Newport became a tourist town long ago in the 1800s. The area is surrounded by natural beauty and was a hotspot for great seafood so it didn't take long for people to start coming to the area in numbers making it a tourist and beachtown getaway. Since the city has built with visitors in mind, events and festivals have also been created for the celebrating locals and the many visiting tourists.
One of the favorite annual events is the Newport Jazz Festival which takes place in early September. Live jazz performances, parties on the beach, and delicious food are all a part of the event. But in the summer Jazz Fridays take place so you don't necessarily have to attend the jazz fest to get great soul music on the beach in Newport. Visit the Newport Jazz Organization for more information.
A month later in the beginning of October is the Taste of Newport. This allows locals to showcase their specialties and participants to enjoy all of the incredible food of the area. Since Newport is such a perfect place for seafood, many of the dishes revolve around the great and fresh commodity.
What most claim as the city's best festival however, is the Seafood & Wine Festival in February. This is truly your chance to taste the succulent seafood cuisine and paired with Oregon's great wines while enjoying music and festivities.
The Nye Beach Writers' Series is held the third Saturday of every month , except December. Most events take place in the Newport Visual Arts Center , 777 NW Beach Drive, in the Nye Beach area of Newport. Featured authors are fiction writers, poets, singer/songwriters, playwrights, journalists, nonfiction authors, historians, whatever. The only requirement is that they read original material. Admission is $5; free to students (high school and above).
Each April, in honor of Poetry Month, the Writers' Series also hosts the Instant Haiku Slam Classic at Cafe Mundo , 711 NW 2nd Court, in Newport. Free for participants and spectators. Prizes awarded.
Photo of audience & judges at Instant Haiku Slam at Cafe Mundo...