Annual Events
Blessing of the Fleet Celebration
The Narragansett Lions Club held its first Blessing of the Fleet in the summer of 1972. Back in 1972, this was a 1-day event held in Galilee. Over the years, it grew into a beloved 2-day festival that includes a certified road race, a festive parade of boats, great food, live music, and people by the thousands making wonderful new memories. And starting in 2017, it was expanded to 3 days! Our Blessing of the Fleet Celebration includes 3 main events.
Events & Dates
Click to learn more about each individual event.
- Festival (Thursday thru Saturday, July 23-25, 2026)
- 10-Mile Road Race (Friday, July 24, 2026)
- Blessing of the Fleet (Saturday, July 25, 2026)
Blessing of the Fleet Festival
Get ready for the the a great 2026 Blessing of the Fleet !
Attended by almost 30,000 people each year, the Festival is a major part of our Blessing of the Fleet Celebration. It runs Thursday night through Saturday night.
Here you will find food, offered by the Narragansett Lions Club as well as other food vendors, games, rides, our famous beer tent (we also have wine), plus live music performed by popular local bands
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors:
2026 Festival Details
- 2026 Festival Dates & Times:
- Thursday, July 23, 2026, 4:00PM – 10:30PM
- $5.00 entry fee to music area on Thursday
- Band TBA
- Friday, July 24, 2026 , 4:00PM – 10:30PM
- No entry fee to music area on Friday
- Heavy Rescue from 6:30PM to 10:30PM
- Saturday, July 25, 2026, 4:00PM – 10:30PM
- $5.00 entry fee to music area on Saturday
- Band TBA – play from 4:00PM to 6:30PM
- Thursday, July 23, 2026, 4:00PM – 10:30PM
NOTES:
- NO BACKPACKS, NO COOLERS and NO PERSONAL CHAIRS will be allowed in the music area. There will be a designated seating area with folding chairs available.
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The Beer Tent at the 2026 Blessing of the Fleet festival will be strictly 21+ on Friday and Saturday nights. Unfortunately, we will NOT be able to make exceptions to this rule for minors or young children, even if they are accompanied by an adult.We understand that this may result in some “growing pains” for the festival and we anticipate that this may not be a popular policy with all of our guests. That said, this decision was based on direction from the Narragansett Police Department and the Narragansett Lions Club is firmly committed to delivering a safe environment for all of our festival attendees.Please share this information with those in your own circles so that we can get the word out to the community at large!Thank you!
Current details about this year’s festival will be posted on our Facebook page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are backpacks allowed into the Beer / Music Tent area?
No, backpacks and other large bags are not permitted into the Beer / Music Tent area. Also, there is no storage area for these bags at the festival, so please plan accordingly.
Are dogs allowed at the Festival?
We love pets too! However, with the exception of a service dog (as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act), dogs (and other animals) are not permitted on the Festival grounds.
Is there a fee to enter the Festival’s grounds?
No, there is no fee to enter the Festival’s grounds. We do ask for a $5.00 donation to the beer/wine tent area.
Is there a fee to enter the Beer / Music Tent area?
YES, there is a $5.00 entrance fee to enter the Beer / Music Tent area on Thursday & Saturday nights. No entrance fee on Friday night.
We do card to ensure proper age, so have your ID on you if you plan to buy beer / wine tokens.
How much do the Beer / Wine Tokens cost?
Beer / Wine tokens cost $7 per token (1 token per drink)
3 Tokens for $20
How do you monitor underage drinking?
We ID! Only those aged 21+ are permitted to purchase and imbibe alcohol at this event.
Can I bring my own chair into the Beer / Music Tent area?
NO PERSONAL CHAIRS ARE ALLOWED DUE TO SPACE RESTRICTIONS AND SAFETY GUIDELINES.
We will be providing a seating area with seats on a first come, first serve basis.
2025 Photos:
Day 1: Festival/Band Click Here
Day 2: Road Race / Festival / Band Click Here
Day 3: Boat Blessing Click Here
Day 3 : Festival/Band: Click Here
2024 Photos
Previous Years’ Photos
2023 Pictures
2019
2018
2017
Note: Our Facebook Page is public. That means you can view the photos even if you do not have a Facebook account.
