Summer Happenings

WATERFIRE

Various Dates Apr – Nov
A fixture of Rhode Island summers, WaterFire presents a series of lightings in downtown PVD along the Providence River. For those who have not yet ventured to the famed attraction, the event features fires lit in braziers built to stand above the surface of the PVD river — when lit, it’s as if the fires are floating on water. The first full lighting of the 2024 WaterFire Season takes place on Sat, Jun 1. Lightings take place at sunset and last til as late as 11pm. Each lighting includes onshore programming and food and drink vendors, and special community events, including events held in honor of Rhode Island Educators, Breast Cancer Survivors, and Rhode Island Veterans.

At the time of this writing, the 2024 WaterFire season includes six full lightings and two partial lightings; additional lightings may be added as funding becomes available. waterfire.org

Music on the Hill: Chamber Music Festival

Various Dates May – Jun
Music on the Hill began in 1974 and presents an annual, nationally recognized concert series of chamber music. This year, seven concerts bring national talent to the West Bay from May 27 – Jun 8. The May 29 concert will be a piano and percussion performance by Four Hands. The June concerts include performances by Narragansett Brass Quintet, Mendelssohn Octet, String Quartets, and (S)Heroes. Plus, there will be a free community concert playing the sounds of Mozart, Bach, and surprises for violin, viola, cello and bass. The programs are subject to change and will take place in various locations, including Clouds Hill Museum in Warwick, St Luke's Episcopal Church in East Greenwich, and the First Baptist Church in East Greenwich.  musiconthehillri.org

Gaspee Days

Sat, Jun 1 – Sun, Jun 9
By the time this issue comes out, the majority of Gaspee Days will have already sailed past. Fortunately, there is still time to catch two weekends! The first day of June features a symphony in the park and at night there’ll be a fireworks display over Narragansett Bay.

Gaspee Days is a near holiday in Pawtuxet Village and Sat, Jun 8, is the big party day. Thousands of people flock to the area to enjoy the parade and the preceding 5k race. Jun 9 brings a Blessing of the Fleet and Sunday in the Park before the recreation of the Burning of the Gaspee. It all commemorates RI’s role in the Revolutionary War. Forget the Boston Tea Party – Dive into Gaspee Days. Dressing in period attire is completely acceptable. gaspee.com
   – Bobby Forand

Juicy Market PVD

Various Dates Jun – Sep
With a focus on small businesses, Juicy Market PVD, a collaborative founded in 2021, hosts a bunch of different events that are both creative outlets for artists and makers and an exciting experience for shoppers. Signature to their events is the concept of “Hosting Local Markets to Support Small,” giving local creators a chance to pop up in different venues and put their work into the local community. Events coming up this summer include: Sip & Shop, held at Proclamation Ale Company on Jun 21 and Aug 16; Spring Fling Sip & Shop, held at Wild Red Salon in Cranston, featuring cocktails, psychic readings, and all female local vendors on Jun 7; Moniker Brewery Market, showcasing local artists in the midst of craft beers and food trucks on Jun 13; and the Shaidzon Brewery Market in West Kingstown on Jun 29, Jul 20, and Sep 28. These are just a few of the events happening with Juicy Market PVD this summer — check out their website for more. juicymarketpvd.com
   – Maddie Jarvis

Day of Portugal Fall River

Thu, Jun 6 – Sun, Jun 9
Nearly half the people in Fall River have Portuguese heritage — the highest percentage for any city in the country. This festival is world-renowned and celebrates Portuguese culture and heritage like nowhere else (except possibly Portugal). Four days of food, activities, authentic music and dance, costumes and talent shows in a city steeped in fishing and cobblestones.

