15 Rhode Island Summer Events NOT to be Missed!

Rhode Island certainly knows a thing or two about great summer events.  We are fortunate enough to live or vacation in a state that hosts many annual events which have built a tremendous following.  Without further adieu here are 15 events not to be missed this summer season!

1.  PVD Fest –  PVD Fest is taking place on June 2-5th! You can expect exciting stages, artists from all over and incredible art installations.  The festival will be filled with educational experiences, musical wonders, world class artists, food, entertainment, dancing and so much more!

2.   A Taste of Summer– South County Museum will be hosting “A Taste of Summer”.  ” A Taste of Summer is a celebration of local culinary delights, is the theme of South County Museum’s annual fundraiser on Friday, June 10 from 5 to 8 pm on the campus grounds. The evening will include appetizers, chowder, calamari, BBQ ribs and artisan desserts as well as a spirits and wine bar provided by local vendors. The evening will feature a silent auction and music provided by guitarist Steve DeConti. Dress for the event is casual and tickets are priced at $35 per person for advance reservations or $40 at the door. Proceeds from the event are designated to support the Museum, its programs and collections. Please make your reservations by June 8th by calling 783-5400.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.  The Great Chowder Cook-Off-  June 18th will be the annual Great Chowder Cook-Off at Fort Adams State Park!  Come and savor this Rhode Island classic…along with its many creative and savory variations. “The legendary Great Chowder Cook-Off is the original and longest running event of its kind in the nation, and officially kicks off Rhode Island’s summer festivities! Enjoy endless samples of traditional and exotic creations- 21 competitors from RI to Ireland with 22 competing chowders! You vote for your favorites and the winners walk away with overflowing prize pots and bragging rights for the year!” -newportwaterfrontevents.com A look at last year:

4.  The New England Quahog Festival:  June 25th will be an exciting day at North Kingstown Town Beach!  This event will welcome summer with a Sea Creature Parade, live music, entertainment, food trucks, beer garden and so much more!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. The South County Balloon Festival–  Come one, come all on July 22nd-24th to 1 Keaney Road for a festival like no other.  There will be tethered balloon rides, live music, kites, airborne jugglers, music, food, fireworks, and so much more.  Prices are set to entice families, so gather up the gang and check out this incredible display of Hot Air Balloons.

6.   Newport Folk Festival–   The Newport Folk Festival, July 22nd-24th is an event that draws a crowd as well as acts from all over the world to the scenic Fort Adams State Park. While the festival sells out  but there are still several ways to enjoy this incredible display of music if you missed the chance to get tickets.  Have a friend with a boat?  Motor out into the harbor with plenty of refreshments and food and you will be able to listen from the water.  There are also a number of events that will serve as festival after shows.  Click here for after hours details at Jane Picken’s Theater.    It is also worth keeping your eyes and ears open for tickets, you never know who will be giving some away!

7.  Blessing of the Fleet-    On July 29-30th you can experience the  45th anniversary of this local event.  The Blessing of the Fleet  draws runners, walkers and spectators from near and far.  This 10 mile course showcases the beauty of Narragansett.  The race is only the beginning of this festive weekend.  There will be a seafood festival, a beer tent, live music, free parking at the state beaches and the vibrant Blessing of the Fleet.

8.  Waterfire–  Waterfire takes place throughout the summer and continues all that way until November 5th.  Leaving you ample opportunities to attend either a full or a partial lighting.  This glorious display illuminates the beauty of the capital city while highlighting and featuring artists, actors, vendors, local businesses and so much more.  You can see the entire schedule here.

9.  Newport Jazz Festival– Friday July 29th-31st, the Newport Jazz Festival returns to Fort Adams and the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport.  This festival, as always, will boast some of the most talented jazz acts.  The Jazz Festival features 3 days of jazz music at Fort Adams State Park as well as a ceremonial Newport Jazz Festival Friday evening concert that will be held at the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino.

10.  Local Food Fest-  August 2nd will be a culinary adventure as you dive into the local fare at Castle Hill Inn.  This event is, “an evening celebrating Rhode Island farmers, fishermen and food artisans featuring dozens of local farmers and producers teamed up with renowned area chefs including chefs from Castle Hill Inn & Resort and Newport Restaurant Group. Meet these local stars and enjoy local wine, beer, live music and the beautiful water-view setting of Castle Hill — all while benefiting the programs of Farm Fresh Rhode Island through a silent auction and raffle.”

11. The Charlestown Seafood Festival–  August 5th-7th is the highly acclaimed 32nd Annual Charlestown Chamber of Commerce Seafood Festival.  Come hungry and leave satisfied.  Rhode Island, being the Ocean State, can obviously put on a seafood festival like a boss.  Ninigret Park hosts this delicious display of savory seafood dishes.  Salivating?  I would imagine so!  Have a look at what you can expect.

12.  Reggae Fest–  Saturday, August 13th, India Point Park gets Irie.  The Seventh Annual Waterfront Reggae Fest will be bringing some of the most influential Reggae Artists to Rhode Island.  Enjoy the beloved tunes of The Wailers! This year’s lineup also includes Etana, Jesse Royal, The Cornerstone and Th Ravers!  This is one waterfront event that will bring out your mellow mood.

13.Foo Fest–   Takes place on August 13th on Empire Street in Providence.  Hosted by AS220, this summer block party will take place outside and inside.  Come experience art, music, and the budding cultural scene in the area.  Here is a look at the line-up so far:
DAN DEACON
HARRY AND THE POTTERS
ED SCHRADER’S MUSIC BEAT
ARC IRIS
CHURCHBURN
KUFA CASTRO
SECRET LOVER
HUSSY
LOVESICK
TAINA ASILI
POWER MONSTER
THE QUAHOGS
LAIKA’S ORBIT
PROJECT 401
HOUSEBOY
GERTRUDE ATHERTON
XR TABS
SNOWPLOWS
LEIKO
THEOSOPHIA
& AS220 YOUTH’S ZU-KREWE

A look at a past year:

14.  The Washington County Fair-  Like many of Rhode Island’s most successful events, The Washington County Fair has been delighting fair goers for over 40 years.  This is an agricultural extravaganza of epic proportions.  August 17th-21st will feature five consecutive days of farming fun.  From tractor races and carnival rides to live music and delicious food vendors, there is something for all ages at this fair.  Check out the animals or sit back and enjoy some live country music, whatever your pleasure…you can find it here!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUOiKYMcYDQ

15.  Rhythm and Roots Festival–  September 2nd-4th,  Ninigret Park comes alive with the Rhythm and Roots Festival.  Featuring family friendly pricing, camping, amazing music, food vendors, art and so much more…this is the perfect way to say goodbye to summer on Labor Day Weekend.  Come for the day or make a weekend of it!

Interested in adding an event…submit it here!  Make sure to mention that it is one of the “not to be missed” events.