Events scheduled as over 1,350,000 daffodil buds ready to burst in Newport

NEWPORT, RI … With over 1,350,000 daffy buds ready to burst forth in dazzling displays of yellow, Newport’s 12th Annual Daffodil Days and Newport in Bloom will celebrate their arrival throughout April, 2023.

This year, the fun kicks off at Bannister’s Wharf at noon on April 1 with an explosion of musket fire and a garland of daffodils cut by Miss Daffodil and Newport’s Mayor. After Opening Ceremonies, merriment and music continue as the annual “Daffy Doggy Paw-rade” trots off to Queen Anne Square for the judging of the daffiest dressed dogs (and humans).

On April 8, bicyclists will “petal on” to view Newport’s fields of daffodils, including a private garden with over 20,000 blooms to welcome yellow-clad arrivals. The following Saturday, April 15, the Newport Rhode Races — a running series with a full marathon, half marathon, and 5K — start from Easton’s Beach, where 60,000 daffodils will wave as the runners pass by. And from April 14 through April 23, Daffodil Days overlap with Newport Restaurant Week, allowing foodies and flower lovers alike to enjoy discounts and deals at local restaurants. (And note there’s no metered parking in Newport through April.)

The fun keeps a’ blooming during the latter half of the month with a weekend of daffy fun sponsored by the Audrain, including a Friday night Spring Fling gala at the Audrain Automotive Museum and a Sunday morning “Driving Miss Daffodil” parade of over fifty decorated cars and drivers cruising through Newport, arriving at Sachuest Beach for Audrain’s popular Cars & Coffee gathering.

On April 25 and 27, the Green Animals Topiary Garden is the place to be. Join the former chief horticulturist at the grand estate and gardens overlooking Narragansett Bay for a special tour as he describes the over 22,000 daffodils in bloom, featuring 70 different varieties representing all 13 official Daffodil divisions. (Reservations only)

Newport’s iconic spring bloom can be seen all over the city, but there are seven official daffodil fields where visitors can best experience the magnitude of the blooms. Included in the lineup is a field of flowers along Cliff Walk near Salve Regina University and daffodil fields across from Newport’s famous Easton’s Beach (where the Newport Rhode Races start).
All donations during the month go to purchase daffodils bulbs for the annual free bulb give-away on October 21. The greater the contributions, the more bulbs will be given away!

Newport in Bloom is an all-volunteer organization that places and maintains beautiful flower baskets throughout downtown, conducts an annual plant sale and garden competition, and donates daffodil bulbs to the city, organizations, and local gardeners each fall.