Providence Porch Fest

Sat, Jun 8, noon – 6pm
Following a fantastic first year, Providence Porch Fest is back! Check out live music from Blackstone Blvd to Wayland Square on Saturday, Jun 8 from noon - 6pm. Dozens of musicians will perform on porches across the East Side, making porch-hopping easy. Sets are 30 minutes long and the event is family-friendly. providenceporchfest.com
   – Jackie Goldman

Tomaquag Museum’s Annual Strawberry Thanksgiving

Sat, Jun 8, noon  –  4pm
The strawberry holds special significance to many Indigenous peoples, and it’s coming to fruition is a sweet way to celebrate the beginning of warm weather in Rhode Island. Their annual Strawberry festival is a family-friendly, highly interactive exploration of Indigenous culture, dance, and ritual with storytelling, music, and activities. And, of course, strawberries. Wear comfortable clothing and bring your sweet tooth. I still remember attending an event to celebrate this harvest from my childhood over 40 years ago.
   – Mike Ryan

Grace Note Farm Music Festival

Sat, Jun 8 – Sun, Jun 9
Presented by artistic directors David Bernat and Virginia Sindelar, the third edition of the Grace Note Farm Music Festival will feature some of the major works from the chamber music repertoire over the course of four concerts. On Jun 8, experience the brilliance of Kodaly’s “Duo for Violin and Cello,” and Brahms’ “Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor.” On Jun 9, delight in the sounds of “Vocal Inspirations: Schubert's Death and the Maiden,” with performances of Chausson’s “Chanson pérpetuelle, Op. 37,” and Schubert’s “String Quartet No. 14 in d minor, D 810.” gracenotefarmmusicfestival.com

Little Compton PRIDE Fest

Sat, Jun 8
A newer tradition, this celebration of all things LGBTQIA+ celebrates its fourth year in one of RI’s most scenic and intimate settings. Featuring the premiere of Newport Sings, an inclusive choir and with music by DJ Pete, ice cream, food, vendors, crafts, and raffles. This rainbow of activities is dedicated to proving that Love can win over any adversity.

Kin’s Juneteenth Block Party

Fri, Jun 14, 5pm – 2am
The 4th Annual Juneteenth Block Party hosted by Kin Southern Kitchen + Bar is Fri, Jun 14. Honor freedom, equality, and inclusivity in Downtown Providence with music, dancing, fantastic food, and frozen drinks. Festivities include dancing, games — like giant Jenga, cornhole, and (competitive) card games — with live entertainment provided by DJs LadyRuck, DJ Rukiz, and Fred da Great.

“It's a friendly, laid-back vibe,” reports Kin owner and life-long Rhode Islander, Julia Broome, who custom designed T-shirts for the event. Last year 500 folks rocked the block. “It's such an uplifting event. Plus, there will definitely be chicken wings and mac & cheese on the menu!”
Kin Juneteenth Block Party takes place at 71 Washington St, PVD. Tickets: $5 pp at eventbrite.com or kinpvd.com. Kids (12 & under) free. kinpvd.com
   – Jenifer May

Coastal Wine Trail Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate Festival

Sat, Jun 15, 11am – 7:30pm
Haven’t you always wondered what chocolate pairs best with which wine? This is your chance to find out because the world’s best trio is returning to the Westport Fairgrounds this summer for its 11th year! Join the Coastal Wineries of Southeastern New England for any of three exciting sessions: Session 1 from 11am – 1pm, includes a Wine Trail tasting glass, samples of 45+ wines, cheese, chocolate, and local artisan products; Session 2 from 2 – 4:30 pm, includes a Wine Trail tasting glass, samples of over 45 types of wine, cheese, chocolate, and local artisan products, an additional 30 minutes of tasting, and a bonus wine tasting from each winery; Session 3 from 5:30 – 7:30pm, boasts the same great features as Session 1. Tickets for Sessions 1 and 3 sell for $55, and tickets for Session 2 sell for $65. I can’t imagine spending a summery Saturday in a better way – can you? coastalwinetrail.org/events-cwt
   – Maddie Jarvis

Rhode Island Pride

Sat, Jun 15
Festival Gates: Noon / Parade: 8pm
Held in District Park on both sides of the downtown pedestrian footbridge, 2024 PrideFest features vendors of LGBTQ+ and ally-owned businesses, local artisans, and community organizations to provide a shopping experience that celebrates individuality and inclusivity.

