To avoid summer heartbreak, please always check all information with host venues.
Barrington Summer Concert Series: Dance like no one’s watching and make some noise when local musicians come to Latham Park and Barrington Town Beach on Sundays July through August. BarringtonLearningCTR.org
Nature Walks: Join a naturalist and explore the Norman Bird Sanctuary trails during a free guided walk of spotting native species and identifying plants. Middletown, NormanBirdSanctuary.org
Art Night Bristol/Warren: Walk or ride your bike from one gallery and studio to the next. This evening event is the perfect way to explore the wealth of art the East Bay has to offer on the last Thursdays of the month through August. Bristol & Warren, ArtNightBristolWarren.org
Herreshoff Museum Summer Artisan Market: Enjoy this limited waterfront market most Fridays, with curated vendors selling handmade or ocean-themed and environmentally friendly goods. Bristol, Herreshoff.org
Free Family Fun Days: The Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is free to the public the first Saturday of every month for nature stories, animal discoveries, hikes, and more. Bristol, ASRI.org
Newport Polo: Have yourself a Pretty Woman day of stomping divots at an action-packed match. Try a tailgate party or watch from the lawn. Portsmouth, NPTPolo.com
From a fancy ball to bingo, foot races to fireworks, concerts to a carnival – we could go on! – find a complete calendar of events that kicked off in May at FourthOfJulyBristolRI.com so you don’t miss a beat in the 238th celebration!
Rhody Regatta: “Around the Island Race” is the theme for the second annual event hosted by the International Yacht & Athletic Club. Newport, IYACNewport.com
British Motorcar Festival: Calling all anglophiles – British cars, a British marketplace, block party, and concessions are all part of a bloody good time. BritishMotorCarsInBristol.com
Farm Coast Art & Garden Ramble: Enjoy a day of creativity in this curated outdoor event that takes place at historic Tiverton Four Corners. Along with vendors and live music, art workshops and demonstrations are planned. TivertonFarmersMarket.com
Newport Flower Show: Gilded Age mansion Rosecliff is the setting for this year’s event, which promises fragrant floral designs, impressive exhibits, daily lectures by UK author Lucy Hunter, and more. NewportMansions.org
Newport Charter Yacht Show: Luxury yachts are showcased alongside ancillary goods and services at this four-day event dedicated to yacht charter professionals. NewportCharterShow.com
Newport Pride: A bike parade kicks off this festival to celebrate unity in the Newport LGBTQIA+ community. Drag shows, live music, vendors, an After Dark Party, and Pride Cruise are all on deck. NewportPrideRI.org
Secret Garden Tours: Traverse beautiful private gardens at this annual fundraiser for public schools. Event is rain or shine, so be prepared. Check in at the tent in Storer Park for a program, map, and directions. Newport, SecretGardenTours.org
Fourth of July Parade: The famed parade, which is part of one of the oldest Independence Day celebrations in the US, steps off at 10:30am, and promises floats, marching bands, fire trucks, and more! BristolRI.gov
Feel like skipping the lawn chairs and port-a-potties? The following places in Bristol offer ticketed events that include shaded seating, elbow room, views, and restrooms.
