Newport-Shimoda Sister City Celebration

43 Broadway
Newport, RI 02840

This celebration marks the 60th anniversary of the twinning of Newport and Shimoda, Japan, and is a cultural exchange that celebrates the city's relationship with the people of Shimoda. The festival provides a fully immersive cultural experience that features the best both cities have to offer through with food, music, dance, and historical customs.

Most events are free and open to the public, with a focus on engaging a person to person exchange with Newport's Sister City, and commemorating the historic accomplishments of Commodore Matthew C. Perry, USN, native son of Newport, RI.

The festival includes the following events:

Newport Shimoda Sister City Celebration Welcome Reception  
the Edward King House at 5pm-6pm

Free and open to the public. Come mix and mingle with friends from Newport's Sister City Shimoda Japan.  Light refreshments and entertainment along with the exchange of sister city gifts are a part of the program.

Newport Shimoda Sister City Celebration Opening Ceremony  Touro Park at 10:30am

Free and Open to the Public. Join the Navy Band and Federal, State and Local Officials and Japanese dignitaries for this wreath laying ceremony that will commemorate the landing of Commodore Matthew C. Perry, USN into Shimoda Harbor.

Newport Shimoda Sister City Celebration Arts and Cultural Festival 
Touro Park 10am to 4pm

Free and Open to the Public. Experience the cultural and artistic delights of both the United States and Japan through food, dance, music, local artisans, children's activities, and so much more in this open air family friendly festival event.  

Newport Shimoda Sister City Celebration Sunset Soiree
Rotunda at Easton's Beach at 6:30pm

$75 per person Only in Newport theme with proceeds to go to the Shimoda Sister City Scholarship Program.  Enjoy culinary delights from local chefs and dance the night away along the beautiful coastline.

Newport Shimoda Sister City Celebration Closing Ceremonies Island Cemetery on Farewell Street (Commodore Perry Gravesite) at 9:30am
Free and Open to the Public. This memorial ceremony will feature a wreath laying on the tomb of Commodore Matthew C. Perry by American and Japanese dignitaries.