30 Fun Things to Do in Rhode Island this July

FEATURED

Photography courtesy of Wickford Art Association.

7/13–14: Wickford Art Festival   

What: Browse through one-of-a-kind treasures made by local and national artists, both new and returning, at the Wickford Art Festival. Enjoy stunning seaside views while admiring paintings, photography, jewelry, ceramics, furniture and more. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission. Where: Wilson Park, 211 West Main St., North Kingstown. More info: 294-6840, wickfordart.org.

Photography courtesy of Newport Dance Festival.

7/17–21: Newport Dance Festival  

What: The annual Newport Dance Festival will feature local groups and artists from all over the country, like Newport Contemporary Ballet, the Rhode Island Women’s Choreography Project, Tom Gold Dance from New York City, Visceral Dance from Chicago and more, with mesmerizing performances on an outdoor stage. 7:30 p.m. $39–$225. Where: Great Friends Meeting House, 21 Farewell St., Newport. More info: 847-4470, newportcontemporaryballet.org

Photography courtesy of Roger Williams Park Zoo.

Ongoing: Dragons & Mythical Creatures at Roger Williams Park Zoo    

What: Immerse yourself in a fantasy world where mythical creatures come to life and your wildest fantasies come true. Journey through an interactive experience featuring animatronic beings like a majestic unicorn, a serpent-like wyvern, a mysterious kraken and more enchanting magical creatures — watch in awe as the beasts move, roar and even breathe smoke. Cost not included with zoo admission; tickets must be prepurchased online. Visit the website for times and ticket prices. Where: Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence. More info: 785-3510, rwpzoo.org

THEATER

Theatre by the Sea

THROUGH July 20: See Tootsie, a musical that tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until one show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime. Enjoy this laugh-out-loud comedy musical event playing at the beachside theater. Visit the website for times. $62–$91. Theatre by the Sea, 364 Cards Pond Rd., Wakefield, 782-8587, theatrebythesea.com 

Studio Playground

JULY 8–26: Do your kiddos have an interest in acting? They can test their skills this summer during a three-week performing arts camp with Studio Playground. The program is open to children ages 8–12, and they can learn and explore the benefits of laughter through movement and playful improvisation. Mon.–Fri., 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Final performances take place July 26 and 27. Moses Brown School, 250 Lloyd Ave., Providence, studioplayground.org

Contemporary Theater Company

JULY 10–AUG. 18: Watch one of Shakespeare’s classics, Twelfth Night, on the Riverfront Patio at the Contemporary Theater Company. Shipwrecked twins Viola and Sebastian search for each other and along the way find love, secret identities and mischievous schemes in one of the Bard’s iconic comedies. 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and Sundays. $10–$45. Contemporary Theater Company, 327 Main St., Wakefield, 218-0282, contemporarytheatercompany.com

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Fourth of July Parade Picnic 

JULY 4: Enjoy a Fourth of July parade picnic at a grand historic mansion on the parade route in the heart of Bristol. For more than thirty years, Linden Place has been hosting this tradition where picnickers enjoy bleacher-style seating, a continental breakfast and lunch, and more. Explore the gardens, tour the mansion and take in the festive atmosphere. General admission $125; Linden Place members $100; children three and younger free. 8 a.m.–2 p.m. 500 Hope St., Bristol, 253-0390, lindenplace.org

Fourth of July Celebration 

JULY 4: Celebrate Independence Day with a day at the beach at Ballard’s on Block Island. Head over to this iconic summer spot and enjoy an event filled with summer fun and epic music, featuring Bon Jovi and Def Leppard tribute bands and DJ Don Dali and John Brazile. This is a ticketed event; visit the website for more up-to-date information. Ballard’s Beach, Block Island, 466-2231, ballardsbi.com

Wakefield RiverFire

JULY 11–AUG. 8: Stroll down Wakefield’s Main Street and participate in the annual RiverFire summer series on Thursday evenings. Visit restaurants, local shops and businesses, and explore downtown once the music gets started. Listen to live music on Main Street and at the outdoor stage of the Contemporary Theater Company, and enjoy the ambiance of the fires glowing along the river. 6–8 p.m. Free. 317 Main St., Wakefield, wakefieldvillageassociation.com

Providence Fringe Festival

JULY 14–27: Take in unexpected performances during the tenth annual Providence Fringe Festival, founded in 2014 by the Wilbury Theatre Group. Keep an open mind: The censor-free festival features a variety of performing and visual artists. All ticket sales support the artists. Tickets up to $20. Various venues in Providence, fringepvd.org

