diff --git a/NEWS b/NEWS
index 0c5d84a4..f7c0cac3 100644
--- a/NEWS
+++ b/NEWS
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-1.8.1.dev0
+1.8.1
  * #326: Add documentation for restoring a database to an alternate host:
    https://torsion.org/borgmatic/docs/how-to/backup-your-databases/#restore-to-an-alternate-host
  * #697: Add documentation for "bootstrap" action:
diff --git a/setup.py b/setup.py
index 717acb12..26bff6be 100644
--- a/setup.py
+++ b/setup.py
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 from setuptools import find_packages, setup
 
-VERSION = '1.8.1.dev0'
+VERSION = '1.8.1'
 
 
 setup(