Linden Place, LindenPlace.org
Herreshoff Museum, Herreshoff.org
Newport Classical Music Festival: Choose from 27 concerts held in 11 historic venues to assemble your preferred itinerary at this 55th annual event. NewportClassical.org
Newport Beer Run: This 21+ event – with designated driver tickets – is a 5K road race and craft beer festival. It all happens at Fort Adams State Park. NewportBeerRun.com
Open Studio Tour: Make a full weekend out of touring the workspaces of up to 75 artists in a wide range of mediums throughout Little Compton and Tiverton, and across the border in Westport and Dartmouth, MA. SouthCoastArtists.org
Newport Show: Shop the unique at this fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County and the Newport Historical Society sure to be filled with antiques, art, and exquisite objects. Middletown, TheNewportShow.com
Newport Jazz: This year’s lineup has more stars than the night sky. André 3000, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Elvis Costello, Meshell Ndegeocello, and more, will all perform at Fort Adams. NewportJazz.org
Black Ships Festival: Celebrate Asian culture at this event that commemorates a historic friendship forged with Shimoda, Japan. Events in Bristol and Newport include Taiko drumming, origami workshops, 17-and-under cosplay contest, a tea ceremony, and more. JASRI.org
Folks Fest VIII: The backlot of Cutler Mills is the place to be for music, art, food, artsy vendors, and fun! Narragansett Beer fully sponsors the Beer Garden with 100 percent of proceeds going to The Collaborative. Warren, TheCollaborative02885.org
Open Studio Tour: Missed July’s event? Tour the workspaces of up to 75 artists in a wide range of mediums throughout Little Compton and Tiverton, and across the border in Westport and Dartmouth, MA. SouthCoastArtists.org
Herreshoff Classic Yacht Regatta: Revel in a weekend of racing or simply partake of the Second Annual HMM Cruise to experience classic yachting in this recent component. Bristol, Herreshoff.org
Oakland Beach Cruise Nights: Greater Warwick Lions Club presents DJ music, raffles, and refreshments accompanying this recurring event showcasing classic, vintage, and sports cars. Warwick, Facebook: Oakland Beach Cruise Night
Warwick Food Truck Nights: Join an army of food trucks at Crowne Plaza the third Thursday of the month for an evening of sweet and savory samples, beer and wine by Trinity Brewhouse, and live music. Facebook: PVD Food Truck Events
Bring Your Own Improv: With audience participation encouraged, weekly improv shows at Warwick Center for the Arts include family-friendly comedy, followed by one for teens and adults. WarwickCFA.org
Music on the Hill: Performances continue at this seven-concert chamber festival that started late-May, with Narragansett Brass Quintet in Warwick, and Mendelssohn Octet, String Quarters, and (S)Heroes in East Greenwich still to come. MusicOnTheHillRI.org
Gaspee Days: Pawtuxet Village gives Bristol a run for its patriotic cred with a symphony in the park, fireworks, 5K foot race, parade with fife and drum corps and Shriners mini cars, a colonial encampment, and blessing of the fleet. The weekend caps with a reenactment of the Burning of the Gaspee at Pawtuxet Cove. Warwick, Gaspee.com
Taste of Rhode Island: Sample signature bites from exciting eateries, sips from wine and beer partners, live entertainments, and a charity raffle is all part of this 21+ evening held at Crowne Plaza Hotel. Warwick, TasteOfRI.com
10th Annual Summer With Robin: For a decade, Robin Kall has been showcasing all things books with her Reading With Robin platform. Book signings, mingling, and more are planned. Warwick, RobinKall.com
Summer Festival: Back by popular demand, this event returns to Coventry High School for year two. There will be children’s performers, food trucks, and fireworks! Rain date: June 27. CoventryRecreation.com
Summer Solstice Market: Cold drinks, food trucks, artisan vendors, and more are all part of this festive afternoon/evening. Rain dates on June 23, 29, or 30. East Greenwich, WildwoodRI.com
National Fried Chicken Day: Apponaug Brewing Company invites folks to chow down all day at this finger-lickin’ fete held inside the taproom. A kids’ menu and dog patio make this a family-friendly time. Warwick, ApponaugBrewing.com
Celtic Music Under the Stars: BYO lawn chair or blanket – or an instrument – to join the Gaspee Celtic Jam group as they perform at the new Sprague Gazebo, with the ABCD Brothers Kitchen Food Truck. Cranston, GaspeeCelticJam.org
Early Evening Tour with Tea at Sprague Mansion: Enjoy a mansion tour with tea in the Sprague dining room. RSVP is mandatory as attendance is limited to 10. Cranston, 944-9266
Rocky Point Historic Baseball Festival: Since 2019, this event has vintage teams from the Northeast playing games on two fields, following the rules of 1884 and 1864. Warwick, ProvidenceGrays.com