Blessing of the Fleet – Road Race
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 2026
Narragansett Lions Club Announces 2026 Blessing of the Fleet Road Race Is Fully Subscribed
Narragansett, RI – The Narragansett Lions Club is pleased to announce that the 2026 Blessing of the Fleet 10-Mile Road Race has reached full capacity, with 4,000 runners/walkers
officially registered.
April 14, 2026
Narragansett Lions Club Announces 2026 Blessing of the Fleet Road Race Is Fully Subscribed
Narragansett, RI – The Narragansett Lions Club is pleased to announce that the 2026 Blessing of the Fleet 10-Mile Road Race has reached full capacity, with 4,000 runners/walkers
officially registered.
The Lions Club, which organizes this longstanding and beloved community event, is once again humbled by the overwhelming support and enthusiasm from runners, volunteers, residents, and sponsors. The race has become a hallmark of summer in Narragansett, attracting thousands from across the region.
In recent years, the Lions Club—under the advisement of the Narragansett Police and Fire Departments and Emergency Management Agency—made the decision to cap the race at 4,000 participants. This limit was put in place to help ensure the safety and well-being of all runners, spectators, and town residents, and to preserve the high-quality experience that participants have come to expect.
In the interest of public safety and race integrity, we want to be clear that:
• There will not be a waitlist for 2026.
• Registered bibs are non-transferable and we are unable to accommodate any name changes.
• We strongly discourage any unregistered individuals from participating in the race. Running without proper registration creates significant safety concerns and undermines the careful planning that goes into managing the course and emergency
services.
• There will not be a waitlist for 2026.
• Registered bibs are non-transferable and we are unable to accommodate any name changes.
• We strongly discourage any unregistered individuals from participating in the race. Running without proper registration creates significant safety concerns and undermines the careful planning that goes into managing the course and emergency
services.
The Lions Club understands that many runners and walkers who hoped to participate this year may be disappointed. While we wish we could accommodate everyone, we must remain
committed to the guidelines that make this event safe and successful.
committed to the guidelines that make this event safe and successful.
For those who were unable to secure a spot this year, we sincerely thank you for your interest—and we look forward to seeing you at the starting line in 2027.
This year’s Blessing of the Fleet promises to be another exciting and memorable event, and the Lions Club, together with the Narragansett Police and Fire Departments, is committed to
ensuring it is both safe and enjoyable for all involved.
ensuring it is both safe and enjoyable for all involved.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding,
The Narragansett Lions Club
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4,000 runners, walkers and wheelchair entrants compete on a scenic 10-mile course through historic Narragansett. Racers compete for best in class.
Entrants hail from all over New England and across the country.
The finish line is by The Towers, in Narragansett Pier, next to the Atlantic Ocean and Veterans Memorial Park, site of the Blessing of the Fleet Festival.
Registrants receive an official Blessing of the Fleet Race Shirt at check in. Correct size is not guaranteed.
Early bib number pick up for preregistered participants:
Early bib number pick up on Saturday, July 18 at the Narragansett Pier School cafeteria from 8am until 12 noon. 235 Pier Rd, Narragansett, RI.
Wakefield Running bib pick up on Wednesday, July 15 and Wednesday, July 22 from 4-7 PM
No Race day registration as we are SOLD OUT.
We will be at the Narragansett Pier School from 3:00 PM until race start for those who have registered to pick up their bib.
As this is a charity there are no refunds.
2026 Race Details
- Date: Friday, July 24, 2026
- Where: Narragansett, RI
- When:
- 5:00PM: Walk Begins
- 6:00PM: Run Begins
Current details about this year’s race will be posted on both the online registration page (linked below in the Race Registration Information section) and our Facebook page.
