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Fort Events

From Revolution to Ramparts: Fort Adams Summer Lecture

In partnership with the Museum of Newport Irish History and supported in part by a grant from the Rhode Island Semiquincentennial Commission(RI250), Fort Adams Trust is proud to host a special summer lecture exploring the overlooked role of Irish and Irish-American individuals in shaping the American Revolution and the construction of Fort Adams.

Date: Sunday, August 16
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Fort Adams – Parade Field

Musical Life at Fort Adams Tour

Step back in time and experience Fort Adams as its soldiers once did — through the music that filled their days. Hosted by Mark Stickney, Founder of Historic Music of Newport, this exclusive walking tour explores the Fort through the lens of music and the vital role it played in the daily lives of the soldiers stationed here.
From bugle calls that ordered the rhythm of military life to the regimental bands that lifted morale, music was woven into nearly every hour at the Fort. Along the way, you’ll discover how those sounds shaped military routine and discipline — and how they connected Fort Adams to the wider Newport community beyond its walls.
The tour concludes at the historic Fort Adams Cemetery, where the stories come to rest alongside the people who lived them. Here you’ll hear about the company musicians, regimental bandmasters, and even the children of musicians buried within the cemetery grounds — the human stories behind the music that once echoed across the parade field.
Led by a passionate historian and offered only on August 25th, this is a rare chance to experience Fort Adams from a perspective few ever see.
Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Community Events

The Fort Adams Trust is proud to serve as the venue for numerous community, non-profit, and public events.

Veterans Appreciation Day

In partnership with the Newport Historical Society and Newport VFW Post 406, Fort Adams Trust will honor veterans with a with a special performance by the Navy Band Northeast Trident Brass Quintet at Fort Adams starting at 6:00 PM—a fitting tribute to close out the celebration.

Date: Sunday, July 5, 2026

Time: 9:30am – 4:00pm (free tours for Veterans and active military)

In addition, this is national picnic day, so feel free to picnic throughout the Fort

6:00 – 7:30 pm – Ceremony in honor of our Veterans w/ Navy Band Northeast Trident Brass Quintet playing

Spend a summer day at Fort Adams with a relaxed, bring-your-own picnic. Pack your favorite food, grab a blanket or chairs, and enjoy waterfront views, open green space, and fresh ocean air. Whether you’re meeting friends or just looking for a peaceful spot to unwind, the Fort is the perfect place to picnic. Grounds open at 9:00 AM.

In addition, the Fort will be offering free self-guided and guided tours for all veterans and active-duty service members (promo code JULY5VET at online checkout) all day long.

The Block Party: Fort Adams Trust Annual Fundraiser

Join us for The Block Party, Fort Adams Trust’s annual fundraiser and one of the most anticipated nights of the year at the Fort.

This high-energy evening brings together our community for great food, live music, drinks, and celebration—all set against the backdrop of one of Newport’s most iconic landmarks.

More than just a party, this event directly supports the ongoing restoration, preservation, and activation of Fort Adams.

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026

Registration: Required; Members will receive early access & discounted tickets

2026 Member Events: Fort Adams Trust

Member Events & Exclusive Perks:

Becoming a member of Fort Adams Trust means more than supporting preservation—it gives you access to exclusive experiences throughout the year. From behind-the-scenes tours to early event access, our members are invited to engage with the Fort in ways the general public can’t.

Each Month (May – October), Fort Adams Trust will offer either special event and/or early VIP access/discounted tickets to a public event at the Fort.

Music at the Fort

Experience live music at one of Newport’s most iconic waterfront settings with Music at the Fort, a free summer concert series at Fort Adams.

Bring a blanket, gather with friends and family, and enjoy evenings filled with live performances, fresh ocean air, and unforgettable sunsets over Narragansett Bay.

This series is designed to be accessible, welcoming, and fun for all ages—making it a perfect midweek tradition throughout the summer.

2026 Dates (Always on a Wednesday!): August 12, August 19, August 26

Tunnels & Terror: Fort Adams Family-Friendly Halloween Event

Celebrate the season at Tunnels & Terror on October 17. Kids can explore the Fort’s historic tunnels in a fun, family-friendly setting, followed by an outdoor family-friendly Halloween movie inside the Fort grounds for all to enjoy.

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4th of July Fireworks: Fort Adams Parade Field Event

Come join us for the best seat in the house to view the City of Newport Fireworks show. The Fort Adams Trust is opening the Fort for the community to enjoy.  Please bring a picnic dinner, chairs, and blankets and enjoy watching the fireworks show from the Parade Field.

Attendance requires a ticket. Free tickets will be released in June, with Fort Adams Trust members receiving early access.

Restoring the Fort: Southeast Demibastion Grand Opening

Join us as we celebrate a major milestone in the ongoing restoration of Fort Adams—the reopening of the Southeast Demibastion.

This long-awaited project represents a significant investment in preserving the Fort’s historic structure while expanding public access to new areas of this National Historic Landmark.

Be among the first to experience this restored space and learn more about the work that is bringing Fort Adams back to life.

Date: TBD

Registration: Required; Members will receive early access

View Fort Adams' Calendar