Seven Good Reasons to Stay in Newport This Weekend

We know it goes without saying that George Wein's Newport Folk Festival is the can't-miss event of the weekend, if not the most-awaited event of the year. The festival is sure to please, as it always does, with 35 acts and plenty of food and crafts vendors.

It all kicks off Friday night at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, where beloved comedian Steve Martin will show off his Grammy-award winning music skills when he performs with The Rangers. Tim O'Brien and Sarah Jarosz round out the evening.

The event continues from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Fort Adams State Park. Saturday's stars include John Prine, Andrew Bird, Brandi Carlile, Blitzen Trapper and Calexico. Rhode Island's indie angels The Low Anthem will also be there, along with the What Cheer? Brigade and 10 other acts.

The action continues Sunday with The Avett Brothers, The Swell Season, Elvis Perkins in Dearland and more.

For info on buying tickets to the festival, go here.

2. Explore the 'Colors of Summer'

Rhode Island's indie artists will display their talents in a special benefit exhibit at the REEL Gallery through August 30. Friday is the opening of "Colors of Summer," and from 6 to 9 p.m., guests can enjoy free hors d'oeuvres and beverages while getting a first look at the paintings, sculptures, performances, films and videos that make up the show. Admission is free. The REEL Gallery is located at 94 William Street. For more information, go here.

3. Rock Out with George Thorogood and the Destroyers

If you're looking for a raucous, rockin' time, you won't want to miss this band's performance on the Newport waterfront Friday night. George Thorogood and the Destroyers are best known for their 1982 hit "Bad to the Bone," but they've got plenty of other high-energy rockers to go around. Tickets are $47 for preferred seating and $32 for standard. Gates at the Newport Yachting Center open at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7. For more details and to buy tickets, go here.

4. Sign Up to Help Fight the War

The Newport Historical Society invites you to witness what Newport was like in 1813, when the Navy was here recruiting for the War of 1812 against Britain. The 19^th century living history program will turn visitors into recruits, asking them a series of historically based questions to learn if they would make good sailors. After being examined, you'll sign your shipping papers, receive a "cash bounty," and be told when and where to report for duty. Admission is $1 per person, $5 maximum for families, and free for Newport Historical Society members. The event is from from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the 1739 Colony House on Washington Square. For more information, go here.

5. Enjoy Food and Fun on the Point

St. John the Evangelist Church is celebrating its 135th anniversary this year. On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the church will host its annual On the Point Summer Fair, featuring food, auction items including vintage wines and services, a clothing tag sale, baked goods, good jewelry, white elephant and book sale. The event is free for all ages and will be held at the intersection of Washington and Willow streets. For more information, go here.

6. More Folk Music, Over at Ocean Cliff

Award-winning songwriter Jason Spooner will make a special appearance at the Ocean Cliff Hotel Sunday at 1 p.m. The Portland, ME, native returns to Newport to share his soulful tunes and well-honed storytelling skills. For more info, go here.

7. Catch a Good Laugh with Louis CK

The Newport Comedy Series continues with Louis CK. The stand-up comedian, actor, writer and director starred in "The Invention of Lying" with Ricky Gervais and Jennifer Garner, and had a recurring role in NBC's sitcom "Parks & Recreation." A comedian for more than 20 years, Louis CK's stand-up concert "Louis C.K.: Hilarious" premiered at Sundance in January. His FX series "Louie" debuted in June. Tickets are $35 and the show is at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Newport Yachting Center. For more information, go here.