Race Registration Information
2026 Registration Signup here :
https://runsignup.com/…/Narr…/BlessingoftheFleetRoadRace
Race day Friday July 24, 2026
Registration fees:
$65 now until July 20th
$75 July 20th-24th
Pre Race sign up Saturday July 18th 8AM -12 noon
Wakefield Running Wednesday July 15th and Wednesday July 22ns from 4PM to 7PM
Awards
There will be no awards ceremony. Instead, check results online to see if you placed in a category. Awards can be picked up at Wakefield Running Company.
- Awards are donated by the Narragansett Lions Club from your entry fees.
- Prizes will be awarded to the following finishers compliments of the Narragansett Lions Club:
Runners:
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Walkers:
- Top three male and female under 50
- Top three male and female 50+
Race Results & Photos
Jack McCoy Photography Click Here:
Gianguzzi Photography Click Here
Hello Runners,
Congratulations on finishing the 2025 Blessing of the Fleet Road Race. To view and purchase your photos from the event click on the following link:
https://jackmccoyphotography.com/blessingofthefleet2025
Finish photos are grouped according to finish clock time. Due to the size of the race, not everyone was captured.
**ATTENTION WALKERS: To try and find your finish photo based on your finish clock time, please add approximately 27 minutes and 30 seconds to the times displayed in the photo galleries**
Take 25% off any photo order!
COUPON CODE: 25off
(Coupon MUST be applied at the time of checkout to receive the discount. NO EXCEPTIONS!) If you would like to order prints, click the BUY button while looking at the photo you like.
For any photo/pricing questions you may have please go to the frequently asked questions section of my website. For any personal or business photographic needs, such as family parties, corporate events, etc., feel free to contact me.
Enjoy,
Jack McCoy Photography
(516) 359-6427
www.jackmccoyphotography.com
www.facebook.com/jackmccoyphotography
Previous Years’ Photos
2024 Road Race photos:
2023 Race Pictures
2022
2021
2021 Pictures
2020
2020 Pics to be added
2019
2018
2017
Note: Our Facebook Page is public. That means you can view the photos even if you do not have a Facebook account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the race dates, start times, & and location?
Race Date: Friday July 25, 2025
Race Times: 5:00 PM Walkers / 6:00 PM Runners
Race Starting Point: The race begins at the Narragansett Pier Middle school, located at 235 S. Pier Rd; Narragansett, RI 02882
Where can I register for the race?
What is the race course map?
What is the race course record?
Male: The course record is held by Benjamin Drezek from 2022 with a time of 49:28.
Female: The course record is held by Kenzie Doyle from 2023 with a time of 57.14.
Where can I pickup the Bib & T-shirt (prior to race days & on race day)?
Prior to race day:
Wakefield Running bib pick up on Wednesday, July 16th and Wednesday, July 23th from 4-7 PM
bib number pick up on Saturday, July 19 at Pier School cafeteria from 8am until 12 noon. 235 Pier Rd, Narragansett, RI.
On race Day: You can pick up your T shirt and bib July 26th at the Pier School Gym, from 3pm until race time (6 PM) at the Narragansett Pier Middle School at 235 South Pier Road, where the race begins.
NO Race day registration for 2025 as the race is SOLD OUT: 235 S. Pier Rd, Narragansett, RI. ONLINE ONLY there will be no paper registration!
As this is a charity there are no refunds.
T-shirts limited to the first 3000 registrations.
Can another person pick up my bib for me?
Yes, another person can pick your bib for you. That person just needs to have your name.
For Visually Impaired Persons (VIP) running in the race, do their guides need to contact the NLC before the day of the race?
You do not need to contact the NLC before race day.
Are strollers (jog strollers, walking strollers, etc.) allowed for race participants?
No, strollers are not allowed.
Do you offer discounted registration for groups?
We do not offer discounted registration rates for groups.
Can I pick race packets for a group?
Yes.
Things to know:
Assumption: All group members have already registered AND paid.
- The group size must be 10 or larger.
- All individuals in the group must already be pre-registered, and therefore pre-paid, for the race.
- A leader can pick up the packets during a check in event.
- For these dates and times, please see the Race Check In (Bib Pickup) section in the 10-Mile Road Race section of our Blessing of the Fleet Celebration page.