The festival main stage will feature performances throughout the day. Adjacent to the main stage, will be eight full service bars staffed by professional bartenders, offering folks 21 and over beer, wine, and spirits for purchase.

The celebratory event concludes with RI Pride’s signature Illuminated Night Parade that literally glows with pride, diversity, love, and acceptance, inspiring robust afterparties throughout the city. prideri.org

AnimeCon

Sat, Jun 15 – Sun, Jun 16
Held at the RI Convention Center in downtown PVD, AnimeCon draws fans of anime from around New England for a weekend of vendors, celebrity photo and signature ops, artists, entertainment, and more, including anime cars on display.

This year’s event includes cosplayers Avenging.Phoenix, Harley Nox, Blunnderland, Halium Workshop, Lunarnoir, Zimmermanjoe21, and more. Featured guests include Amanda C. Miller (“Sailor Moon”), Amy Birnbaum (“Pokémon”), Black Foster (“Power Rangers”), Cricket Leigh (“Avatar: The Last Airbender”), Dameon Clarke (“Dragon Ball Z), Dante Basco (“Avatar: The Last Airbender,” and Hook’s Rufi-ooh), and a whole lot more. The event includes over 70 anime artists, plus events, contests, and games throughout the weekend. rianimecon.com/awesome-gaming

Newport Flower Show, At Home

Fri, Jun 21 – Sun, Jun 23
Whether you are a flower enthusiast, gardening hobbyist, or just looking for summer inspiration, The Newport Flower Show, Jun 21 – 23, offers a feast for the senses. The 28th annual show returns to its original home, Rosecliff, after the mansion's extensive refurbishment. “We spun the At Home theme into a series of competitions and enchanting displays focused on home comforts and homesteading,” reports Jim Donhaue, curator of historic landscapes & horticulture for The Preservation Society of Newport County, “to showcase the relationship between flowers and the homes they beautify.”

The popular Botanical Arts division includes artists' interpretations of things found in homes, such as dolls, picture frames, even the family dog. Author of The Flower Hunter, Lucy Hunter, will demonstrate how to incorporate natural beauty around you into your living space. The Outdoor Horticulture display includes a pollinator garden, an ornamental chicken coop, organic vegetable garden, and summer cabana tablescapes.

The 28th Annual Newport Flower Show is promoted by the Preservation Society of Newport County. Opening night reception (special ticket required) Fri, Jun 21, 6 - 8pm. Rosecliff, 48 Bellevue Ave, Newport. newportflowershow.org
   – Jenifer May

Rhode Island International Film Festival

Tue, Aug 6 – Sun, Aug 11
This annual RI film festival brings together the best in international independent cinema, and is the only festival in New England that is a BAFTA qualifying event and a qualifying festival for the Narrative & Documentary Short Film Academy Award. It includes hundreds of screenings across every genre, with dozens of countries represented and a wide range of talk-backs, networking events, scriptwriting and filmmaking workshops, and celebrity panels at multiple venues around PVD.

At the time of this writing, detailed festival info has yet to be posted, but if you’re a film buff/freak/geek/lover, keep this festival on your radar — you won’t be disappointed. film-festival.org

Looff Arts Festival

Sat, Aug 10, 11 – 5pm
A perfect day of local art, live music, and entertainment along the beautiful East Providence waterfront. Established in 2015, this family-friendly summer festival showcases all types of artworks created by talented local artists. Artwork includes paintings, photography, ceramics, sculpture, metal works, fiber, literature, performance art, and more. Admission is free and open to all ages. The Looff takes place at Crescent Park, 701 Bullocks Point Ave, Riverside. eastprovidencearts.com/looff-arts-festival

Dominican Festival

Sun, Aug 11, 10am – 2pm
This is one of the big ones, known for bringing in a massive number of celebrants to PVD and growing constantly for the 30 years it’s been taking place. There’s a parade down Broad St that culminates at the Temple to Music in Roger Williams Park, and leaves a rollicking sea of parties in its wake. Dominican music, food, dance, costumes, and live performances abound. Rhode Island has over 53,000 residents of Dominican heritage, second only to New York. This is the weekend to celebrate the DR.

