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Celebrate autumn on Aquidneck Island with a free, family-friendly outdoor cultural celebration! The 2nd Annual Japan-America Friendship Festival returns to historic Touro Park in Newport on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Hosted by the Japan-America Society of Southern New England, Inc. (JASNE), this open-air festival honors the long-standing Newport-Shimoda Sister City connection and local heritage dating back to Commodore Matthew C. Perry’s historic 1854 expedition.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS:
<ul>
 <li>Live Performances:
 Thunderous taiko drum sets and dynamic martial arts demonstrations throughout the day.</li>
 <li>History Tent: Explore fascinating maritime history and trade connections in partnership with the Whitfield-Manjiro Friendship Society, New Bedford Whaling Museum, Wareham Historical Society, and Five College Center for East Asian Studies.</li>
 <li>Youth Crafts Pavilion:
 Hands-on origami paper-folding, traditional brush calligraphy, kite-making, and a popular Kimono photo station.</li>
 <li>Cosplay Parade &amp; Contest:
 The 2nd Annual Cosplay Parade kicks off at 12:30 PM (assembly at 12:15 PM under the tent next to the Commodore Perry Statue). Costumed participants of all ages—and pets—are welcome!</li>
 <li>Food &amp; Artisan Market:
 Taste authentic Japanese-inspired street food from regional vendors and browse handcrafted items from local artisans.</li>
</ul>
EVENT DETAILS:
<ul>
 <li>Admission: FREE and open to the public</li>
 <li>Weather: Rain or shine</li>
 <li>Location: Touro Park, 5 Touro Park St W, Newport, RI</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>Website: <a href="https://www.jasne-janafa.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.jasne-janafa.org</a></li>
 <li>Facebook Event Link: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jasne.janafa" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/jasne.janafa</a></li>
</ul>
Supported in part through Discover Newport; Japan Foundation, New York; BankNewport; and the National Association of Japan-America Societies.
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Local Event: 2nd Annual Japan-America Friendship Festival is Back in Newport!

2nd Annual Japan-America Friendship Festival is...

Celebrate autumn on Aquidneck Island with a free, family-friendly outdoor cultural celebration! The 2nd Annual Japan-America...

2nd Annual Japan-America Friendship Festival is Back in Newport!

Linden Place

Join us for on Saturday, October 24 at 6pm for and experience the Mansion as you never have before! Come to the quintessential whodunnit thriller at the estate of Sir Warren Peace and get thrown into a night of mystery, intrigue, and murder you will never forget. With a killer crowd of people just waiting for murder to arrive on the scene, this night will keep everyone looking over their shoulders and guessing who the next victim will be! Bribe suspects for clues and gather information to uncover the unhinged guest who is whacking all the invitees. Just be careful, because you could be next! Dress your best in evening wear and suits—this is a refined party, after all. Your ticket includes dinner, 1 drink ticket (beer, wine, or soda), and a murder mystery game where you try to figure out whodunnit. Roles for every comfort level (from high participation to just guessing who the murderer is). Costumes encouraged but not required. Dinner provided by Leo's Ristorante and desserts by CP Catering. Drinks provided by Two Gals Cocktails.&nbsp;

Local Event: Best Laid Plans: An Old Hollywood Murder Mystery Event

Best Laid Plans: An Old Hollywood Murder...

Join us for on Saturday, October 24 at 6pm for and experience the Mansion as you never have before! Come to the quintessential...

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2nd Annual Japan-America Friendship Festival is Back in Newport!

Best Laid Plans: An Old Hollywood Murder Mystery Event