Winter is finally gone, and summer is rearing its big and beautiful head. Now, we all know Motif is known for its listings, especially its Summer Guide listings (which, if you don’t know, encompass all three months of the season – see page 43). But we wanted to make it easy for our dutiful readers by putting all the biggest events right at the front for you! So yes, thank us later in monetary donations, or just a beer or two if you happen to see us out and about. Have fun, and happy hunting!
MUSIC AT THE FARM: GRACE NOTE FARM
Music at the farm is, well, you guessed it — music at the farm! Hosted by Virginia Sindelar, a professionally trained flutist from Julliard School of Music. So she definitely means business, and her musical taste reflects that. The farm also offers mountain biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing (but not in Summer). Listen to tunes, and get your workout in. There are also horses, if that sways you in any direction. Concerts run on various dates through July. They start at 2pm, and tickets are $30. Call 401-567-0354 for reservations or visit gracenotefarmweb.com
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 31. Find out all the deets on their website, waterfire.org, or take a peek at our listings for dates of all the full lightings. There are fewer than most years, because WaterFire, like so many arts organizations, is struggling for funding. So celebrate while it lasts!
MUSIC ON THE HILL: CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL
Ah, music on the hill. Just make sure you don’t roll down. Doesn’t seem like it’s that kind of event, as it’s full of professional musicians in the genre of chamber music. The festival also offers educational opportunities for students, and an annual scholarship that supports musicians ages 13-18 in classical performance studies. Runs many dates through June 10, ending with the Festival Finale. Get a more distinct idea if this will be too crazy or not for you on their website musiconthehillri.org.
GASPEE DAYS
Into bloodshed? Who isn’t? In June, 1772, well before the Boston Tea Party, Rhode Island colonists burned the British revenue schooner, HMS Gaspee. This Gaspee Day party works to commemorate this act by partying all day and all night! Well, not really, unless your idea of partying consists of arts & crafts festivals, 5k races, colonial encampments, and symphonies in the park. Everything is mostly free, and family-friendly. Events range until June 15; the final culmination resulting in the Burning of the Gaspee in effigy… Find out more about the burn at gaspee.com.
DAY OF PORTUGAL FALL RIVER
You guessed it, this day is all about Portugal! Organized by a non-profit organization, this event aims to celebrate and preserve Portuguese culture. It runs from June 6 through 8, and is at the gates of the City Plaza. Lineup features Nuno Ribeiro, Zé Amaro, and Fernando Pereira. I bet there’s tasty bites too, sardines and white wines? Check out their insta for more updates @dayofportugalfr.
LA FIESTA DI SAN GUISEPPE
Not just about the Zeppoles, but yes it’s all about the Zeppoles. Oh, and Saint Joseph. Three days of cultural traditions, foods, and live music. This event isn’t just for the Italians, but it definitely helps if you are one! It takes place during the weekend of June 6 through 8, on Federal Hill. Get all the tasty specifics on their website, federalhillprov.com/festivals/the-feast-of-stjoseph/
STRAWBERRY THANKSGIVING WITH THE TOMAQUAG MUSEUM
We here at Motif love The Tomaquag Museum. And we also love strawberries. The Tomaquag Museum honors the Strawberry Moon with a cultural celebration of traditional Indigenous music, dance, games, vendors, and more. Takes place at Ninigret Park in Charlestown, on June 7th. For more info, visit preservation.ri.gov/events/ strawberry-thanksgiving-tomaquagmuseum-0.
PROVIDENCE PORCHFEST
Every little city has one, and ours is no different. Well, it is the creative capital so it actually might be — if Big Nazo’s mysterious creatures have anything to do with it. This might just be the cheapest festival idea ever, a day of over 150 artists playing music on neighborhood porches (or driveways and lawns). All over the East Side of PVD on June 7, from noon – 6pm. Check out their line-up at providenceporchfest.com.
RHODE ISLAND ANIMECON
Just like ComicCon, but for anime. cosplay, Maid Café, gaming, and Gachapon galore. Appearances from celebrity voices, cosplayers, and artists. Runs June 7 and 8 at the RI Convention Center. See who’s pulling up, or crawling out, at their website rianimecon.com.
WINE, CHEESE, AND CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL BY COASTAL WINE TRAIL
You had me at wine and cheese. Throw chocolate in there and it’s a done deal. This festival celebrates over 50 different wines from 14 different vineyards across the coastal terroir of Southeastern New England. Why do I feel like this is a hiking trail? Now that’s a good idea… take the hike June 14 at Westport Fairgrounds, MA. Get the lowdown on the whole day on the website coastalwinetrail.org.