Necronomicon Providence

Thu, Aug 15 – Sun, Aug 18
It’s that time folks. The Lovecraft Arts & Sciences Council’s biennial international festival of weird fiction, art, and academia has arrived. NecronomiCon is a multi-faceted exploration that is part literary and academic conference, part fan festival, and part community reunion as people from around the world come together in the birthplace of weird to celebrate the weird fiction literary genre, which combines elements of horror, science fiction, fantasy, and magical realism. The 4-day event includes panels, talks, films, games, vendors, walking tours, and more, including a Cthulhu Prayer Breakfast and an Eldritch Ball. necronomicon-providence.com

Warren Folks Fest

Sat, Aug 17
Run by Warren’s The Collaborative, the Warren Folks Fest is returning for its eighth annual appearance. Held at the Cutler Mill, it offers people of all ages a number of musical acts and local vendors. Also a staple of Folks Fest is their beer garden, sponsored by Narragansett Beer, with 100% of proceeds going to The Collaborative. Past years have seen lots of people enjoying a number of makers, ranging from artists, authors, designers, and more. Tons of unique musical acts provide enough entertainment to keep people engaged all day, and this year is sure to be just as fun! thecollaborative02885.org
   – Maddie Jarvis

Rhythm & Roots

Fri, Aug 30 – Sun, Sep 1
With tickets selling almost as fast as a Powerball drawing, music lovers from across New England are setting their sights on the 26th anniversary of the Rhythm and Roots Festival, a celebration of Americana roots music.

If you crave the blues, Cajun, bluegrass, and indie rock be sure you head to Ninigret Park in Charlestown. It’s just a 35-minute ride from Providence and once there you’ll find a glorious, laid-back weekend of music to bid adieu to the dog days of August.

Despite the passing of its founder Chuck Wentworth, an iconic music promoter and musical visionary, this year's festival will feature some incredible musical acts, including: Emmy Lou Harris, Shemika Copeland, Ruthie Foster, and the Old Crow Medicine. rhythmandroots.com

Read more about Wentworth’s legacy and this year’s festival here.
   – Walt Slattery

Caribbean American Heritage Festival

Sat, Jun 22, noon – 6pm
Held at Fête Music Hall in PVD, the annual Rhode Island Caribbean American Heritage Festival showcases the music, food, culture, achievement, heritage and more of the Caribbean American community of Rhode Island. Tickets sales will benefit the Authentic Caribbean Foundation’s programs for children with disabilities.

Narragansett Art Festival

Sat, Jun 22 – Sun, Jun 23
The Rotary Club of Wakefield holds its 41st Narragansett Art Festival, and for the first time, the festival will take place in two locations: the traditional location beside the Towers, and on the Gazebo Field behind the Narragansett Post Office. The festival is a popular, volunteer-managed, outdoor, fine-art-only festival event, presenting artistic pieces in the forms of watercolors, pastels, oils, acrylics, photography, drawings, graphics, sculpture, and other three-dimensional media. Items prohibited from the festival include imported artwork and mass-produced items; art dealers are also not allowed at the festival to emphasize the importance of original and inspired art. Swing by the Narragansett Art Festival to support the Wakefield Rotary Club’s mission to provide local artists with an expertly managed and publicized event!
– Maddie Jarvis

Daytrill

Sat, Jun 22 & Sat, Aug 31
All we really know so far is that there will be events on Jun 22 and Aug 31, but DayTrill is an established treat for all the senses with music from the rap, EDM, and R&B sides of the spectrum, and full day, all-in music shows featuring national and local artists, typically at India Point Park. This is a dance fest where you need to hydrate frequently! Keep an eye on their Insta for performers, location confirmations, and to find out when tickets drop – they’re staying silent for now. @daytrill

PPAC’s Cool Summer Nights

Various Dates Jun – Jul
Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) is hosting Cool Summer Nights, a series of three affordably priced concerts happening in Jun and Jul. Bruce in the USA performs on Jun 22, John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band and openers Steve Smith and the Nakeds play Jul 13 and Yachtly Crew sail into town on Jul 27. 

