Experience themed festivals and beautiful seasons…
Whether it's springtime flowers in bloom or the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus for the annual Tree Lighting, Bowen's Wharf is the most exciting location in Newport. Shop and dine during the summer and experience a working waterfront with breathtaking views and fresh, salty sea air. Visit us during the holidays to find that unique gift or celebrate a special occasion. Year-round, Bowen's Wharf is the perfect destination.
February 15th – 24th, 2013
Winterfest Sale Days at Bowen's Wharf
Bowen's Wharf Sale Days are here again! Ten full days of Wharf-wide sales are going on during the Newport Winter Festival.
Newport International Boat Show
September 2013
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily:
Historic Bowen's Wharf is an official part of this exciting event, which encompasses over half a mile of Newport waterfront! In connection with other show hosts, Bowen's Wharf offers in-water basin and land displays featuring Hinkley and other Down East-style boats.
*owned and produced by Newport Exhibition Group
Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival
Saturday, October 19th & Sunday 20th, 2013
11 am to 5 pm:
Historic Bowen's Wharf in downtown Newport, RI, will host the 23rd annual Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival, on October 19th and 20th. Named one of the "10 Fabulous Fall Festivals on the Coast," by Coastal Living Magazine (2005), this event is an open invitation to come back to the waterfront after the rush of the summer season!
Honoring the "Harvest of the Sea," the Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival offers copious amounts of seafood, continuous live music, and family fun, all beneath the Wharf's colorful tents. Neighboring restaurants and fisherman's associations serve up their most celebrated seafood dishes (lobster dinners, clam chowder, stuffed quahogs, clam cakes, shrimp, scallops, raw oysters and clams, as well as a few dishes for landlubbers and kids). Spirits and soft drinks are available. Desserts include tempting pies, ciders, and other baked goods. Cafe-style seating is set up throughout the Wharf.
As you fill your bellies with fresh dishes, sit back and enjoy the beats from area bands. Under the music tent, live folk, Celtic, sea shanties, and blues music are just a taste of what you'll hear. Bring your dancing shoes, because these bands promise to get your feet moving! Check in September for the 2013 music lineup!
Rhode Island residents, cruise ship and bus tour groups, and devoted visitors form an estimated attendance of 6,000-8,000 over the course of this two-day event.
FREE ADMISSION (food and beverages can be purchased at vendor booths)
RAIN OR SHINE UNDER THE FESTIVAL TENTS! We'll see you there!
2012 Music Schedule
Saturday
11am – 1pm Jim McGrath & The Reprobates Traditional & Contemporary Music of the Sea, American & British Isles
1pm – 3pm Lisa Markovich & Beyond Blonde Original & Classic Rock
3pm – 5pm Chelley, Bill & Dyl Cool Jazz, Soulful R&B with a touch of Country!
Sunday
11am – 1pm Atwater-Donnelly Duo Traditional American Folk
1pm – 3pm Abbey Rhode Music from the Fabulous 60s, Beatles, Stones & More
3pm – 5pm The Steve Maher Blues Band Soulful R&B, Reggae, Blues and Country Swing
Bowen's Wharf extends sincere thanks to our partners for their continued support and enthusiasm:
Samuel Adams - America's World Class Beer
Clare Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Newport
Bowen's Wharf 43rd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
December 7th, 2013
4:30 pm – Frosty the Snowman
5:00 pm – Christmas Carol Sing-a-long (live music)
6:00 pm – Tree Lighting & Santa arrives
It's the most wonderful time of the year - twinkling lights, fragrant wintergreens, beautiful bows, and a most amazing Christmas tree on Bowen's Wharf. On Saturday evening, join us for the 43rd Bowen's Wharf Christmas Tree Lighting. Begin your holiday shopping and savor a special meal with your loved ones after visiting with some very important guests from the North Pole.
We invite you to bring the whole family to see Frosty the Snowman, Santa, and Mrs. Claus for an evening of Christmas cheer! Make a day of it and check off that holiday gift list at our retail shops!
Come early to enjoy seasonal music around the shops (recorded music begins at 2 pm), and stay through the evening as the festivities begin with the arrival of Frosty the Snowman at 4:30. Local musicians take the stage at 5 pm to lead the Christmas Carol Sing-a-long. We then light the tree at 6 pm, as the official beginning of Christmas at Bowen's Wharf! Immediately after the lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus sail into Bowen's Basin (harbor arrival is weather permitting) at 6 pm also, immediately following the lighting of the tree. They join us on the Wharf, eager to listen to every child's special wish. Lots of charm, fun and good cheer for the entire family!
Bowen's Wharf restaurants remain open for warm holiday meals. Many shops will offer refreshments. All are welcome, FREE OF CHARGE! Santa and his friends will be waiting for you, rain, shine, or snow!
Bowen's Wharf wishes you all the best in the New Year!
