Check out extensive listings for every show we could find this season. But some are bigger or just fundamentally represent summer in our eclectic, hyperactive, tiny-yet-overachieving state. Here’s a selection of special events to keep an eye out for.
MUSIC AT THE FARM: GRACE NOTE FARM
A series of outdoor concerts at the farm! Hosted by the award-winning flutist, Virginia Sindelar, from the Juilliard School of Music. Farm activities also include horse-riding lessons, boat rides, treasure hunts, petting the animals, gathering chicken eggs, pony rides, and more. Concerts start at 2pm and occur on various dates throughout the summer. Tickets are $30. Call 401-567-0354 for reservations or visit gracenotefarmweb.com/about-the-farm
WATERFIRE
If you’re a Rhode Islander, you know about WaterFire. It’s a classic summer tradition, almost as reliable as going to the Cheesecake Factory after a night at the PPM, or drinking a melting Del’s lemonade on the beach. WaterFire runs from May through November, and the first lighting is on May 30, 2026. Find out all the deets on their website, waterfire.org, or take a peek at our listings.
MUSIC ON THE HILL: CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL
This series consists of multiple concerts across RI, starting May 29 and ending on June 14, where artists and musicians come together to entertain, educate, and inspire. Students of all ages are also offered free admission, with the chance to enjoy the shows, learn about the instruments, and ask questions. To find out more, check out their website musiconthehillri.org/concerts
GASPEE DAYS
Festivities that honor the first act sparking the American Revolution (if you ask a Rhode Islander). In June 1772 – a full year before the Boston Tea Party – RI colonists burned a British ship called the HMS Gaspee, forever changing American History. Events include a block party, arts festivals, symphonies, fireworks, 5k races, a parade, reenactment of the ship burning, and more. These are held on multiple dates, starting in May and ending in October. More info can be found here on their website at gaspee.com
DAY OF PORTUGAL FALL RIVER
A three-day event starting on June 12 and ending on June 14, celebrating Portuguese culture with food and performances by various DJs, artists, and musicians. The second day includes a flag-raising ceremony, and the third features a Kids’ Fair. This festival is considered the largest Portuguese festival in the country, drawing tens of thousands of visitors to the little seaport town each year. Start times include: 6pm on June 12, 4pm on June 13, and 1:30pm on June 14. Held at Ponta Delgada Blvd in Fall River. More details here: @dayofportugalfr.
LA FESTA DI SAN GUISEPPE
A celebration of Italian heritage, also known as St. Joseph’s Day. It spans three days, starting on June 5 at 5pm, June 6 at 11am, and ending on June 7 at 11am. Festivities include delicious food with Italian flair, live music, shopping, and games, located on Atwells Ave in PVD, which they close off for the weekend. For more information, check out their website at federalhillprov.com
STRAWBERRY THANKSGIVING WITH THE TOMAQUAG MUSEUM
Honoring the first fruit of the year, which marks the start of the summer season. This stems (haha) from a Native American tradition of showing thanks to the Creator for blessing us with delicious berries, which also became an event that symbolized friendship and community. The family-friendly celebration includes Indigenous music, dance, games, vendors, and storytelling. And strawberries, of course. You can find them at the Ninigret Park in Charlestown on June 7 at noon. More info here: preservation.ri.gov/events/strawberry-thanksgiving-tomaquag-museum-0
PROVIDENCE PORCHFEST
The annual Providence Porchfest is back for its fourth year! Enjoy an afternoon full of great musical performances from a variety of acts. It takes place on May 30 at noon in neighborhoods all across the city. Free for everyone to attend. This event won Favorite Festival at the RI Music Awards this year, so you can also find a review on page xxx. To check out the lineup, visit providenceporchfest.com
RHODE ISLAND ANIMECON
A two-day convention for all things anime and manga. Includes celebrity guests, cosplayers, photo ops, meetups, vendors, Q&A sessions, and more. Held at the RI Convention Center in PVD on June 6 and June 7. Shows start at 10am and VIP entry is at 9am. Buy your tickets at rianimecon.com
WINE, CHEESE, AND CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL BY COASTAL WINE TRAIL
Samplings of over 50 wines from 14 different vineyards, paired with delicious cheeses and artisanal chocolates. There will also be other tasty treats and crafted products at their artisan market. Sounds like a gouda time! It takes place on June 13 with three sessions to choose from: 11am to 1pm, 2pm to 4:30pm, or 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Tickets here: coastalwinegroup.org
AL FRESCO ON THE HILL
The 7th annual celebration for Federal Hill’s plethora of flavors and heritage. The outdoor dining event features a mix of culinary arts, shopping, and musical entertainment. It’ll be located on Atwells Ave, on Saturdays at 5pm, June 13 through September 5. More info can be found at federalhillprov.com/al-fresco-on-the-hill/
THE NEWPORT FLOWER SHOW
Celebrating their 30th perennial year, the Newport Flower Show is back with a “Pearls of Newport” theme for 2026. The event will feature floral exhibits, botanical arts and horticulture displays, inspired by pearls of course, highlighting Newport’s rich heritage of elegance and refined charm. This takes place at 548 Bellevue Ave over the course of three days, starting on June 19 and ending June 21. To learn more or purchase tickets, check out their website at newportmansions.org/events/the-newport-flower-show-2026
RHODE ISLAND PRIDE
These cats really know how to party! Providence throws a hell of a Pride parade, as New England’s largest LGBTQIA+ celebration, and only illuminated night parade. It’s also the most attended event in RI most years. There’s beer, wine, spirits, and a kid-friendly zone (Don’t tell the Bishop)! If you don’t want to partake on the ground, make sure to view it from multiple spots off Dorrance, Washington, and Weybosset Streets. Event and the illuminated parade, a fantastical nighttime endeavor, take place on June 20, 2026, starting at 11:30am. For all the colorful specifics, go to prideri.org.
