15 Best Things To Do In Newport, Kentucky

Though it used to be known for its casinos, mafia connections, and Vegas-like atmosphere, Newport, Kentucky, has since morphed into a small yet vibrant city with much to offer travelers, like a scenic riverfront location, historic local landmarks, and plenty of entertainment and dining options. From bourbon distilleries and hip music venues to family-friendly parks, here are the best things to do in Newport.

Related: The Most Charming Small Towns In Kentucky

Discover Cultural Attractions

Picnic in Festival Park

Set along the banks of the Ohio River, Festival Park is a prime spot for picnicking, when the weather is warm. If you’re visiting in the summertime, plan to attend the Newport Italian Fest (one of the region’s best-known festivals, with local Italian cuisine, rides, and games), the Fourth of July motorcycle rally, or the Labor Day River Fest with fireworks.

newportky.gov, 100 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 41071

Take the Newport Gangster Tour

Get a feel for the city’s history with the Newport Gangster Tour. Put on by the American Legacy Tours group, this tour explores the streets and sites where mobs, gamblers, and other organized crime once flourished. Reserve your tickets ahead of time if possible.

americanlegacytours.com, 56 E 5th St, Newport, KY 41071

Catch a Ride with BB Riverboats

See Newport by boat when you book a cruise with BB Riverboats. There are several types of cruises to pick from, including sightseeing cruises, romantic dinner cruises, and family-oriented excursions. The Dixieland Jazz Brunch Cruise is a favorite—take in the sights while dining on homemade waffles and buttermilk biscuits, accompanied by the lively sounds of the Dixieland Jazz Band.

bbriverboats.com, 101 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 41071

Walk Along the Purple People Bridge

Named for its bright purple color, the Purple People Bridge connects Newport and Cincinnati, spanning a half-mile across the Ohio River. Since it’s a pedestrian-only bridge with excellent skyline views, this is a great photo-op spot. Plus, there are riverfront parks, attractions, and restaurants in either direction you walk.

purplepeoplebridge.com, 1 Levee Wy, Newport, KY 41071

Explore the Newport Aquarium

One of Newport’s most-visited attractions, the Newport Aquarium is home to a vast array of marine life, including sharks, alligators, sea turtles, and more. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the aquarium’s rare shark rays, walk through the coral reef tunnel, watch penguins play, and pet stingrays. It’s easy to spend at least a few hours here, so plan accordingly.

newportaquarium.com, 1 Levee Wy, Newport, KY 41071

Soak Up Live Entertainment

Spend the Day at Newport on the Levee

Newport on the Levee (or “the Levee'') is a bustling, multi-level retail/dining/entertainment complex on the riverbank. Here, you’ll find locally owned shops, name-brand apparel stores, a 20-screen AMC theater, a video arcade, a bowling alley, and several waterfront dining options. You won’t have trouble finding things to do at the Levee, but it’s also worth checking the events calendar before you go, for weekly workout classes, themed karaoke and bingo nights, and live music. End your day with drinks at Bridgeview Box Park, an open-air park with excellent views of the Cincinnati skyline. (FYI, this is also where the Newport Aquarium is located.)

newportonthelevee.com, 1 Levee Wy, Newport, KY 41071

See a Live Show at Southgate Revival House

There’s nowhere in town quite like the Southgate Revival House. Housed in a former church built just after the Civil War, this eclectic music venue has three rooms that host live music nearly every night. The main room, The Sanctuary, is lined with stained glass windows and still has the original pipe organ built by Koehnken & Grimm for the church.

southgatehouse.com, 111 E 6th St, Newport, KY 41071

Catch a Concert at MegaCorp Pavilion

See some of the biggest names in music at the MegaCorp Pavilion, an indoor/outdoor concert venue that hosts over 100 shows and events per year. Genres span folk, rock, metal, jazz, country, and everything in between. There are also sporting and special events regularly held here, from championship boxing to charity walks.

promowestlive.com, 101 W 4th St, Newport, KY 41071

Get Tickets for the Falcon Theater

For an intimate live performance experience, see a show at the Falcon Theater. Founded in 1989, the Falcon is regarded as an integral part of the Greater Cincinnati theater community. Performances here include regional premieres, autobiographical plays, children’s musicals, and other unique shows.

falcontheater.net, 636 Monmouth St, Newport, KY 41071

Attend a Classical Music Performance via the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra

Get your classical music fix with the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra. This professional orchestra was established in 1992 to make symphonic music accessible and affordable for Northern Kentucky residents. Check the calendar for regular events in and around Newport, which run the gamut from summer concerts in the park to well-known operas.

Experience The Beverage Scene

Sip Bourbon at New Riff Distilling

Explore Kentucky bourbon at its source. At New Riff Distilling, visitors can take a one-hour tour of the facilities, during which you’ll learn all about the distilling process (from grain to barrel) and, of course, sample the product: their award-winning New Riff Bourbon and Single Barrel bourbon. On-site, there’s also a gift shop and tasting room with cocktails, flights, and a curated list of beer and wine.

newriffdistilling.com, 24 Distillery Way, Newport, KY 41073

Taste Local Brews at Wooden Cask Brewing Company

Located in a spacious, airy space on York Street (the former Flamingo Club, a historic hub for gangsters and gamblers), Wooden Cask Brewing Company has board games, tasty barbecue, and over 20 beers on tap—in short, all the makings of a fun afternoon. Owners and operators Randy and Karen Schiltz have a strong affinity for Irish, Scottish, and English ales, so that’s the majority of the beer list here. The couple also own Orchard Street Winery and serve their wines at Wooden Cask.

woodencask.com, 629 York St, Newport, KY 41071

Dive Into The Local Cuisine

Indulge in Cincinnati-Style Chili at Dixie Chili

This locally beloved spot has been serving Cincinnati-style chili since 1929. (Yes, you read that right.) There are various combinations of “Dixie Chili” on the menu, including the traditional coneys and the exclusive “six-way”—a towering pile of chili, spaghetti, beans, onions, fresh chopped garlic, and cheddar cheese. There are three locations, but the location in Newport on historic Monmouth Street is the original one.

dixiechili.com, 733 Monmouth St, Newport, KY 41071

Related: What Makes Kentucky Chili Different? One Controversial Ingredient

Enjoy a Dinner to Remember at York Street

Situated five blocks from the riverfront, in a four-storied building that’s stood for over 140 years, York Street is a local eatery that packs on the charm. They’re open for dinner, Sunday brunch, and happy hour, serving seasonal entrees, hearty salads, signature steaks, and a wide variety of starters. The York Street experience is about more than just food—from tarot card readings to wine tastings, there’s always something fun happening here.

yorkstreetrestaurant.com, 738 York Street, Newport, KY 41071

Feast on Authentic Italian Fare at Pompilios

Pompilios is a long-running Italian restaurant that tops locals’ lists for the best places to eat in Newport. For over a century, this popular establishment has been churning out homemade meatballs and ravioli for packed crowds of hungry patrons. Along with staples like lasagna, manicotti, bolognese, and more, Pomplios also has a fantastic selection of Kentucky bourbon.

pompilios.com, 600 Washington Ave, Newport, KY 41071

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