Black Ships Festival
About this event
The Black Ships Festival is a cultural festival in Newport, Rhode Island, at Newport waterfront and Touro Park. A Newport summer tradition celebrating the friendship between Japan and the United States and Commodore Perry's 1854 opening of Japan. Japanese arts, tea ceremonies, martial-arts demonstrations, taiko drumming, sushi and sake tastings, and harbor events draw crowds to one of the East Coast's premier Japan-themed festivals.
Annual, mid-July weekend in Newport; check blackshipsfestival.com for 2026 dates
Location & directions
Newport waterfront and Touro Park, Newport, RI 02840
Frequently asked questions
Where is Black Ships Festival held?
Black Ships Festival is held in Newport, Rhode Island, at Newport waterfront and Touro Park, Newport, RI 02840.
What is Black Ships Festival?
A Newport summer tradition celebrating the friendship between Japan and the United States and Commodore Perry's 1854 opening of Japan.
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