shoot-Out, testing their ice hockey skills with long-distance accuracy shots. For those who prefer a more whimsical approach to ice skating, the Farcical Figure Skating competition allows contestants to show off their best (or most outrageous) routines in costume.The festival also features the popular Chuck-A-Puck contest, where participants can try their luck at tossing a puck closest to a target for a chance to win a 50/50 raffle. It's a fun and exciting way to cap off the festival activities.

Culinary Adventures

In addition to the Mac and Cheese Smack Down, food lovers can look forward to other culinary events. Previous years have featured a Chili Cook-Off and a Burger Bender competition. These events not only satisfy your taste buds but also showcase the culinary talents of local chefs and restaurants. For those who enjoy a good drink, the festival typically includes beverage-related events. Keep an eye out for potential tropical drink competitions or hot drink contests, where local bars and restaurants compete to create the most delicious and innovative beverages.

Planning Your Visit

To make the most of your Newport Winter Festival experience, consider purchasing a festival bracelet. This often provides discounts on various events and activities throughout the 10-day celebration. If you're worried about transportation, the festival usually offers a free Newport Trolley service on certain days, making it easy to navigate between event locations without the hassle of parking.