“It’s certainly a thrill to play PPAC and I’m really looking forward to the show,” says Don Culp, drummer of John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band. “Our two bands Steve Smith & the Naked’s and John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band are gonna have people dancing in the aisles. A legendary venue and two local legendary bands, this show should not be missed.” ppacri.org

Read more about PPAC’s Cool Summer Nights here.
   – Bobby Forand

CulturefestRI’24

Fri, Jun 28 – Sun, Jun 30
This summer, the Rosa Parks Resource Center is holding CULTUREFESTRI’24 at the Southside Cultural Center of Rhode Island. Described by its creators as a “vibrant celebration of culture, creativity, and community,” attendees can expect more of a movement than just another event. CULTUREFESTRI’24 is a “gathering of like-minded souls coming together to celebrate diversity and the rich tapestry of our community.” Featured at the festival will be a number of performances encompassing art, music, and dance by artists from near and far. In between the different showcases of talent, folks can enjoy an eclectic variety of cultural food offerings and vendors, with some vendors showcasing crafts, unique goods, artisanal jewelry, and more. culturefestri.com
   – Maddie Jarvis

Scurvy Dog Mega Parking Lot Show

Various Dates
Summer doesn’t officially start until the Scurvy Dog Mega Parking Lot Show is officially announced. There will be four Sunday shows, each falling on a holiday weekend to give time to recover. They will also be picking up where Dusk (RIP) left off with a show on July 4.

“Somebody has to,” says co-owner James Wolloff of the decision to carry the traditional torch.
Like all years, expect an eclectic variety of genres that should satisfy most music fans. While the lineup features mostly local talent, bands from as far as Vancouver, BC will be performing. Though there will be a few favorites that grace the Scurvy pavement annually, there will be a lot of bands that haven’t played in years, if at all.

“Lots of new bands this year,” Wolloff says. “A couple from VT, some from NYC, Menstrual Tramps from Minneapolis, Wait//Less from Vancouver. It's gonna be fun!”

Without giving away too many surprises, Wolloff reveals that he will be performing a Spinal Tap tribute set on Jul 4 with David Tessier and the All-Star Stars.

“I'm also sitting in with another old-school PVD band doing an all-cover band, but that one needs to stay a surprise.” scurvydogbar.com/events
   – Bobby Forand

Newport Classical Music Festival

Thu, Jul 4 – Sun, Jul 21
Cementing its legacy as a premier RI cultural asset, Newport Classical Music Festival celebrates its 55th anniversary with 27 concerts performed by 120 international musicians in eleven historic venues. The iconic summer festival features a broad-range of composers, formats, artists, and sounds. Featuring artists from acclaimed violinist Anne Akiko Meyers to Tony Award-winner Laura Benanti, the festival kicks off with the Patriot Pops on Jul 4 at King Park and concludes with Lara Downes at The Breakers, Jul 21. The line-up includes Composer Talk (Jul 20, 11 am), featuring Grammy-nominated Brazilian-American musician Clarice Assad, who premieres her newly commissioned work at the festival, performed by PubliQuartet and mezzo-soprano Renée Rapier.

