Every April, over 1,500,000 golden daffodils transform Newport, Rhode Island into the daffiest city in New England. When people think of iconic spring flower festivals, Washington D.C. and its famous cherry blossoms often come to mind. But tucked along the coast of Rhode Island, Newport has quietly cultivated a floral tradition all its own; one that now rivals any in the country. Newport Daffodil Days, celebrating its 15th anniversary in April 2026, is a month-long explosion of yellow blooms, festive events, decorated storefronts, and community pride. Book a stay at Admiral Sims’ House to make sure you have all the time you need to stop and smell the daffodils.
Key Takeaways
- Newport’s Daffodil Days is a month-long April festival celebrating nearly 1,500,000 daffodils blooming across the city.
- The 15th Annual Newport Daffodil Days runs throughout April 2026, packed with events for all ages.
- Highlights include an Opening Ceremony, a Daffy Doggy Paw-rade, the Driving Miss Daffodil auto parade, road races, and a scenic bike ride.
- Newport planted its first bulbs in 2006 with a campaign to plant a million.
- Daffodils are perennial bulbs, meaning they return and multiply every year.
- While in Newport, don’t miss the Cliff Walk mansions and iconic Rhode Island seafood.
Highlights of Newport Daffodil Days
- The festival kicks off on April 11 with the Opening Ceremonies at the historic Clarke Cooke House on Bannister’s Wharf. A dramatic musket salute by the Artillery Company of Newport signals the start of the festivities, followed by daffy music, lemon treats, and fun activities for all ages. Look for the giant waving Daffodil to greet you as you arrive!
- Also on April 11, the beloved Daffy Doggy Paw-rade steps off from Black Dog on Bannister’s Wharf. Dog owners are encouraged to dress themselves and their pups in their most daffodil-inspired outfits before marching to Queen Anne Square, where prizes are awarded to the daffiest dressed dog and human.
- On April 12, the Audrain Automobile Museum hosts the 12th Annual “Driving Miss Daffodil” parade. Vehicle owners decorate their cars and cruise a 10-mile route through the blooming city, concluding at Sachuest Beach for Cars & Coffee. The best-dressed car wins a private tour of the Audrain Car Storage Facility.
- For runners, April 18 brings the Dash Past the Daffodils. The Boston Marathon Qualifier marathon, half marathon, and 5K all start from the scenic Easton’s Beach. A stunning display of 25,000 daffodils fronting the Atlantic Ocean makes for the most photogenic race backdrop imaginable.
- Closing out the festivities on April 25, the Daffodil Bike Ride invites cyclists to decorate their bikes, don their best yellow gear, and join a leisurely 4-mile ride past over 1,300,000 blooms throughout Newport, ending at Ballard Park. Riders even get an exclusive stop at the private gardens of Bellevue House. Can’t make the group ride? The daffodils will be in bloom for several weeks; perfect for a solo spin any day.
- Throughout the entire month of April, local merchants compete in the Annual Window Decorating Contest, dressing their storefronts in yellow, gold, and all things daffy. Strolling through Newport’s streets becomes a festival in itself.
Why Newport Is the Perfect Home for a Daffodil Festival
Newport’s Daffodil Days story begins in 2006, when the city’s Tree Warden, Scott Wheeler, was inspired by the daffodil plantings of Aberdeen, Scotland. What started as a beautification campaign called Parks in Bloom has grown into one of the most impressive volunteer-driven floral initiatives in the United States.
Each October, Newport in Bloom (an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) celebrating its 43rd year) hosts a free Daffodil Bulb Giveaway, distributing bags of Dutch Master bulbs to Aquidneck Island residents, schools, neighborhood associations, and nonprofits. Each bag holds 2 dozen bulbs ensuring the yellow tide grows wider every year. The best spots to see fields of 25,000 or more daffodils include:
- Coddington Hwy @ West Main Road
- Ballard Park, Hazard Road
- Along Cliff Walk @ Salve Regina University
- Across from Easton’s Beach on Memorial Blvd.
- Dunlap-Wheeler Park
FAQs About Daffodils
Other Things to Do While in Newport
Newport is a world-class destination in every season, but spring brings its own magic. While you’re in town for Daffodil Days, make time for a few of Newport’s other beloved experiences.
The Cliff Walk is an absolute must. This 3.5-mile path hugs the coastline and passes alongside Newport’s legendary Gilded Age mansions, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic alongside some of the most opulent architecture in America. With daffodils blooming along Salve Regina University’s stretch of the walk, April is arguably the most beautiful time of year for the stroll.
Food lovers will find plenty to celebrate too. Rhode Island has a proud culinary identity, and Newport is the place to dig in. Don’t leave without sampling Rhode Island’s famous clear-broth clam chowder, stuffed quahogs (the official state shellfish), crispy clam cakes, fresh lobster rolls, and local oysters. Wash it all down with a Del’s Lemonade, the beloved Rhode Island frozen lemonade that has been a summer (and spring!) staple since 1948.
Between events, festivals, food, and flowers, Newport in April is simply irresistible. Come for the daffodils. Stay for everything else. After all, there are now more than a Daffodillion reasons to visit.