AL FRESCO ON THE HILL
Yes, Federal Hill, referred to by a dwindling number of people as “Little Italy.” I don’t think Hookah bars and Wally’s Weiner’s replacement of The Old Canteen are anything reminiscent of Italy, but we’ll try. Either way it’ll be a fun and tasty string of events! Takes place Saturday evenings from June 14 through September 6. There will be live music and performances as well, with plenty of outdoor dining pioneered during COVID. Check out all the restaurants participating and more at federalhillprov.com/al-fresco-on-the-hill
THE NEWPORT FLOWER SHOW
Not much to say about this one, except for the fact that it is focused on flowers and the theme of this year is “A Floral Fair.” Riveting, or shall I say, blossoming! Great chance to get to explore the gardens of this gigantic mansion, in full flower! June 20 through 22, at Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Ave in Newport. To see any updates find them on the web at discovernewport.org/event/the-newportflower-show/62268
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 illuminated night parade. There’s beer, wind, spirits, and a kidfriendly zone! 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 takes place on June 21, and starts at 11:30am. For all the colorful specifics, go to prideri.org
RHODE ISLAND CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL
June happens to be Caribbean American Heritage Month, so it makes sense there’s a festival! And PVD is full of rich Caribbean culture and tradition. Hosted by the Authentic Caribbean Foundation Inc, this festival is at Fête Music Hall on the Bend, on June 21 from 11am – 6pm. There will be arts & crafts, plenty of appropriate food, and music. For more info and to reserve a ticket, go to caribbeanamericanheritagefest.com.
NARRAGANSETT ART FESTIVAL
Pretty self-explanatory: a festival of art in Narragansett with local artists! Go support your local beachers from June 21 to the 22, 9am to 6pm at the Veterans’ Park and Gazebo Field, 35 Ocean Rd in ‘Gansett. Hey, while you do, make sure to get one of the namesake beers! To see it all visit wakefieldrotary.org/sitepage/narragansett-artfestival
7TH ANNUAL JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL
You can hit the PVD’s pride parade and then this event the following day! A celebration of freedom and unity through the muses of food and music. This is an important event, especially now. June 22, with the parade at 10am and the festival from noon – 7pm. Takes place at Roger Williams Park. Get all the justice at juneteenthri.com
DAYTRILL
Beats galore and all day at what has recently grown into one of RI’s most popular music fests! Celebrating rap music and all things vibey. Hosted by staysilentpvd and featuring music from DJ Puffy, Where’s Nasty, Slick Vick, DJ Nash, and KEEM!. On June 28, at District Park in downtown PVD. Keep up with their insta @daytrill 2025
NEWPORT CLASSICAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
Very opposite from Daytrill, this festival has been happening annually for 56 years and celebrates classical music. Duh! Runs July 4 through the 22, and takes place at different hotspots throughout Newport, such as famous mansions The Breakers and The Elms. For more on all the shows, times, and locations go to newportclassical.org
PROVIDENCE RESTAURANT WEEKS
Who doesn’t love going out to eat! Especially in a city with so much culinary expertise and variety as ours. PVD Restaurant Week kicks off July 6 with selected restaurants offering lunch and dinner specials, or surprise breakfast and signature cocktails. Ends July 19, and the participants are yet to be announced, so now’s a good time to keep an eye on their website, goprovidence.com/rw/
WICKFORD ART FESTIVAL
The Wickford Art Festival is one of South Counties’ oldest and most beloved art festivals. Celebrating their 62nd year, this festival is full of both established and emerging artists! With a seaside charm you can’t resist. Runs the weekend of July 12. Find more info at wickfordart.org
ST. MARY’S FEAST SOCIETY SUMMER SIZZLER
Alright everybody, enough with the eating and drinking, let’s run! After the race of course will be a party, with food and, you guessed it, drinks. Games and rides also for the kiddos, as well as a parade that’s been happening for 120 years and draws 10s of thousands of people. It’s a 5k, and starts at 8am. There’s still time to sign up, and for only 25 dollars you can’t beat it! July 19, at 200 Phenix Ave, Cranston. Get those legs movin’ to runsignup.com/Race/RI/Cranston/ StMarysFeastSocietySummerSizzler
NEWPORT BEER RUN
Turns out you can combine running and drinking! Newport Beer Run is a timed 5k road race, followed by a beer festival in the beautiful Fort Adams State Park. There will be 30+ breweries in attendance, so you’re bound to find something you like. Although you only have three hours for the festival, so you better drink fast. How much beer can you drink in 3 hours? Don’t ask me, you don’t want to know! Race is on July 19. Signups and more at newportbeerrun.com
PUERTO RICAN BAY FEST
RI’s largest celebration of Puerto Rican culture, all in one day. You guessed it, music, food, drinks, and fun for the whole fam. Featuring artists Edgar Joel, ChocoBand, Bomba de Aquí, and Bebesito de la Salsa. On July 20 from noon – 6pm at India Point Park. To see it all go to prpari.org
NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL
Tickets are definitely sold out so I’m not sure why we’re writing about this one, but it’s a pretty big deal. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to go, it’s a spectacular experience. Sun, ocean, beer, and great tunes; and the lineup of previous performers is pretty amazing, from Bob Dylan to James Taylor, it’s a historical milestone. 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 25 through July 27.
