Black Ships Festival 2017: When & Where & What You Need To Know

NEWPORT, RI — The Black Ships Festival starts Friday at 10:30 a.m. at Touro Park. (Rain is forecast; so the opening ceremonies will be moved indoors to the Elks Club, if necessary. Click on the building outline near the corner of Bellevue Avenue and Pelham Street to see the Elks Club.)

The festival honors the achievement of Commodore Matthew C. Perry, who sailed into Tokyo Harbor and convinced the Japanese to sign the 1854 Treaty of Kanagawab, which opened trade between the two nations, by threatening to destroy them if they refused. The Japanese called the ships "black," meaning evil. But ultimately, the treaty opened the way to cultural exchanges. Friday morning's events include a wreath-laying at Commodore Perry’s statue and speeches by U.S. and Japanese officials. The Navy Color Guard and the Navy Band will also participate. Nearby, Channing Memorial Church will play its bells.

For highlights of the events and the schedule, click here. Among the draws are the arts and crafts festival on Saturday back at Touro Park. That includes samurai sword fighting demonstrations, a tea ceremony, children's games and more from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. A gala's set for Saturday night at Rosecliff followed by more events on Sunday.