Blessing of the Fleet Festival

JULY 25–27: Gear up for a three-day extravaganza in Narragansett. Kick things off Thursday night with food vendors, games, rides and a beer tent, plus live music performed by popular local bands. Then on Friday, join a crowd of more than 3,000 runners, walkers and wheelchair entrants on a scenic ten-mile race and celebrate all your hard work with more festivities. The celebration ends on Saturday with the Blessing of the Fleet, which features a parade of decorated commercial and recreational watercraft, and an optional boat decoration contest. Visit the website for fees and timing information. Memorial Square (next to the Towers), Narragansett, narragansettlionsclub.org

Food Truck Friday 

ONGOING: Choose menu items from more than fifteen local food trucks as well as beer and wine from Trinity Brewhouse during the tenth annual Food Truck Friday at Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Carousel Village. Enjoy live music from various local artists while picnicking on the lawn. Fri. 5–8 p.m. Free admission. 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, rwpzoo.org/food-truck-friday

Mount Hope Farmers Market

ONGOING: Head over to Mount Hope Farm for your weekly groceries, courtesy of local farmers and artisans like Barden Family Orchard, Roots Farm, Brightside Seafood, Navad Bakers and Two Gals Cocktails. Need a dose of cuteness? Be sure to visit the farm animals during your visit. Sat. 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Free admission. Mount Hope Farm, 250 Metacom Ave., Bristol, 254-1745, mounthopefarm.org 

PVD Flea Summer Markets

ONGOING: Obsess over vintage finds and locally sourced products from more than seventy-five vendors including indie makers, bakers, clothing vendors and more. Sun. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission. 195 District Park, Providence, 484-7783, providenceflea.com

SPORTS

Infosys Hall of Fame Open

JULY 14–21: The International Tennis Hall of Fame’s historic grass tennis courts welcome back talented tennis professionals for this exciting event. Get up close and personal to the pros of the sport with seats in the shade, then explore the International Tennis Hall of Fame Museum. Visit the website for dates and times of tournament matches. 194 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 849-6053, infosyshalloffameopen.com

Newport International Polo Series

ONGOING: Watch action-packed events every Saturday during the Newport Polo Series, including USA vs. Ireland and the Governor’s Cup. Enjoy fan prizes, special weekly features, concessions and more. Sat. 5 p.m. $20–$125. 250 Linden Ln., Portsmouth, 846-0200, nptpolo.com

TRIPS AND TOURS

Crime and Cuisine Tour

ONGOING: Follow your (under)belly through the many culinary delights of Providence’s Federal Hill, the city’s hub of all things Italian, while sampling sweet and savory delicacies and learning about the city’s colorful characters who sometimes strayed to the other side of the law. Meet at Garibaldi Park at the base of the La Pigna gateway arch. Visit website for dates, times and cost. 408-6608, pvdtourco.com 

Rhode Island Red Food Tours

ONGOING: Explore your favorite Rhody
neighborhoods with a food stroll featuring delicious food samplings plus alcohol (and nonalcoholic) pairings at five to six independent restaurants and eateries. Tours take place in Providence and Newport. Reservations are required. Visit website for dates, times and costs. 684-1110, rhodeislandredfoodtours.com

FAMILY FUN 

Bristol Fourth of July Celebration

JULY 3–4: On July 3, the nation’s oldest Independence Day celebration starts with some popping fireworks, then continues at 10:30 a.m. on July 4 with the iconic Fourth of July parade. Wear your red, white and blue and watch the bands and elaborate floats travel down Hope Street. Get there early: Chestnut Street, Naomi Street and Sherry Avenue will be closed off for the parade route. 10:30 a.m. Free. Parade starts at the corner of Chestnut and Hope streets, Bristol, fourthofjulybristolri.com

Rail Explorers Tours

ONGOING: Take a bite out of brunch or check out the night sky with Rail Explorers in themed, pedal-powered tours around Portsmouth and the Narragansett Bay area. Visit website for tour times and ticket prices. 1 Alexander Rd., Portsmouth, 877-833-8588, railexplorers.net

MUSIC

Newport Classical Music Festival

JULY 4–21: Delight your senses with a summer classical music festival in the City by the Sea. Featuring twenty-seven concerts held in eleven historic venues, enjoy performances from string quartets, pianists, composers and violinists. Plus, kick off the festivities with a free “Patriotic Pops” on July 4, and relive the magic of blockbuster classic movies during a “Classical Movie Music” event at Blithewold Mansion, with tunes from Indiana Jones, The Lion King, Lord of the Rings and more. Visit the website for times and pricing. Various locations throughout Newport and Bristol, newportclassical.org