RHODE ISLAND CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL
This event takes place in June to honor Caribbean Heritage Month, consisting of live music, storytelling, cooking demos, and local vendors. It’s June 11, starting at 3pm in the Armory Park of PVD. For more info, check out the website here: goprovidence.com/event/caribbean-heritage-celebration/54454/
NARRAGANSETT ART FESTIVAL
An outdoor festival, managed by volunteers, that provides artists with a high-quality space to sell their work. It’ll feature fine art such as oils, acrylics, watercolors, drawings, graphics, photography, and sculptures. Artists are encouraged to apply and participate. You can find them at the Veterans’ Park and Gazebo Field in Narragansett on June 20 and June 21, from 9am to 6pm. For more info, check wakefieldrotary.org
8TH ANNUAL JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL
Celebrating Black culture, freedom, excellence, and resilience. The event features live music, local Black-owned food vendors, pop up shots and community networking. Located at Roger Williams Park in PVD, at the beautiful, classical Temple of Music – an idyllic outdoor setting – on June 21 at noon. For more, check out visitrhodeisland.com/event/8th-annual-juneteenth-festival/109365/
2025 NEWPORT CLASSICAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
A summer series for music lovers, with performances in a variety of locations such as cliffsides, mansions, and historic libraries. Consisting of 30 concerts in total, these events occur between July 2 and July 19. Ticket prices vary for each venue, so please check out their website for more details: newportclassical.org/music-festival
PROVIDENCE RESTAURANT WEEKS
Two weeks of dining brought to you by GoProvidence to celebrate the RI dining scene. Participating restaurants offer deals and special menu items from July 26 until August 8. Check the list of locations at goprovidence.com/rw/
WICKFORD ART FESTIVAL
A selection of curated art by hundreds of artists from across the country. Mediums include ceramics, wood, fiber, furniture, fine jewelry, drawing, glass, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculptures. This takes place on July 11 and July 12 at 9am, at Wilson Park. More info at meetmeatthefair.com
ST. MARY’S FEAST SOCIETY SUMMER SIZZLER
This event includes a large feast for attendees, beginning with a 5k run that welcomes runners of all levels to join. It starts at 8am on July 18. Bib pick-ups are available at 6:30 until 7:45 at 15 Phenix Ave, and the race begins at 200 Phenix Ave in Cranston. Once you’re done running, there’ll be a post-race party with food, games and rides for everyone to enjoy. More info here: findarace.com/us/events/st-marys-feast-society-summer-sizzler
NEWPORT BEER RUN
A 5k race (or walk) followed by a craft beer festival with beer tasting, live music, vendors and food trucks. Remember to run first, then drink – it gets messy the other way around. Designated driver and festival-only tickets are also available. All 5k participants receive a medal, pint glass, and entry to the festival. Festival-only tickets receive a pint glass and entry to the festival. Designated drivers receive entry to the festival where they can buy snacks / non-alcoholic drinks. Located at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, July 18 at noon. More info here: eventbrite.com/e/newport-beer-run-2026-tickets-1982191819090
PUERTO RICAN BAY FEST
RI’s largest celebration of Puerto Rican culture! Live music, delicious food, and refreshing drinks. It’s also family-friendly, with different events and entertainment for children at the festival. July 19 at India Pint Park in Providence. Check out goprovidence.com/event/puerto-rican-bay-fest/54657 for more.
NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL
Tickets sell out in minutes, but it’s such a local (and international) phenom, we’ll remind you about it anyway. Sun, ocean, beer, and great tunes; and the lineup of previous performers is pretty amazing, from Bob Dylan to James Taylor. Maybe you’ll get tickets next year, at newportfolk.org. If you want to try your luck at sneaking in (Motif does not condone breaking the rules, but we do not not condone thinking about it), the dates are July 24 through July 26, 2026.