“Regardless of taste – string, brass or something different – we offer an experience unlike any other, performed in magical settings,” explains Gillian Friedman Fox, executive director of Newport Classical. Last year's festival drew sell-out crowds with 40% of patrons first-time attendees. Discover new composers, revisit beloved work, and gain new perspectives from a wide-range of musical experiences and artists shaping the future of classical music. newportclassical.org/music-festival
   – Jenifer May

Wickford Art Festival

Sat, Jul 13 – Sun, Jul 14
This July, the Wickford Art Association brings back its annual art festival at Wilson Park in North Kingstown’s historic Wickford Village. A local staple since 1962, the Wickford Art Festival features a range of artists, including both national and local New England / Rhode Island artists. Over 200 artists will showcase their work, including ceramics, wood, painting, photography, furniture, drawing, and more. As an added bonus, admission is free, and per RI law, any fine art sales made at the event are tax free! Either before or after attending the festival, consider checking out historic Wickford Village and all it has to offer. wickfordart.org/wickford-art-festival
   – Maddie Jarvis

St. Mary’s Feast

Wed, Jul 17 – Sun, Jul 21 
Parade Sat, Jul 20
There’s a road race, a massive parade, food trucks, lemonade and over 100 years of tradition at the oldest St. Mary’s Feast in the country. There are rides, games, food, and live music including riffs by the CarTunes. Italian in its food and culture, this crowd pleaser celebrates in delicious, family-friendly ways.

Newport Beer Run

Sat, Jul 20
Fort Adams will be flowing with beer, sweat, and running shoes at the annual Newport Beer Run, happening Jul 20. The event pairs a 5k race with a beer festival that features over 30 breweries.
 
The course gives a running (or walking) tour around Fort Adams. Runners start at the west side of the fort, and loop around and through the stone walls. The route then heads towards the Eisenhower House and back along the oceanside Bay Walk loop, conveniently ending at the beer festival. 

Attendees don’t need to participate in the race to enjoy the beer festival. A lot of the breweries are local and all are intriguing. Food trucks and live music round out this 21+ event, which ends at 4pm, making for a potentially fun nightcap in Newport. newportbeerrun.com
   – Bobby Forand

Puerto Rican Bay Fest

Sun, Jul 21, noon – 7pm
RI Latino Arts coordinates and champions this celebration of Puerto Rican heritage. Food, dances, music, and cocktails at a family-friendly event coordinated with the raising of the Puerto Rican flag over Central Falls.

Blessing of the Fleet

Thu, Jul 25 – Sat, Jul 27
Narragansett Lions Club hosts the 52nd Annual Blessing of the Fleet Celebration at Memorial Square (near the towers). The festival has grown over the years to become a three-day event attracting about 30,000 people to Narragansett annually.

The festival has a carnival vibe with the Narragansett Lions Club and other vendors, slinging food, alongside rides, games, and the “famous” beer (and wine) tent. Felix Brown Band, Heavy Rescue, and Those Guys are slated to provide musical entertainment. 

There is a 10-mile road race on Fri, Jul 26. Participants have the choice of running or walking. The race starts by the high school, passes by such landmarks as Scarborough Beach, Ocean Road, and Point Judith Road, and ends at the towers. This is one of the top races of its distance in New England and attracts runners from all across the country.
The celebration ends on Sat, Jul 27 with the Blessing of the Fleet boat parade at Salty Brine State Beach. Each watercraft is blessed by a local clergyman while onlookers cheer them on. bit.ly/3KaEjKj
   – Bobby Forand

Newport Folk Festival

Fri, Jul 26 – Sun, Jul 28
A quintessential Newport experience has to be Newport Folk Festival — a one-stop shop for all things folky and fun. For over 60 years, the organizers of Folk Fest have been bringing great music to Fort Adams in Newport, uniting a diverse range of artists. This year’s acts include Black Pumas, MUNA, Bertha: Grateful Drag, Billy Bragg, Elle King, Killer Mike, Orville Peck, The War on Drugs, Dropkick Murphys, and many more (with more artists to be announced!). In addition to a host of musical performances, tons of local vendors gather at Folk Fest, often artisan jewelers, music photographers selling photographs, and vintage clothing stores offering special pop-ups. There’s also plenty of food to be found, with a typical assortment of different food trucks and classic-style food vendors. Tickets always sell out instantaneously for Folk Fest, but there’s a waitlist you can join to snag tickets as they become available, which is pretty common. Worse comes to worst, you can always pull up your boat (or your friend’s friend’s dad’s boat) and enjoy the music for free! newportfolk.org
   – Maddie Jarvis

Newport Jazz Festival

Fri, Aug 2 – Sun, Aug 4
Tickets are selling fast, so now is the time to go online and grab yours before they’re sold out…and they will sell out.

