Prices, locations and times vary.
Friday, August 14th:
10 a.m. – Opening Ceremony: Witness the colorful Opening Ceremony honoring Commodore Perry’s legacy and the historic treaty of Kanagawa. This features speeches, a wreath-laying ceremony, and a patriotic performance by the Bristol Police Color Guard. Rockwell Park, Bristol.
2 p.m. – Sushi-Sake Sail: Experience Newport’s rich tradition of sailing. Sailing is more leisurely than it was when Commodore Perry’s Black Ships sailed the Pacific, and the Black Ships Festival and IM Medicine are proud to offer two sails aboard the schooner Aurora, a 101′ tall ship reminiscent of what sailed the seas in Perry’s era. Aboard the Aurora, passengers are invited to sip chilled Gekkeikan sake and enjoy fresh sushi sailing in Narragansett Bay. $75 per person. Schooner Aurora Goat Island, Newport.
6 p.m. – Opening Ceremony: A taiko drumming performance opens the festival. Free event, open to the public, business casual. Rockwell Park, Bristol.
Saturday, August 15th:
10 a.m.-3 p.m. – The Festival: Experience a glimmer of classical Japanese culture at the heart of the Black Ships Festival – an event open to the public and open to all ages next to the water at Independence Park in Bristol.
6:30-10:30 p.m. – The Gala: The Black Ships Festival and Toray Plastics (America), Inc., present a glamorous seaside evening at Ochre Court by the Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island.
Enjoy all the elegance Newport has to offer at an evening with a Japanese flair:
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A silent auction
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Dancing in the main hall
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Ceremonial breaking of a sake drum filled with Gekkeikan Sake
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Open bar by Cocktail Guru featuring wines by Shaw-Ross International Importers
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Sushi by Haruki Japanese Sushi
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A Taiko drumming performance on the oceanfront lawn by Odaiko New England
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A formal dinner by Sodexo
After dessert, all gala attendees are invited to participate in the live auction. $200 per person, black tie optional, kimonos welcome.
Sunday, August 16th:
10 a.m. – Closing Ceremony: Join for the remembrance of Commodore Matthew C. Perry with a wreath-laying ceremony and celebrate U.S.-Japanese friendship. Free event, open to the public, business casual. Island Cemetery, Newport.
Noon – Sushi-Sake Sail: Experience Newport’s rich tradition of sailing. Sailing is more leisurely than it was when Commodore Perry’s Black Ships sailed the Pacific, and the Black Ships Festival and IM Medicine are proud to offer two sails aboard the schooner Aurora, a 101′ tall ship reminiscent of what sailed the seas in Perry’s era. Aboard the Aurora, passengers are invited to sip chilled Gekkeikan sake and enjoy fresh sushi sailing in Narragansett Bay. $75 per person. Schooner Aurora Goat Island, Newport.
