41st Black Ships Festival-2024 | Blackshipsfestival

About the Festival

August 16th – 18th, 2024 in Bristol and Newport, Rhode Island
Don’t miss this weekend for a series of joyful community events where immersive cultural attractions and art experiences await. Join folks who are just like you… curious about Asian cultures!

Highlights of the 2024 Black Ships Festival

• Festival Opening Ceremony - Friday, August 16th, 2024; 10:00am - Rockwell Park, Bristol
You’re invited! Colorful ceremonies to commemorate Rhode Island’s native son, Commodore Matthew C. Perry, and the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa, which opened trade between Japan and the United States. Wreath-laying and speeches by American and Japanese dignitaries. Colors will be presented by the Bristol Police Color Guard. Free, family-friendly event.

• Sushi Sake Sail I - Friday, August 16th, 2024; 2pm – 4pm - Goat Island Marina
Sail aboard one of the magnificent Tall Ships. View Newport harbor as you sip sake from Gekkeikan and sample some great sushi. Space is limited to 68 people. A sellout every year! $75 per person. Purchase Tickets here.

• Taiko Drum Performance - Friday, August 16, 2024; 6:30pm - Rockwell Park, Bristol
Taiko drumming is a traditional Japanese art form that combines music and dance. There will be several taiko drumming performances throughout the festival. Free, family-friendly event.

• Cultural Marketplace Fair - Saturday, August 17th, 2024; 10:00am-3:00pm - Independence Park, Bristol
Have a blast at one of the Ocean State's most enjoyable family events overlooking Narragansett Bay. Experience fun at our Cultural Marketplace Fair filled with traditional Japanese arts and entertainment, martial arts including karate, judo, and kendo, ancient craft demonstrations, tasty food, one-of-a-kind shopping and souvenirs, kid's hands-on crafts & Cosplay Costume Contest - all with a distinctly Asian twist. Free, family-friendly event.

• Black Ships Festival Gala - Saturday, August 17th, 2024; 6:30pm-10:30pm - Ochre Court, Newport
Never been to a Newport gala? This will be one not to miss! Celebrate the 41st Anniversary of the Black Ships Festival with seaside glamour at Ochre Court along Cliff Walk in Newport, RI with its grandeur adding an alluring charm to the festivities. Enjoy a unique evening that fuses both Japanese and American culture.

The Gala includes dancing, an Open Bar, wines by Shaw-Ross International Importers, and outstanding cultural cuisine with a Japanese flare. Begin the evening with the breaking of the Ceremonial Sake Drum filled with Gekkeikan Sake. Enjoy an exclusive taiko drumming presentation. Outstanding sit-down dinner by Audrain Hospitality. Gala is Presented by Toray Plastics (America). $200 per person. Purchase Tickets here.

• Commodore Perry Memorial Ceremony - Sunday, August 18th, 2024; 9:30am - Island Cemetery, Newport

Be a part of history! Join us on Sunday at 9:00am for the 41st Annual Commodore Perry Wreath Ceremony. This year's ceremony will be even more special as we celebrate the long-term friendship between the United States and Japan. The general public is invited to attend.

• Sushi Sake Sail II - Sunday, August 18th, 2024; 12:00pm – 2:00pm - Goat Island Marina

Sail aboard one of the magnificent Tall Ships. View Newport harbor as you sip sake from Gekkeikan and sample some great sushi. Space is limited to 68 people. A sellout every year! $75 per person. Purchase Tickets here.

Ready to have fun celebrating at our inspiring, informative, insanely cool Black Ships Festival in RI this August? The festival has the unexpected side effect of shortening the distance between the Islands of Japan and the Ocean State!

The Black Ships Festival events are a great opportunity to learn about Asian culture and have some fun with your family. So come on down and join us!

Family-friendly events that bring communities together are more important than ever. From the local masters of traditional arts and crafts to the edgiest new innovators, JASRI’s Black Ships Festival has created a powerful platform for engaging with Japan’s creative expressions. The artwork and events are for people to connect, share stories, and collaborate with other makers and businesses inspiring others to share their passions with the local community.

Celebrate Asian Culture at the Black Ships Festival - Cultural Marketplace Fair!

The Black Ships Festival's Cultural Marketplace Fair will have a full day of activities and entertainment for the whole family. Immerse yourself in Asian culture with traditional drumming, origami folding, and a chance to meet your favorite superheroes and princesses. And don't forget to enter the first Kid's 12 and Under Cosplay costume contest!

Here's what you can expect:

Traditional Drumming: Get your groove on with performances of outstanding Taiko Drumming.
Enjoy the US Navy Band: Toe-tapping music begins at 1:00 PM
Origami Folding: Learn how to fold your own origami paper cranes, flowers, and more.
Martial Arts Demonstrations: learn about the ways of the mind, body and spirit through many unique forms of multi-disciplinary martial arts from area schools, clubs and dojos.
Tea Ceremony: The traditional ceremony, or sadō (茶道), is a centuries-old ritual that is meant to be a peaceful and meditative experience.
Demonstrations of "Ikebana" and "Kokedama" by the Bristol Garden Club: the Japanese art of flower arranging and Kokedama involves growing plants in balls of moss.
Kids 12 and Under Cosplay Costume Contest: Cosplay is a popular hobby in Japan, enter the first kid's cosplay costume contest and bring your dog in costume too for a chance to win prizes.
Join in the Kendama Competition:

Kendama is a traditional Japanese skill toy consisting of a handle and a ball connected together by a string. Learn to perform these tricks as skillfully and creatively as possible.