By Lindsay LaChapelle | Campus News Editor
Escape the winter blues by celebrating the 26th Annual Newport Winter Festival. Don’t miss out on the last weekend of the festival, which features a number of unique events combining food, music, and comedy.
All Winter Festival events are open to the public. For additional savings and deals, you can purchase a festival button for nine dollars. A portion of the proceeds will benefit local charities and nonprofit organizations. Participating in the festivities also helps support the community and local Newport businesses. Check out the upcoming events for the weekend beginning Friday, February 21st:
Friday, February 21th
Comedy & Juggling with Bryson Lang
Entertainer Bryson Lang will perform a comedy-filled juggling act at the Hyatt Regency on Goat Island at 6:30pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door and are $7 or $3 with a Winter Festival button. According to the Winter Festival website, Lang is “The Cure for the Common Show!” and has entertained thousands with his unique Comedy-Juggling act.
Funny Girls Comedy Show
Also at the Hyatt Regency on Goat Island, standup comedians Kerri Louise and Stacy Kendro will perform a hilarious duo act that will have you crying with laughter. According to the Winter Festival website, Kerri Louise is known for her “high energy and razor-edge wit” and has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show as well as Dr. Oz. Stacy Kendro has appeared on the Last Comic Standing and has her own show in West Hollywood. The show begins at 8pm. The admission fee is $15 or $12 with a Winter Festival button.
Saturday, February 22nd
Chicken Wing Cook-Off
The 4th Annual Chicken Wing Cook-off will take place from 11:30am-3:30pm at the Hyatt Regency. Local restaurants will compete for the title of best chicken wing. Those who attend will be able to sample all different types of chicken wings from spicy to sweet and vote for their favorite. Admission is $10 or $8 with a Winter Festival button.
Pasta Making at the Vanderbilt Grace
At 1 pm on Saturday learn how to prepare homemade pasta from the chefs at The Vanderbilt Grace Hotel. After making the pasta, the Vanderbilt Grace chefs will concoct a delicious lunch using your pasta creations. Reservations are suggested for this event. The admission fee is $30 or $15 with a Winter Festival button. For reservations call 401.846.6200.
Beatlemania, presented by Newport Winter Festival
Let the cast of Beatlemania transport you back to the sixties with their smash hit concert at 9 pm at the Hyatt Regency. According to the Winter Festival website, “These four seasoned musicians capture the spirit, look and sound of the Beatles in 29 renditions that take us back to ‘Yesterday,’ ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,’ ‘Here Comes the Sun’ and ‘Hey Jude.’” The admission fee is $22 or $18 with a Winter Festival button. VIP Tickets which include one free drink ticket and front row seating are also available for $45 or $40 with a button.
Sunday February 23rd
Festival Day at Easton’s Beach
Wrap up the Newport Winter Festival festivities at Easton’s Beach with a Polar Plunge and Sand Sculpture contest. The fun-filled day begins at 11am and runs until 2pm. Sand sculptors may begin any time after 10am. Judging will commence at 1pm. The Polar Plunge will take place at noon for those who are brave enough to plunge into the icy Atlantic Ocean with the Newport Polar Club. All events are free for the day.