RiverFire: From July 11-August 8, special basins along the Saugatucket River are set ablaze, lighting up Wakefield, with street performers, vendors, and entertainment on hand. WakefieldVillageAssociation.com
Summer Concert Series: Get the weekend vibes rolling with outdoor music starting July 6, witha range of different bands at The Village at South County Commons. South Kingstown, SouthCountyCommons.com
Narragansett Gazebo Concert Series: Enjoy live music evenings June 7-August 30 in the heart of the pier across from Narragansett Town Beach. The list of concerts includes blues, classic jazz, R&B, and tribute acts. NarragansettRI.gov
Summer Stargazing Nights: Hosted by the Astronomers of the Frosty Drew Observatory, witness all the wonders of space. Go early for a chance at seeing sunspots before nightfall, or stay late to see the beautiful night sky. Charlestown, FrostyDrew.org
Spring Open Studios Tour: Peruse the wares of 40+ artists housed in a scenic riverside mill. Classes in rug hooking, painting, and pottery will be offered. Donations of non-perishable food items are appreciated. North Kingstown, TheMillAtShadyLea.com
North Kingstown Pride Parade: The popular event returns for year two, with an expanded route and celebration at the end. The parade steps off at Wickford Town Dock at 1pm. WickfordVillage.org
Sea Glass Festival: Admirers of ocean-themed creations – this vendor market held at Misquamicut Beach at the Windjammer Surf Bar is for you. Westerly, Eventbrite: Sea Glass Festival
Independence Day Lobster Boil: Enjoy a picturesque dinner by the pond at the backlawn of Weekapaug Inn. Steamed lobsters, traditional sides, and BBQ classics pregame a night of fireworks and s’mores. Westerly, OceanHouseEvents.com
Charity Golf Tournament: Richmond Country Club plays host for the ninth annual fundraiser by The Elmhurst Boys. Tickets include a golf cart, lunch, dinner, gift bag, and more. Scramble format. Dinner-only tickets available, too. Hope Valley, Eventbrite: 9th Annual Elmhurst Boys Charity Golf Tournament
Strawberry Thanksgiving: A day of dancing, music, shopping, and food await at this Tomaquag Museum celebration of the Strawberry Moon held at Ninigret Park. Charlestown, TomaquagMuseum.org
Charity Golf Tournament: The Brad Friel Memorial Golf Classic is scramble-format with a full day that starts with check-in and lunch, followed by a raw bar and prime dinner, raffles, and awards after golf. Hope Valley, CharihoRotary.com
Father’s Day Cocktail Cruise: Treat dad to an evening of sights and sips on his special day. A weatherproof main deck and covered top deck keeps all comfy and cozy. Departs Newport. CoastalQueenCruises.com
Strawberry Festival: Along with Smith’s Castle’s famous strawberry shortcake, activities planned to celebrate the mighty berry include everything from puppets to pony rides. Jesse Liam Band provides the music. North Kingstown, SmithsCastle.org
Summer Pops: This free concert performed by the Chorus of Westerly includes classical masterworks and popular music for chorus and full orchestra. Pro-tip: visit website for parking tips and notes about reserving a spot. ChorusOfWesterly.org
Narragansett Art Festival: Peruse a range of work for sale at both the traditional show location beside the Towers and also Gazebo Field behind the post office. Narragansett, WakefieldRotary.org
Summer Soirée: The primary fundraiser for the Jamestown Arts Center, the evening serves as the opening of the Pivot exhibition, with cocktails, summer savories, a live auction, and dancing. JamestownArtCenter.org
Summer Pops: “Our State: A Rhode Island Celebration” is this year’s theme, conducted by Troy Quinn. “A George M. Cohan Overture” – an homage to PVD’s own lyricist – kicks off the night at North Beach Clubhouse. Narragansett, RIPhil.org
Wickford Art Festival: Wilcox Park is where over 200 artists display and sell their handiwork. From prints to plein air, there is something for everyone at a variety of price points, plus no state sales tax on original and limited edition works of art sold in RI! WickfordArt.org
Shakespeare in the Park: The Colonial Theatre stages John Buchan’s The 39 Steps, the award-winning comedic send-up of the classic Hitchcock film. Over 150 characters played by a cast of four are sure to entertain. Westerly, ColonialTheaterArt.org
Kingston Chamber Music Festival: URI’s Edwards Hall hosts six concerts over two weeks, programmed by artistic director Natalie Zhu. KingstonChamberMusic.org
Blessing of the Fleet Celebration:
Once a single-day event, launched in 1972, today the fest attended by nearly 30K people has live music, a beer tent, games, rides, a 10-mile road race, boat decoration contest, and of course, the blessing. NarragansettLionsClub.org
Charlestown Seafood Festival:
One of the biggest events in New England boasts Rhody’s best seafood, plus amusement rides, midway entertainment (aerial performers, bands), a rock wall, vendors, RI camping, and more! CharlestownSeafoodFestival.com
