Weekend Best Bets

Say “goodbye” to this week of rain as the weekend gets closer and closer.

Start your weekend with a bang – literally. The Gaspee Day Fireworks Extravaganza is being held on Friday in Salter’s Grove Park in Warwick. This display will kick-off the Gaspee Day events being held all weekend. On Saturday, stick with the historic theme and watch the 47th Annual Gaspee Days Parade in the morning. The parade goes down Narragansett Parkway in Warwick and Broad Street in Cranston. Later on Saturday night Providence is hosting a full basin waterfire in celebration of Gaspee Days. Finally, complete your weekend of colonial rebellion with the Sunday in the Park and Burning of the Gaspee at the Pawtuxet Park in Warwick. There will be music, the chance to see a Royal Navy press crew and, of course, the symbolic burning of the ship that sparked the American Revolution.

But don’t get so caught up in all those flashing lights that you forget about the Second City LOL Tour at Trinity Rep. This famous comedy troupe is only here until Saturday night, so get your tickets fast.

If charities are more to your interests, run on down to the Roger Williams Carousel Village for the 10th Annual Walk With Me 5k and Mini Carnival on Saturday. The run and carnival raises funds for families with disabilities and special needs in Rhode Island.

Festival Fete is hosting the Garden City Arts Festival on Saturday and Sunday at the Garden City Center in Cranston. Drop by and support all the art and culture Rhode Island has to offer.

Finally, head over to Providence for the 35th Portuguese Heritage Festival and Parade on Sunday. You don’t have to be Portuguese to enjoy all of the traditional foods, music and dancing during this cultural celebration.