NEWPORT BRIDGEFEST
BridgeFest is dedicated to keeping the music going right between the Folk and Jazz Festivals. For a stretch in late July, the city turns into one big, moving soundtrack, with shows popping up all across Newport. Built to “bridge the gap,” this series brings local artists, intimate performances, and those little unexpected moments you kind of end up loving. It’s more relaxed than the big festivals, a little more personal, and a great excuse to explore the scene beyond the main stages. For more info visit newportfestivals.org
PROVIDENCE ODDITIES AND CURIOSITIES EXPO
For the lovers of the strange, the unusual, and the slightly unhinged: this one’s for you. The Oddities & Curiosities Expo brings all the skulls, jars, and beautifully weird things you didn’t know you needed. It’s part market, part museum, part “wait… what is that?” all DIY, all curated, and fully a space to let your freak flag fly. Happening August 8–9 at the RI Convention Center, it’s weird in the best way possible. Get in on the weirdness at odditiesandcuriositiesexpo.com
NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL
This one’s not sold out! But it might be by the time this is published. This is a giant event for jazz lovers. Also at the Fort Adams State Park, where its gigantic sister, The Newport Folk Festival, takes place. Runs July 31 through August 2, 2026. Check out those tickets at newportjazz.org.
FLICKERS’ RHODE ISLAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
If you love movies even a little, RIIFF is for you. Known as one of the top film festivals in the country, it’s also an Oscar-qualifying fest for short films.
Running August 5–10 in Providence with screenings all around the city, it’s a full week of storytelling, surprises, and films you’ll be thinking about long after the credits roll. Related activities include awards, networking evenings, a screenwriting bootcamp, production, streaming and marketing seminars, and more. For more info, tickets, and screening times visit film-festival.org
BUTTERFLY FARM’S SUNFLOWER FEST
Pick your own tulips and build your own bouquet, Farm Days and Lamb Yoga are just a few of the activities happening at Butterfly Farms in Lincoln this summer. Food trucks, local vendors, and a farm-fresh produce/meat/eggs pickup are all available. These activities usually take place in August. For more info visit butterflyfarmri.com.
FEDERAL HILL SUMMER FESTIVAL
Another party on Federal Hill! Al fresco dining at more than 25 restaurants, mobile vendors, and retailers all along Atwells Avenue. Two stages will be set up with live entertainment. Runs Aug 9 thru 11, find out more at visitrhodeisland.com/event/federal-hill-summer-festival/66007/
THE DOMINICAN PARADE OF RHODE ISLAND
The Dominican Parade of Rhode Island is one of the most colorful, high-energy celebrations of the summer, full of music, dancing, culture, and pura alegría.
Hosted by Quisqueya in Action, this year marks the 39th annual celebration, bringing the community together for a day of tradition and pride, parade and parties. Think vibrant clothing, live music, and amazing food. This is all happening Sunday, August 9 at Roger Williams Park, it’s a full day of culture and community you don’t want to miss. Come ready to dance, eat, and celebrate. ¡A pasarla rulay! For more, visit fb.com/DominicanFestivalRI
NECRONOMICON
NecronomiCon is back in PVD this August 13 – 16, and it will be beautifully weird. Part horror convention, part academic gathering, part fever dream, the festival celebrates weird fiction, art, film, and Lovecraft-descended horrors in the city that inspired so much of it. Even if you’re not a hardcore horror person, there’s something fun about leaning into the strange for a weekend. Providence does “haunted literary energy” very well. Maybe don’t open any ancient books you find lying around. For more info visit: necronomicon-providence.com/welcome
LEMONADE FEST
Happening four times this summer – see story at motifri.com/the-lemonade-stand.
BLACK SHIPS FESTIVAL 2026
Black Ships Festival is back for its 43rd year, bringing a splash of Japanese culture to Bristol and Newport. Think taiko drumming, martial arts, crafts, cosplay, and really good food (sushi, yes please). There’s also a deeper story celebrating the connection between Japan and RI through Commodore Matthew C. Perry. Happening August 14–16, it’s colorful, family-friendly, and full of little moments that stay with you. A cultural mini getaway, no plane ticket needed. Check out the schedule and details at blackshipsri.org
RHYTHM & ROOTS 2026
The lineup? Stacked. We’re talking St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Tower of Power, Margo Price, Los Texmaniacs, The Quahogs, The Alpaca Gnomes, and a whole lot more. Come ready to dance, sweat a little and enjoy a full weekend of music, camping, good vibes, and magic moments when old friends and new friends somehow end up singing the same song together.
It all goes down far from civilization, at Ninigret Park, September 4, 5, and 6, 2026. Camping tickets are running low (of course they are), but passes are still up for grabs!