Roger Federer AND MARY CARILLO ARE Coming to Newport: How to Join the Hall of Fame Celebration Without a Ticket

August 25, 2026

Roger Federer and Mary Carillo are coming to Newport, and the City by the Sea is ready to celebrate.

The tennis legends will enter the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport on Aug. 29. Broadcaster and journalist Mary Carillo will also join the Class of 2026.

The induction caps a three-day celebration running Aug. 27-29. Federer will also return to the grass courts during the weekend. (Tennis Fame)

There’s just one catch: Tickets are sold out. In fact, demand was extraordinary. Tickets for the 2026 Induction Celebration sold out within two minutes of going on sale. Fortunately, you don’t need an induction ticket to get swept up in the excitement. From free tennis at Bowen’s Wharf to Federer programming you can watch from anywhere, there are plenty of ways to participate.

Here’s how to experience Federer fever in Newport — no coveted ticket required.

Catch the Tennis Wave at Bowen’s Wharf

First, head downtown for one of the week’s biggest free events. The Tennis Wave takes over Bowen’s Wharf from Aug. 24-26, from noon to 5 p.m. The International Tennis Hall of Fame is transforming the waterfront into a temporary tennis court. Hall of Fame Tennis Club pros will offer complimentary lessons, clinics and tips.

photo: tennisfame.com

Better yet, you might even get the opportunity to hit with a Hall of Famer. The event is free and open to the public. Afterward, stick around and explore Bowen’s Wharf and Newport’s historic waterfront. And if you’re looking for a culinary adventure, join us on our Newport Neighborhood Food Tour!

Follow Federer’s Road to Newport

Meanwhile, Federer fans can revisit the remarkable career that brought him to Newport. The Hall of Fame’s Road to Newport is a six-part digital video series narrated by Federer himself. He reflects on his journey from a young Swiss player to one of tennis’ most recognizable athletes.

The series revisits major career milestones, including Wimbledon and his final Laver Cup appearance. It also explores his influence beyond tennis, including his foundation and global impact. Episodes are available through the Hall of Fame’s YouTube channel and social media. (Tennis Fame)

Leave Federer and Carillo a Message

Want your voice to become a tiny part of the celebration?

The Hall of Fame’s Letters to Greatness program lets fans submit messages to Federer and Carillo. It’s an easy way to participate even if you’re nowhere near the Horseshoe Court.

Both inductees arrive with impressive résumés. Federer won 20 major singles titles and 103 ATP singles titles. He also spent 310 total weeks ranked world No. 1.

Carillo enters in the Contributor Category. The Queens native became the first woman to regularly provide commentary on tennis broadcasts. Her career has also earned six Emmys and three Peabody Awards.

Watch Federer’s Induction From Home

Of course, the centerpiece arrives Saturday evening.

Federer and Carillo will officially enter the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Aug. 29. The ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. on the historic Horseshoe Court. Tennis Channel is the exclusive U.S. broadcast home for the ceremony. Additionally, a special edition of TC Live at the Hall of Fame begins at 6 p.m.

The induction follows live at 6:30 p.m. The Hall of Fame will also post a ceremony recap on its YouTube channel afterward.

So, even without a Newport ticket, fans can still have a front-row view.

Know Before You Visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame

There is one important detail for anyone visiting Newport during induction week. The International Tennis Hall of Fame grounds and museum are closed to the general public Aug. 23-30. An Induction Celebration ticket is required to access the grounds Aug. 28-29.

Therefore, don’t plan an impromptu museum visit Induction weekend. Instead, save the Hall of Fame for another day.Normally, the museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kids 12 and younger receive free admission.

Make a Day of It in Newport

Federer may be the headliner, but there’s much more to experience around Newport. After checking out the Tennis Wave, wander the waterfront and Thames Street.

Then venture away from the harbor to discover the neighborhoods and local businesses that give Newport its character. Food is an especially delicious way to do it. Rhode Island Red Food Tours’ Newport Neighborhood Food Tour introduces guests to locally owned restaurants and culinary businesses.

Along the way, guides share stories about Newport’s history, architecture and food scene. It’s also an easy way to experience another side of the city beyond its mansions and waterfront. After all, the Hall of Fame has called Newport home since 1954. Tennis and the city have been intertwined ever since.

Celebrate a Historic Tennis Weekend in Newport

Federer’s induction promises to make late August an extraordinary time to visit Newport. Nearly 30 Hall of Famers are expected to attend the weekend’s festivities. Federer will also pick up his racquet during Friday’s Celebrity Pro Classic.

He’ll be joined by legends including John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, Stefan Edberg and Gabriela Sabatini. (Tennis Fame)

Those events may be sold out. However, the excitement surrounding them won’t stay behind the Hall of Fame gates.Catch free tennis downtown. Follow Federer’s journey online. Watch the ceremony live. Then explore Newport itself.

For tennis fans, it’s a rare chance to experience the City by the Sea during a truly historic sporting weekend.