This year's lineup promises to be a primo weekend of amazing jazz stars, including: Samara Joy; the Sun Ra Arkestra; a tribute to Wayne Shorter, a founding member of the Crusaders; along with Stanley Clarke N-Forever, a founding member of fusion jazz and a bass guitar wizard. Another star not to be missed is funkmaster Niles Roger and Chic. Rogers has been a mainstay bandleader and funk music producer for decades. newportjazz.org

Read more about the history of Newport Jazz here.

   – Walt Slattery

Charlestown Seafood Festival

Fri, Aug 2 – Sun, Aug 4
Get your bibs ready! The 39th annual, award-winning Charlestown Seafood Festival is upon us! Enjoy a weekend full of Rhode Island’s best seafood, including: lobsters, steamers, chowder, fish & chips, lobster rolls, (hungry yet?), clam cakes, corn on the cob, a raw bar, and more. This 3-day festival includes amusement rides, artisan vendors, a car show, rock wall climbing, raffles and the list goes on. Don’t miss one of New England’s biggest – and tastiest – events of the year. charlestownseafoodfestival.com

Pawtucket Greek Festival

Fri, Aug 16 – Sun, Aug 18
Why watch the latest My Big Fat Greek… movie when you can have it all live and in-person right in Pawtucket? Relishing in Greek food, music and culture, you can witness Greek dances by performers in period clothing, and feast on more gyro-ics than a superhero movie. This approachable, enthusiastic festival has been a mainstay for the Pawtucket community of every heritage for over 90 years. Not only are Greek dances especially exciting in the round, but there are vendors of all shapes and sizes for your browsing pleasure, and a spacious meal tent.

Black Ships Festival

Fri, Aug 16 – Sun, Aug 18
This August, the Japan-America Society of Rhode Island returns with the Black Ships Festival for its 41st year. With a number of events happening in both Bristol and Newport, folks can enjoy unique cultural experiences that bring the community together to celebrate Japanese history and culture. One of the biggest components of the festival is the Cultural Marketplace Fair, held in Independence Park in Bristol. The fair holds tons of amazing experiences, including origami folding, martial arts demonstrations, a traditional tea ceremony, and demonstrations of “Ikebana” and “Kokedama,” the Japanese art of flower arranging. In addition to the fair, the weekend of celebration features a free Taiko drum concert, a gala in Newport, a memorial ceremony, and more. jasri.org
   – Maddie Jarvis

RI Folk Fest

Sun, Aug 25, noon – 6pm
Attend the 10th annual Rhode Island Folk Festival and enjoy three stages of live performance at Rose Larisa Park in East Providence. And the best part? The festival is completely free!

The three stages include the Bandshell Stage, which features mostly bands, the Songbird Stage, which features mostly soloists, and the Emerging Songwriters Stage, which is held in the Gazebo between the two main stages and features a juried open mic.

The festival is produced by Hear in Rhode Island, an organization dedicated to putting on free music festivals to promote Rhode Island folk singer-songwriters. Hear in Rhode Island was founded by RI native, musician, Motif contributor and host of the Roots Report podcast, John Fuzek. rhodeislandfolkfestival.com



Would you believe it?! There are even more summer happenings! Too many to print. Although we’d love to, we can’t catch ‘em all. If you have a festival you’d like to see featured in future issues of Motif, please let us know by emailing listings@motifri.com. Now get out there and have the best summer ever!