From Food Contests To Family Fun, Newport Winter Festival Is A Favorite Rhode Island Tradition

Is winter something you look forward to, or just try to make it through? If you live in Rhode Island, we hope it's something you celebrate. Every February, people from all over New England come to the Ocean State for the annual Newport Winter Festival, which offers a whopping 10 days of music, food, and fun festivities. And this year's lineup looks pretty promising.

From February 14 - 23, 2020, the Newport Winter Festival will take over the beautiful city of Newport.

This will be the 32nd year of the festival, and it's sure to be especially spectacular.

Whether you prefer to be outdoors or indoors, you'll find an activity or two to enjoy at the festival.

And since the festival is an all-ages event, you'll find fun for the whole family.

Beach polo, anyone?

This low-impact, eco-friendly, FREE activity is taking place on February 23rd.

When you visit, make sure to come hungry... and thirsty, for that matter.

While there will be numerous spots to go for food and libations, one of the festival highlights is Polar Pineapples, where patrons will be able to purchase specialty cocktails from the ice bar at Gurney's Newport Resort.

Newport Winter Festival always has two fun food competitions, one of which is the Chili Cook-Off.

This year's tasty competition will be Saturday, February 15th, at Gurney's Newport Resort.

Are you more of a mac & cheese person? The Mac & Cheese Smackdown is on February 22nd, and you won't want to miss it.

You can also enjoy endless burgers, as the Burger Bender will be taking place from February 14th - 23rd. Just try as many as you'd like and vote for your favorite.

Children love the activities set up just for them, especially the Princess Party (February 18th) and the Rainforest Reptile Show (February 16th).

You're welcome to pay for these events individually, but your best bet is to purchase a $10 festival bracelet. That will not only cover your festival admission, but it will earn you some sweet discounts at events and attractions.

Did we mention several live bands are slated to perform, including an amazing Eagles cover band called the Eagles Experience?

If you've never been to the Newport Winter Festival, make this the year you go.

Will you be going to the Newport Winter Festival this year? Learn more about event dates and times and purchase your festival bracelets here.