River Glow: Floating bonfires illuminate the Pawcatuck River, setting the mood for an evening of shopping specials, performances, face painting, and more. Westerly, OceanChamber.org
Washington County Fair: Mark your calendars for updates on midway rides, livestock shows, tractor pulls, and everything else that makes this event full of down-home fun. Richmond, WashingtonCountyFair-RI.com
Rhythm & Roots: Emmylou Harris and Old Crow Medicine Show headline this extravaganza that features a roster of acts – and 1,500 camping tickets for those planning to make a weekend out of it. Merch, food, and drinks for sale are all part of the fun. Charlestown, RhythmAndRoots.com
From St. Patrick’s Day in June, to Christmas in July, to a 1920s New Year’s Eve Party on Labor Day weekend and many days in between, Champlin’s Resort and Marina has holiday vibes going on. BlockIslandInfo.com
ConserFest: A full day of music, food, beverages, vendors, and spectacular views awaits at this year’s concert featuring two stages of New England talent and a mission to #embraceyourplace. ConserFest.org
Fourth of July Parade: “Time Travel – Our History and Our Future” is the theme for this year’s parade. A small committee will judge the parade and award prizes. BlockIsland4th.com
Great Salt Pond Swim-9: This annual fundraiser to protect the pond is a one-mile swim limited to 150 individuals in a protected area without much chop. It begins and ends at Andy’s Way Beach. CGSPBlockIsland.org
Block Island Triathlon: A quarter-mile open-water ocean swim, 12 miles of biking, and a four-mile run on Crescent Beach are all part of BI’s largest and most popular race. Important details include mandatory helmets, bike ferry tickets, and more. Active.com/Block-Island-RI
Block Island Arts and Artisans Festival: Visitors are sure to find unique island treasures as artisans display their handmade pieces, paintings, photography, and more at this open-air event held on the grounds of the Narragansett Inn. Facebook: Block Island Arts and Artisans Festival
The Summer Symphony: The Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra will perform under the tent at Champlin’s. Mocktails, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres are part of the special evening (formerly held at The Sullivan House). Eventbrite: The Summer Symphony
Burbage Theatre Company
Pawtucket
Contemporary Theater Company
Wakefield
Courthouse Center for the Arts
West Kingston
The Gamm Theatre
Warwick
Granite Theatre
Westerly
The Greenwich Odeum
East Greenwich
Providence Performing Arts Center
Rhode Island State Ensemble
Burrillville
Teatro ECAS Theater
Providence
Theatre By The Sea
Wakefield
Trinity Repertory Company
Providence
Stadium Theatre
Woonsocket
The United Theatre
Westerly
The Wilbury Theatre Group
Providence
Ideas for making the best – and most – out of a trip across the Seekonk River
Plan Ahead:
Check navigation apps for expected and real-time delays when planning, and opt to take the Henderson Bridge or Newport Bridge when it makes sense.
Ride Share:
Don’t go alone! Traffic is more fun when you’re carpooling with your besties. Queue up your favorite podcast or playlist, and belt out tunes like no one’s watching.
Pedal Power:
The East Bay Bike Path offers easy access to Riverside Square, connecting cyclists to Barrington, Warren, and Bristol, with India Point on the East Side only about 15 minutes away.
All About Timing:
Aim for mid-day when possible, when delays are less than 10 minutes.
Pack Snacks:
Grab coffee before you go, and on your way out, stop by one of EP’s many cafes or bakeries for a sweet snack on the ride back.
Spend the Night:
Make it an overnight of it by securing a place to stay. Ask for special mid-week and RI resident deals.
Throughout the month of June, communities and organizations around the state plan activities to celebrate the voices and culture of LGBTQIA+ people through parades, flag-raising ceremonies, performances, and more. Held in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Inn riots in New York City, events are all about making youth and adults feel safe, welcome, appreciated, and seen.
June 1: East Providence Pride Celebration | EastProvidenceRI.gov
June 1: West Warwick Pride | Facebook: West Warwick Pride
June 2: North Kingstown Pride Parade | TANKRI.org
June 3: Pawtucket Pride | TourBlackstone.com
June 7: Big Pride Flea | ProvidenceFlea.com
June 9: Woonsocket Pride | @woonsocketpride
June 15: Rhode Island PrideFest & Illuminated Night Parade | PrideRI.org
June 22: South County Pride | SouthCountyPride.org
June 29: East Greenwich Pride Celebration & Picnic | Facebook: EG Pride Celebration & Picnic
June 28-30: Newport Pride Weekend | NewportPrideRI.org
Little Compton: TBA
September 12-14: Queer Block Island | QueerBlockIsland.com
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