Salute to Navy 250 Free Concert & Fireworks Show

SALUTE TO NAVY 250: NAVAL STATION NEWPORT PREPARES FOR ITS ANNUAL PUBLIC SUMMER CONCERT AND FIREWORKS EVENT

NAVAL STATION NEWPORT, RI – Naval Station Newport is putting the finishing touches on Salute to Navy 250, a special edition of the installation’s annual open-to-the-public Salute to Summer concert and fireworks event, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. 
“This year we are celebrating the 250th birthday and founding of the United States Navy,” explained Capt. Henry Roenke, installation commanding officer and host of the event. “In celebration of the proud service and legacy of the Navy, we have branded this event Salute to Navy 250. There is no better occasion to showcase the valuable relationship between our Ocean State community and the Navy than during this annual program, and we welcome the public to be part of this great event.” 
Last year’s Salute to Summer drew more than 8,600 people to the base and this year’s estimates are for slightly more.
 Event activities and music will begin at 2 p.m. for the military community members and their families. Authorized Department of Defense ID card holders are able to access the event at this time also. Free public admission and access to the installation will begin at 4 p.m. that day. 
The annual public event will showcase several area bands and musical performances and the Navy’s local musical unit, Navy Band Northeast. In addition to the music, there will be children’s activities available and food vendors on site for the purchase of snacks, meals and beverages. 
 “As part of event safety and security measures, coolers, outside food and drink, glass bottles or containers, banners or signs of any type, fireworks, firearms and other weapons, defensive sprays (pepper spray) or chemicals, illegal and recreational drugs and drug paraphernalia, pets and drones are not permitted on the installation,” noted Navy Lt. Ryan Wells, installation security officer. “All strollers and small bags such as diaper bags, totes, backpacks or handbags will be permitted and will be subject to search.”
According to Wells, all event guests older than 18 years of age must be prepared to present a government-issued photo ID for entry to the base and guests below this age must be escorted by an adult to gain access.
“We are encouraging everyone to come prepared for a long, fun, and entertaining day at Salute to Navy 250.” explained Bruce Katz, installation public affairs officer. “We recommend guests dress for the weather, bring folding chairs, blankets and appropriate protective clothing and sun screen products to help make their day more comfortable and enjoyable.”
The installation’s main gate, Gate 1, at Training Station Road closes to all vehicle traffic beginning at 3:30 p.m. on the day of the event to prepare for public pedestrian traffic to the installation. When Gate 1 closes, all vehicle traffic will be prevented from entering Training Station Road at the intersection of Third Street. Vehicle traffic can continue to access the installation through Gate 17 at Access Road in Middletown after the Gate 1 closure. Guest and handicap parking will be permitted at the Navy Medical Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) New England complex located on Third Street in Newport. Vehicles can enter the NMRTC area beginning at 3:30 p.m. Guests will then walk to the installation through NMRTC’s rear gate at Training Station Road to enter the event. Shuttles will be available to transport handicapped individuals from NMRTC to the event entry control point.

 

Salute to Navy 250
Free Concert & Fireworks Show
Saturday, August 23
Dewey Field

2 PM - Dewey Field gates open for authorized ID holders (Military/DoD)

 

Naval War College Museum (will be open during event)

 

New England Area Food Trucks
- BemBom
- Ben & Jerry’s
- Berry Sweet
- Binge BBQ
- Del's Lemonade
- FYR Grill
- Hometown Poke
- Ja Patty
- Newport Chowder Company
- Saugy’s Hot Dogs
- Sweet B’s Donuts
- Tacofied
- The Stoveaway

 

Kid’s Area: 
Carnival Games 

Toe Jam Puppet Band 
3 PM & 4:15 PM

 

3:30 PM
Felix Brown Band

4 PM
Gate 1 opens for general public, pedestrian traffic only

5:30 PM
Swamp Dogs

7 PM
Navy Band Northeast

 ~9:15 PM
Fireworks