Summer Pops Concerts 

JULY 12 AND 31: Cap off a day at the beach or the park with the delightful sounds of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. Enjoy the breathtaking music from open-air spaces at Narragansett Town Beach and Roger Williams Park. At both performances, listen to iconic music from pop culture like “Harry’s Wondrous World” from the Harry Potter movie franchise, Pirates of the Caribbean, the theme from James Bond and more. Free and open to the public. July 12: 8–9:30 p.m., the North Beach Clubhouse, Narragansett Town Beach; July 31: 7:30–9 p.m., Roger Williams Park, Providence, 248-7070, riphil.org

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

Art Night Bristol Warren

July 25: Explore lively art scenes throughout the East Bay at Art Night Bristol Warren. Visitors can check out art-related businesses, galleries and studios and take in dance and music performances at various venues. Last Thursday of each month through August. Visit the website for more information. Various locations throughout Bristol and Warren, artnightbristolwarren.org

RISD Museum

ONGOING: Check out exhibitions on view
including “Nancy Elizabeth Prophet: I Will Not Bend an Inch” and “Diné Textiles: Nizhónígo Hadadít’eh.” Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thurs. noon–8 p.m. Adults $20; seniors $15; youth eighteen and younger free. Free admission, Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Thurs. 5–8 p.m. 20 North Main St., Providence, 454-6500, risdmuseum.org

Newport Art Museum

ONGOING: View exquisite and thought-provoking works within exhibits such as “Toots Zynsky: Past/Present” and “Jordan Seaberry: We Live Until.” Tues.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun. noon–5 p.m. Adults $15; seniors $10; college students $8; military, museum members and children seventeen and younger free. 76 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 848-8200, newportartmuseum.org

ETCETERA

Providence Restaurant Weeks

JULY 7–20: Sample a bevy of restaurants in downtown Providence and neighboring areas for the ultimate meals and deals. Participating restaurants have you covered for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, drinks and dessert; need we say more? Either visit your usual Saturday night spot or take your taste buds for a ride at a new location. Various locations in Providence, goprovidence.com/rw

Newport Beer Run

JULY 20: Cure whatever ales you with a 5K run through Fort Adams in Newport. Participants and festivalgoers get to take a pint glass home after the festival, where guests can enjoy beer sampling, food trucks, live music and vendors. Register for the race before July 19. Onsite registration starts at 10 a.m.; race starts at noon. 84 Fort Adams Dr., Newport, newportbeerrun.com

Revolve Dance Project Performances

JULY 21: Join Revolve Dance Project for artistic performances led by world-class artists in downtown Providence. Experience five collaborative pieces of music and dance, all while supporting the organization that brings together emerging composers, talented choreographers, musicians and seasoned dancers to foster the tradition of music and dance as living art forms. Matinee performance 2–3 p.m., evening performance 7–8 p.m. $15. RISD Auditorium, 17 Canal Walk, Providence, revolvedanceproject.com

Oakland Beach Cruise Night

ONGOING: Car lovers, rejoice! Every Tuesday this summer, head over to Oakland Beach with the Greater Warwick Lions Club and join fellow car owners and aficionados to admire classic cars and listen to oldies music. Tues-days through Sept. 10. 3:30–7:30 p.m. Visit the website for pricing information. Oakland Beach Commons and Gazebo, Warwick, 738-2014, visitwarwickri.com

WaterFire Providence

ONGOING: As the sun sets on the Creative Capital this summer, feel the warmth of the partial and full lightings, which will feature flaming braziers at Waterplace Park or traveling all the way down to Memorial Park on South Main Street. Lightings start at sunset. Free. Visit website for more dates. Memorial Boulevard, Providence, 273-1155, waterfire.org

LOOKING AHEAD: AUGUST

AUG. 2–4: Newport Jazz Festival, Newport, newportjazz.org

AUG. 2–4: Charlestown Seafood Festival, Charlestown, charlestownseafoodfestival.com  

AUG. 6: National Night Out, Rocky Point State Park, Warwick, visitwarwickri.com

AUG. 24: Brew at the Zoo, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, rwpzoo.org

AUG. 25: Rhode Island Folk Festival, Riverside, rhodeislandfolkfestival.com