2025: 32nd Black Ships Festival: Arts & Crafts and Martial Arts Fair (Taiko, Games, Booths, Workshops, Iaid..) Independence Park (3 Days)NEW
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Independence Park on Thames Street
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Bristol, RI 02809
JASRI Black Ships Festival - Celebrating Asian Culture
Celebrate the rich cultural connections between Japan and the United States during the Black Ships Festival in Bristol and Newport, Rhode Island. This weekend-long celebration brings together families, artists, cultural leaders, and the community to experience traditional Japanese arts, food, performances, and historical commemorations. Join us for an unforgettable cultural experience that shortens the distance between Japan and the Ocean State.
Date and Time
Friday to Sunday, August 22 - 24, 2025
Various events scheduled throughout the weekend
Location
Multiple locations in Bristol and Newport, Rhode Island
• Rockwell Park, Bristol
• Goat Island Marina, Newport
• Independence Park, Bristol
• Ochre Court, Newport
• Island Cemetery, Newport
Schedule and Event Highlights
Friday, August 22, 2025
• 10:00 am - Festival Opening Ceremony at Rockwell Park, Bristol
Commemorate Commodore Perry and the Treaty of Kanagawa with speeches, wreath-laying, and color guard.
• 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm - Sushi Sake Sail I at Goat Island Marina
Cruise Newport harbor on the schooner Aurora while enjoying sushi and sake. ($75 per person, limited space)
• 6:30 pm - Taiko Drum Performance at Rockwell Park, Bristol
Enjoy powerful, family-friendly taiko drumming performances.
Saturday, August 23, 2025
• 10:00 am - 3:00 pm - JASRI Black Ships Festival at Independence Park, Bristol
Cultural fair with martial arts (karate, judo, kendo), food, crafts, cosplay contest, and shopping.
• 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm - Black Ships Festival Gala at Ochre Court, Newport
A gala evening with sake ceremony, taiko performance, sit-down dinner, dancing, and open bar. ($200 per person)
Sunday, August 24, 2025
• 10:00 am - Commodore Perry Memorial Remembrance at Island Cemetery, Newport
Wreath ceremony celebrating U.S.-Japan friendship.
• 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm - Sushi Sake Sail II at Goat Island Marina
Another chance to sail, sip, and savor sushi on the harbor. ($75 per person)
Festival Notes
All daytime events are free and family-friendly unless otherwise noted. Paid events require advance ticket purchase.
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Title
2024 - 31st Annual Black Ships Festival - Arts & Crafts and Martial Arts Fair- Independence Park (Taiko, Games, Booths, Workshops, Iaid..)
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Sunday, 24 August, 2025
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Annual Black Ships Festival Event JASRIEvent Organizer Website
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