FAIRS AND FESTIVALS > RHODE ISLAND
JUNE 21 — RHODE ISLAND PRIDEFEST
Address: Burnside Park, Providence, RI
Phone: 401.467.2130
Email: info@prideri.com
Web: www.prideri.com
New England's only nighttime Pride Parade, beginning at the corner of Fountain and Dorrance Sts at 8:30 pm. Opening ceremonies at noon at Burnside Park, featuring live entertainment from local and national acts, arts and crafts, Kids' Pride Zone, GLBT Marketplace, food court, and a beer-and-wine garden.
JUNE 21 AND 22 — NARRAGANSETT ART FESTIVAL
Address: Towers overlooking Narragansett Beach, Narragansett, RI
Phone: 401.789.7713
Email: deedra110@verizon.net
Web: www.wakefieldrotary.com
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Wakefield, this festival features more than 100 fine-art exhibitors, mostly from New England. Displays include oils, acrylics, drawings, graphics, sculpture, photography, watercolors, and pastels. Proceeds from artist-registration fees benefit the Rotary Club scholarship program. Open from 9 am to 5 pm. Free.
JUNE 27, 28, AND 29 — NEWPORT FLOWER SHOW
Address: Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI
Phone: 401.847.1000
Email: info@newportmansions.com
Web: www.newportflowershow.org
The reception rooms and oceanfront lawn of the 1902 mansion are filled with floral displays and horticultural wonders for this year's "Explore! Botanical Passions" themed show. There are also gardening lectures and demonstrations. See website or call for a detailed schedule and ticket prices. Special events available at an additional cost.
JULY 4 AND 5 — BLOCK ISLAND FIREWORKS, PARADE, AND STEAK FRY
Address: Block Island, RI
Phone: 800.383.2474 or 401.466.2474
Email: info@blockislandchamber.com
Web: www.blockislandchamber.com
On July 4, the "Favorite Holiday" themed parade begins at 11:45 am and ends with a band concert in Old Harbor. Steak Fry begins at 1 pm at the Block Island Fire Department and costs $20. The next night, the Block Island fireworks will be held at 9 pm at Crescent Beach.
JULY 3 AND 4 — BRISTOL FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS AND PARADE
Address: Bristol, RI
Phone: 401.253.0445
Email: chairperson@july4thbristolri.com
Web: www.july4thbristolri.com
Fireworks at 9:45 pm on Thurs, followed by America’s oldest Fourth of July parade on Fri.. They've been marching in Bristol since 1785. Nevertheless, visitors are encouraged to arrive before 8 am. The 223rd parade starts from the corner of Chestnut and Hope Streets (Rte 114) at 10:30 am. Free.
JULY 17 THROUGH 20 — BLACK SHIPS FESTIVAL
Address: Newport, RI
Phone: 401.846.2720
Web: www.blackshipsfestival.com
Celebrating its 25th year, the festival features more than 50 events, workshops, and demonstrations of Japanese culture, including kite flying, sushi making, karate, origami, and Taiko drumming. Call or visit the Web site for detailed information on events and tickets.
JULY 18, 19, AND 20 — EAST PROVIDENCE HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Address: Pierce Stadium, East Providence, RI
Phone: 401.435.7511
Email: eprecreation@cityofeastprov.com
Web: www.eprecreation.com
Music, food, crafts, and classic cars. This year's performers include Loverboy, Evolution (Journey Tribute), and Heartbreaker (Led Zeppelin Tribute). See the website for schedule and ticket prices.
JULY 19 AND 20 — RHODE ISLAND INDIAN COUNCIL POWWOW
Address: Roger Williams Park, 1100 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI
Phone: 401.781.1098
Email: info@rhodeislandindiancouncil.org
Web: www.rhodeislandindiancouncil.org
Demonstrations of crafts, dancing, drumming, storytelling, and cooking. Open from 10 am to 6 pm. Dancing begins at noon. Free.
AUG 1 AND 2 — 26TH ANNUAL WILTON BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL
Address: Main Street, Wilton, ME
Phone: 207.778.4726
Email: scsmith@beeline-online.net
Web: www.route2.com/wbf.htm
Sidewalk arts and crafts, kids’ race, parade, boat parade, book sale, pancake breakfast, blueberry bazaar, barbecue, live family entertainment, boat tours of Wilson Lake, and a 10K race. Fireworks on Sat at 9 pm. No parking on Main St on Sat, but a free shuttle service is available from 7 am to 4 pm. Free.
AUG 1, 2, AND 3 — CHARLESTOWN SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
Address: Ninigret Park, Rte 1A, Charlestown, RI
Phone: 401.364.4031
Email: heatherpaliotta@earthlink.net
Web: www.charlestownrichamber.com
Feast on seafood, lobsters, steamers, chowder, fish and chips, clam cakes, corn, a raw bar, and even non-seafood delights. Attractions include music, arts and crafts, amusement rides, rock-wall climbing, children's shows, bungee jumping, and a lobster raffle. Open on Fri from noon to 10 pm, on Sat from 11 am to 10 pm, and on Sun from 11 am to 8 pm. Admission $7. Children 12 and under free.
AUG 13 THROUGH 17 — WASHINGTON COUNTY FAIR
Address: Washington County Fairgrounds, Rte 112, Richmond, RI
Phone: 401.782.8139 or 401.539.7042
Web: www.washingtoncountyfair-ri.com
An agricultural fair featuring tractor pulls, stage shows, crafts, and livestock, plus games and children’s contests. Adult events include arm-wrestling contests, "dung throwing," lawnmower racing, and "seed spitting." Ah, America. Live country concerts every night. Admission $9, free for children 10 and under. Check the Web site for schedule.
AUG 30, 31, AND SEPT 1 — NEWPORT WATERFRONT IRISH FESTIVAL
Address: Newport Yachting Center, America's Cup Ave, Newport, RI
Phone: 401.846.1600
Web: www.newportfestivals.com
A celebration of Irish culture, music, crafts, and . . . uh, cuisine. Open on Sat from 11 am to 9 pm, on Sun until 8 pm, and on Mon until 6 pm. Admission $15, $12 in advance, $12 for seniors and students, free for children under 12 accompanied by an adult.
