2025 Black Ships Festival
Please help us keep this calendar up to date! If this activity is sold out, canceled, or otherwise needs alteration, email mindy@kidsoutandabout.com so we can update it immediately. If you have a question about the activity itself, please contact the organization administrator listed below.
Highlights of the 2025
Black Ships Festival
• Festival Opening Ceremony - Friday, August 22nd, 2025; 10:00am - Rockwell Park, Bristol
You’re invited! Colorful ceremonies to commemorate Rhode Island’s native son, Commodore Matthew C. Perry, and the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa, which opened trade between Japan and the United States. Wreath-laying and speeches by American and Japanese dignitaries. Colors will be presented by the Bristol Police Color Guard. Free, family-friendly event.
• Sushi Sake Sail I - Friday, August 22nd, 2025; 2pm – 4pm - Goat Island Marina
Sail aboard the sleek schooner Aurora. View Newport harbor as you sip sake from Gekkeikan and sample some great sushi. Space is limited to 68 people. A sellout every year! $75 per person. Purchase Tickets here.
• Taiko Drum Performance - Friday, August 22nd, 2025; 6:30pm - Rockwell Park, Bristol
Taiko drumming is a traditional Japanese art form that combines music and dance. There will be several taiko drumming performances throughout the festival. Free, family-friendly event.
• JASRI Black Ships Festival - Saturday, August 23rd, 2025; 10:00am-3:00pm - Independence Park, Bristol
Have a blast at one of the Ocean State's most enjoyable family events overlooking Narragansett Bay. Experience fun at our Cultural Marketplace Fair filled with traditional Japanese arts and entertainment, martial arts including karate, judo, and kendo, ancient craft demonstrations, tasty food, one-of-a-kind shopping and souvenirs, kid's hands-on crafts & Cosplay Costume Contest - all with a distinctly Asian twist. Free, family-friendly event.
• Black Ships Festival Gala - Saturday, August 23rd, 2025; 6:30pm-10:30pm - Ochre Court, Newport
Never been to a Newport gala? This will be one not to miss! Celebrate the 42nd Anniversary of the Black Ships Festival with seaside glamour at Ochre Court along Cliff Walk in Newport, RI with its grandeur adding an alluring charm to the festivities. Enjoy a unique evening that fuses both Japanese and American culture.
The Gala includes dancing, an Open Bar, wines by Shaw-Ross International Importers, and outstanding cultural cuisine with a Japanese flare. Begin the evening with the breaking of the Ceremonial Sake Drum filled with Gekkeikan Sake. Enjoy an exclusive taiko drumming presentation. Outstanding sit-down dinner by Audrain Hospitality. Gala is Presented by Toray Plastics (America). $200 per person. Purchase Tickets here.
• Commodore Perry Memorial Remembrance - Sunday, August 24th, 2025; 10:00am - Island Cemetery, Newport
Be a part of history! Join us on Sunday at 10:00am for the 42nd Annual Commodore Perry Wreath Ceremony. This year's ceremony will be even more special as we celebrate the long-term friendship between the United States and Japan. The general public is invited to attend.
• Sushi Sake Sail II - Sunday, August 25th, 2025; 12:00pm – 2:00pm - Goat Island Marina
Sail aboard the sleek schooner Aurora. View Newport harbor as you sip sake from Gekkeikan and sample some great sushi. Space is limited to 68 people. A sellout every year! $75 per person. Purchase Tickets here.
Ready to have fun celebrating at our inspiring, informative, insanely cool Black Ships Festival in RI this August? The festival has the unexpected side effect of shortening the distance between the Islands of Japan and the Ocean State!
The Black Ships Festival events are a great opportunity to learn about Asian culture and have some fun with your family. So come on down and join us!
Family-friendly events that bring communities together are more important than ever. From the local masters of traditional arts and crafts to the edgiest new innovators, JASRI’s Black Ships Festival has created a powerful platform for engaging with Japan’s creative expressions. The artwork and events are for people to connect, share stories, and collaborate with other makers and businesses inspiring others to share their passions with the local community.
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.