Top Rated Attractions in Newport

The Newport Yachting Center is located in one of the most beautiful and scenic waterfront sites in this part of America. Known for hosting a plethora of events and festivals like International Oktoberfest, Newport International Boat Show, Newport Waterfront Reggae Festival and many more such events, the center attracts thousands of people every year. The center also holds private events with a maximum capacity to host 20,000 people at one time. Set against the scenic backdrop of the widespread ocean, the Newport Yachting Center is a must visit attraction in Newport.

Located on the campus of the University of Rhode Island, the Boss Ice Arena is one of the few ice rinks that are operational throughout the year. It is the home ground of the university's well-acclaimed men's and women's hockey clubs and hosts several scintillating and quite entertaining matches throughout the year. The arena can accommodate up to 2500 spectators and the ice surface measures 17,000 meters and it even has a pro-shop on the premises. So if you are a hockey fan, or just love ice skating, head on over here and enjoy the state-of-the-art facilities. See the website for more information.

The Providence Performing Arts Center is the second largest theater in New England. It seats 3200 people and it originally opened as a Loew's movie theater in 1928. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places after its 1977 renovation. In this baroquely elegant space, the stage is set for Broadway musicals and concerts. Events as diverse as a Jackson Browne concert or The Sound of Music can be found on this venerable establishment's schedule. Located downtown on Weybosset Street, PPAC (pronounced Pea-Pac, as it is known locally) is close to many downtown hotels as well as other attractions.

AS220 is a non-profit venue that foments love for art in all its myriad forms. They have various resources open to the public, some are free, others require a nominal fee. Some of the workshops and classes include computer labs that teach programming languages, darkroom skills for DSLR Newbies and print shop techniques for traditional media purists. Additionally, inside this 22,000-square-foot building, visitors will find several galleries and a stage where local artists display their talents. There is always something new at AS220.

Providence has plenty to boast about, from big-city nightclubs and old-school party halls to retro cinemas and unique event venues. The Columbus Theater fits right into this list. Its large main auditorium holds 800 comfortably. It has 650 orchestra seats and 150 seats on the mezzanine level, respectively. Every seat has a great view of the stage so you won't miss a single detail and the acoustics are quite impressive. The second venue called the Cinematheque is more intimate with 200 seats.

Firehouse Theater is a quaint little theater located in the heart of Newport. It organizes a wide range of theatrical productions and comedy and improv performances. If you're craving some comic action, you must visit this theater which hosts a passel of musicals, comic shows, impromptu comic sessions, theatrical productions for one and all. Theater-goers both young and old love to visit this theater and be charmed by the variety of plays on offer. The venue accepts only cash and checks.