- Be sure you also know everyone’s t-shirt sizes!
Can I register a group of people?
No, our system not set up for registering a group.
Can I transfer my bib to another person?
There can be no bib transfer, as the person participating in the race must register him or herself.
Where can I park, and when is parking available?
If you are planning to register and/or pick up your packet on race day, please plan your time accordingly.
There are 3 places you can park:
- Narragansett High School (next to the Pier School, which is the registration and bib number pick up site), or alternately in the High School softball or baseball fields.
- A team of parking people will be available to guide you to park in consecutive spaces that will allow for easy egress when you are ready to go home.
- You can start parking at 3:00PM.
- Narragansett Pier School.
- You can start parking any time before 5:00PM.
- There are very limited parking spaces available at this location.
- Narragansett Town Beach.
- Parking will be available at the West Lot, across form the South Pavilion, starting at 3:00PM.
- Parking will be available at the South Lot after 5:00PM.
- There is a shuttle service available from here. See the Shuttle Service FAQ for more detail.
Is there a shuttle service available?
Yes.
Pre-Race Shuttle Service:
- The shuttle service starts at 3:00PM at the entrance to the West Lot parking area at the Narragansett Town Beach.
- There will be three (3) buses available.
- The buses will run a continuous loop every 15 minutes or so to Prospect Avenue at Kingstown Road.
- At the end of Prospect Avenue you gain access to the High School ball field, allowing you to walk to the Pier School.
Post-Race Shuttle Service:
- The shuttle service starts at 7:00PM at the fountain next to the Narragansett Towers, and will run until 9:00PM.
- There will be two (2) 88-passenger buses available.
- The buses will run a continuous loop every 15 minutes or so to Prospect Avenue at Kingstown Road.
- At the end of Prospect Avenue you gain access to the High School ball field, allowing you to walk to your car at either the High School or the Pier School.
Note: The buses can get off schedule due to traffic conditions.
When does the online registration close?
When we reach our cap of 4,000 registrants which has occurred, 2025 race is SOLD OUT.
Can I change my registration from running to walking, or vice versa?
Yes, you can. However, this can only be done in-person at one of check in events.
For these dates and times, please see the Race Check In (Bib Pickup) section in the 10-Mile Road Race section of our Blessing of the Fleet Celebration page.
If you must do this on Race Day, please plan to arrive early in the day. Before 3:00PM is strongly recommended.
Are there bathrooms along the race course?
There are port-a-johns at Old Pt Judith Rd at Kinney Avenue . Those are the only ones other than those at the start and finish of the race.
Where can the Race Runners / Walkers Park ?
Parking is available at the high school, which is adjacent to the middle school, which is near the start line on South Pier Road. Perking is also available at the elementary school on Mumford Road, which requires a short walk up Prospect Avenue to the start line. Also, there is parking at the west beach parking lot across from the beach pavilion. Get into any of these places early because they fill up.
Is there a place to save personal belongings at either the race start or race end?
Unfortunately no. After the race start, the school will be locked. Most folks leave their personal belongings in their cars or with a friend. We run shuttles to get you to your car before and after race. See the following FAQs for more information about parking and our shuttles.
Can I have a paper registration form mailed to me?
Please know we do not mail paper forms. Options available to you:
- You can register online.
- The link to the online registration website is located in the 10-Mile Road Race section on our Blessing of the Fleet Celebration page, in the Registration section.
Is the race held rain or shine?
The answer to this question is YES! The race is held, rain or shine.
I am planning to walk and run (doing intervals). Should I register as a runner or a walker?
Please register as a runner.
Runners may end up walking, but registered walkers should not run. Running as a registered walker will skew the walking race results. Thank you for checking in about this.
I am registered, but cannot participate in the race. Can I still get my race t-shirt?
Yes, if you have registered for the race, you can still get your race t-shirt. However, you must pick it up at one of the race check in events.
For these dates and times, please see the (Race Check In) Bib Pickup section in the 10-Mile Road Race section of our Blessing of the Fleet Celebration page.
