There is a particular kind of Sunday morning that belongs to New England in the summer. The air is still cool. The light is low and golden. And somewhere on a historic farm overlooking Narragansett Bay, engines are warming up.
Cars and Coffee at Mount Hope Farm in Bristol, Rhode Island is exactly that kind of morning. Organized by the Audrain Automobile Museum, it has quietly become one of the most beloved recurring events in the Newport region — a gathering that draws car enthusiasts, curious visitors, and anyone who simply appreciates beautiful things in a beautiful place.
If you haven't been yet, this is your introduction. If you have, this is the reminder to go back.
TL;DR: Cars and Coffee at Mount Hope Farm, Bristol, RI runs on select Sundays from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM in 2026 (confirmed dates: June 7 and August 30). Hosted by the Audrain Automobile Museum, the event draws 350 to 400 cars per session and is free to attend as a spectator. Vehicle owners must pre-register via the Audrain email list.
What Is Cars and Coffee at Mount Hope Farm?
Cars and Coffee is an informal automotive gathering hosted on the grounds of Mount Hope Farm, a sweeping historic estate at 250 Metacom Avenue in Bristol, Rhode Island. The event is organized by the Audrain Automobile Museum, one of Newport's most celebrated cultural institutions.
What started eight years ago as a modest assembly of 52 vehicles has grown into something much larger. Today, the event consistently draws 350 to 400 cars per session, and the annual Motor Week gathering brings in over 1,000.
The format is refreshingly unpretentious: arrive early, walk the field, admire the machines, drink your coffee, and talk to strangers who share your taste. No grandstands, no ticketing queues — just cars and the people who love them.
Where Exactly Is the Event Held?
Mount Hope Farm sits at 250 Metacom Avenue in Bristol, RI — roughly a 20-minute drive from downtown Newport. The property is one of the oldest continuously operated farms in New England, with open fields, colonial-era architecture, and unobstructed views of Narragansett Bay.
The setting elevates the experience considerably. This is not a parking lot event. It is a cars and coffee gathering on a historic waterfront farm, which means the scenery rivals the cars themselves.
For visitors making a Newport weekend of it, Bristol is a natural extension of the itinerary — quiet, photogenic, and easy to reach along Route 114.
When Are the 2026 Cars and Coffee Dates?
The 2026 season runs on select Sundays, with events confirmed for June 7 and August 30. All sessions are held from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
The Audrain Museum hosts additional dates throughout the season that are announced via their email list. To stay current on the full schedule, subscribing to that list is essential — it is also the only way to register a vehicle for the event.
All events are rain or shine unless otherwise noted, which says something about the commitment level of everyone involved.
How Do You Register for Cars and Coffee?
Registration is required only for vehicles. Spectators, guests, and anyone coming to walk the field and watch do not need to register at all.
For those bringing a car, the process works as follows: Audrain Members get access to registration the Monday before each event. Public registration opens on the Wednesday before. The key detail — registration is only available through the Audrain email list. It cannot be completed via the Audrain website or by phone.
If you plan to show a car this season, subscribing to the email list is the first and most important step.
What Kind of Cars Show Up?
Cars and Coffee near Newport tends to attract a broad cross-section of automotive culture — classics, exotics, vintage American muscle, European sports cars, and the occasional barn find that looks more interesting than anything else on the field.
The Audrain Automobile Museum has a curatorial sensibility that runs through its events. The result is a gathering that feels considered rather than chaotic — serious enough for enthusiasts, approachable enough for those who simply appreciate good design.
The Motor Week event, which draws over 1,000 vehicles, tends to represent the widest and most spectacular range of the season.
Why Is This Worth Fitting Into a Newport Visit?
Newport in summer is a destination that rewards those who explore beyond the obvious. The Cliff Walk, the mansions, the harbor — they are magnificent. But the surrounding communities offer something different: a quieter, more local version of the same coastal elegance.
Cars and Coffee at Mount Hope Farm is that kind of experience. It begins early enough that the rest of the day remains entirely open. It costs nothing to attend. And it takes place on one of the most historically significant pieces of land in all of Rhode Island.
Whether you are a devoted car enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys a well-spent Sunday morning, this event belongs on your Newport itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cars and Coffee Newport Rhode Island
Where is Cars and Coffee in Newport, Rhode Island?
Cars and Coffee is hosted at Mount Hope Farm, located at 250 Metacom Avenue in Bristol, RI — just a short drive from Newport. The event runs on select Sundays from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM and is organized by the Audrain Automobile Museum.
Do you need to register for Cars and Coffee at Mount Hope Farm?
Only vehicles need to register — spectators and guests of drivers do not. Audrain Members can register the Monday before each event. Public registration opens the Wednesday before. You must be subscribed to the Audrain email list to register; registration is not available via phone or website.
When are the 2026 Cars and Coffee dates at Mount Hope Farm?
The 2026 season includes select Sunday dates, with confirmed events on June 7 and August 30. All events run from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM and are held rain or shine unless otherwise noted. Subscribe to the Audrain Automobile Museum email list for the full schedule.
How many cars attend Cars and Coffee near Newport?
The event has grown significantly since its debut eight years ago, when only 52 cars appeared. Today, Cars and Coffee at Mount Hope Farm consistently draws 350 to 400 vehicles per session, with over 1,000 cars attending the annual Motor Week event.
Is Cars and Coffee at Mount Hope Farm free to attend?
Spectators and guests of drivers do not need to register and can attend freely. Only vehicle owners who wish to display their car on the field are required to register. Check the Audrain Automobile Museum email list for any updates on entry policies.
What is Mount Hope Farm in Bristol, RI?
Mount Hope Farm is a historic working farm and event venue situated on Narragansett Bay in Bristol, Rhode Island. The grounds include preserved open fields, colonial-era structures, and sweeping water views — making it one of the most distinctive outdoor event settings in the Newport region.