PROVIDENCE ODDITIES AND CURIOSITIES EXPO
For all those lovers of the weird and strange, this expo is for you! Skulls, jars, and dead things in viscous goo. Woohoo. Everything is specially curated, and is completely a DIY experience. A safe place to let your freak flag fly. Runs July 26 and 27 at the Rhode Island Convention Center. Get in on the weirdness, odditiesandcuriositiesexpo.com
NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL
At the time I write this, it’s not sold out! But it might be by the time this is published. If not, then buy your tickets! This is a hot event for jazz lovers that you don’t want to miss. Also at the Fort Adams State Park, where its gigantic sister, The Newport Folk Festival, takes place. Runs August 1 through 3, check out those tickets at newportjazz.org
NEWPORT BRIDGEFEST
If you can’t make it to the Newport Folk or Jazz Festivals, you can try to make it to one of the events thrown by the Bridgefest series — meant to bridge the gap between the two festivals. For all their events and more, go to newportfestivals.org.
FLICKERS’ RHODE ISLAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Hailed as “one of the best International Film Festivals and top 10 short film festivals in the United States,” by Chris Gore from The Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide, this festival celebrates its 28th year. If you’re a filmhound, this is the event for you, and it’s one of the few festivals that pre-qualifies shorts for OSCAR contention! Runs August 5 through the 10, at 20 North Main St, PVD. Find out more at filmfreeway.com
BUTTERFLY FARM’S SUNFLOWER FEST
Pick your own flowers, and build your own bouquet, but just make sure to avoid the bees. Food trucks, local vendors, and a farm-fresh produce/meat share pickup available. Weekly on Sunday and Saturday, August 9 through 24, from 9am – 3pm at Butterfly Farms. For more info visit tourblackstone.com/event/butterfly-farmssunflower-fest/7871/
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 August 9 through 11, find out more at visitrhodeisland.com/ event/federal-hill-summer-festival/66007/
THE DOMINICAN PARADE OF RHODE ISLAND
A parade and festival that celebrates Dominican culture and heritage. Party moves down Broad Street, ending at Roger Williams Park. There will be food and crafts and dancing at this biggest celebration of Dominican heritage in the US. On August 13, 10am – 2pm. For more visit festivaldr. com/events/the-dominican-parade-of-rhodeisland/
BLACK SHIPS FEST
An attraction that celebrates Japanese culture. This will be the 42nd festival, and offers performances, traditional drumming, martial arts, crafts, and treats. Apparently there is a connection between Japan and RI, through Commodore Perry. Go to the festival to learn more! Sails through August 22 – 24 to Bristol and Newport. Nail down the details at jasri.org.
RHYTHM & ROOTS 2025
Man, is this festival a shakedown! A beautiful party full of dancing music, good vibes, and tasty food / drinks. I’ve snuck into this festival a few times in my little life, but I don’t think it’s so easy anymore… unless you know the secret spot. This year’s lineup features Little Feat, Trampled by Turtles, and Blackberry Smoke. Runs the weekend of August 29 through 31 at Ninigret Park in Charlestown. Camping spots are probably already booked up, although tickets should still be up for grabs! Find them at rhyrhmandroots.com
RHODE ISLAND SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
Nothing says Rhode Island like seafood, and this one really does it all. A perfect end to the summer, the Seafood Fest offers oysters, clams, rolls, crabs, squids; whatever your aquatic soul desires. Takes place September 6 and 7 at India Point Park in PVD. Buy tickets and check out the menu at riseafoodfest.com •
Photo: Porchfest