Be advised that race t-shirts will NOT be available for pickup after the bib pickup events. Please plan accordingly.
I do not plan to participate in the race. Can I buy a race t-shirt?
Yes, you can based on availability. Leftover race t-shirts will be available for purchase at the Festival starting on Friday directly following the start of the race and also at the Blessing of the Fleet.
- Location – Look for the canopy near the entrance to the beer/wine area and at the Blessing of the Fleet in Galilee on Saturday
I would like to change the size of t-shirt I selected during online registration. Can I do that prior to race check in?
No, this cannot be done prior to race check in.
However, you can change your t-shirt size at one of our check in events.
For these dates and times, please see the Race Check In (Bib Pickup) section in the 10-Mile Road Race section of our Blessing of the Fleet Celebration page.
Is there a virtual race option for 2025 ?
No, there is no virtual race option for 2025.
Inquiries about registration or refunds ?
Please contact spitlerrace@verizon.net. They can update your registration for you.
Refunds: No refunds are provided, as this is a charity event
Is there a wait list or deferrals to next year?
No, sorry, as a 100% volunteer organization, we do not have the administrative staff to manage a wait list or deferrals.
Blessing of the Fleet – Boat Blessings
2026 Boat Blessing schedule under review !
The Blessing of the Fleet is a colorful event featuring a parade of decorated commercial and recreational watercraft, large and small. A local clergyman blesses each and every vessel as they pass as the spectators along the breachway wave and cheer them on. There is also an optional boat decoration contest, should captains wish to participate.
Want to learn how this got started?
Visit our 1st Blessing of the Fleet page, and view a collection of newspaper clippings, letters, and even a copy of the program signed by Lions and their wives.
2026 Boat Blessing Details
2026 info TBD
Decoration Contest
Decorate your boat and show it off during the Parade of Boats!
2025 Winners:
Grand Prize Boat Name O’fishal Business (Proline Center Console).
Theme JAWS 50th ANNIVERSARY $500 Cardi Gift Card
1st Prize Boat Name Six Pack.
Theme Cheeseburger in Paradise $250 Cardi Gift Card
2nd Prize Boat Name Drifter,
Theme Poseidon’s Ride $100 Cardi Gift Card
3rd Prize Boat Name The Sea Gem.
Theme SNL
A big shout out to Cardi’s for donating the gift cards! Thank you, .Cardi’s, for your years of support to the Narragansett Lions Club
2025 Photos
Boat Blessing Photos Click Here
2024 Photos and past years photos
2023 Photos
2019
1st Prize: Sea Jem – Christmas in Galilee (Dragger, Owner: Anthony Ponte)
2nd Prize: No Name – Bubble Bath (Recreation, Owner: Derith Lutz)
3rd Prize: Net to Zero 3 – Food (Recreation, Owner: George Truesdale)
4th Prize: Dilly Dilly – Dilly Dilly / Bud Light (Recreation, Owner: Thomas Breckel)
View Album
2018
1st Prize: Sea Jem (Captain: Anthony Ponte)
2nd Prize: Stuff It! (Captain: Joe Pagano)
3rd Prize: Almost Heaven (Captain: Jay DiLibero)
4th Prize: No Name (Captain: Derith Lutz)
View Album
2017
1st Prize: Sea Jem (Owner: Anthony Ponte)
2nd Prize: Angela Mary (Owner: Joseph Medeiros)
3rd Prize: Almost Heaven (Owner: Jay DiLibero)
View Album
2016
1st Prize: Miss Linda (Owner: Richard Champlain)
2nd Prize: The Lady Frances (Owners: Christine & Frank Blount)
3rd Prize: The Sea Gem (Owner: Anthony Ponte)
View Album
Related LCI Global Cause(s)
2026 Boat Blessing schedule under review
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Stay tuned for 2026 Boat Blessing information
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
or use this ink https://forms.gle/GqPBymM9kGtBU9Td9
Narragansett Lions Club | P.O. Box 186 | Narragansett, RI 02882