32 Fun Things to Do in Rhode Island this June
From Big Pride Flea to the annual Juneteenth RI Festival, we've compiled all the activities to add to your June to-do list.
FEATURED
Courtesy of Providence Flea.
6/7: Big Pride Flea
WHAT: While normally only open on Sundays, Providence Flea will host a special Pride-themed market hall in celebration of Pride month. You’ll find familiar favorites from more than seventy-five local vendors, vintage sellers and artists — complete with a stunning backdrop of all things rainbow and Pride decorations. Free to attend. 5:30–9:30 p.m. WHERE: Farm Fresh RI Market Hall, 10 Sims Ave., Providence. MORE INFO: 484-7783, providenceflea.com
Via Getty Images.
6/22: Juneteenth RI Festival
WHAT: The sixth annual Juneteenth celebration commemorates June 19, 1865, and the liberation of enslaved African Americans throughout the nation with a day of celebration, complete with local food vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, songs by the Juneteenth RI Choir, and a performance by Stokley, a renowned singer-songwriter and record producer. Free. Noon–7 p.m. Visit the website for more details. WHERE: 195 District Park, Providence. MORE INFO: 288-7864, juneteenthri.com
Courtesy of Trinity Repertory Company.
Through 6/30: La Cage aux Folles at Trinity Rep
WHAT: The sidesplitting Best Musical Tony Award-winner La Cage aux Folles showcases the lives of Georges, the owner of a drag club, and his husband, Albin, the marquee star. Hilarity ensues when Georges’ son announces his engagement and Georges and Albin try to hide their true selves for the sake of conformity. A funny, genuine fable about staying true to yourself. Visit the website for times. $24–$74. WHERE: Dowling Theater, 201 Washington St., Providence. MORE INFO: 351-4242, trinityrep.com
THEATER
Gamm Theatre
THROUGH June 2: John Patrick Shanley’s Doubt: A Parable takes place in St. Nicholas Church School in the Bronx, 1964. Sister Aloysius questions Father Flynn’s relationship with a troubled young man, who happens to be the school’s first Black student. The play won both a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award for its riveting psychological portrayal of the perils of moral certainty. Visit the website for times. $25–$70. The Gamm Theatre, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, gammtheatre.org
Wilbury Theatre Group
THROUGH JUNE 16: Travel to Dublin in Once, a Tony-winning musical which took Broadway by storm. Enchanted by a curious woman, a jaded street guitarist is renewed to follow his heart while they embark on a whimsical journey filled with joyful music. Visit the website for times. $5–$35. Wilbury Theatre Group, 475 Valley St., Providence, 400-7100, thewilburygroup.org
Studio Playground
JUNE 3, 10 AND 17: Do your kiddos have an interest in acting? Now’s their chance to test out their skills and learn some new ones, too. Kids in middle and high school can participate in one-day summer acting workshops with Studio Playground, where they can learn monologues, scene study, stage combat, Shakespeare and more. 5–8 p.m. $50 per workshop. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island, 188 Valley St., Providence, studioplayground.org
Providence Performing Arts Center
JUNE 19: Celebrate Juneteenth with “From Free to Freedom: A Juneteenth Celebration” at PPAC, part of the theater’s “Wonders of the Wurlitzer” series. Join Juneteenth RI, Mixed Magic Theatre, Rhode Island Black Storytellers and the Providence Department of Art, Culture and Tourism for this special gathering of community singers and musicians, as well as PPAC’s organist, to commemorate a journey that spans continents and centuries, and still continues to this day. Free, no ticket required. 7 p.m. Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St., Providence, 421-2787, ppacri.org
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
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
Tiverton Farmers Market
ONGOING: Browse a selection of vendors offering fresh, local produce, meats, seafood, baked goods and more at the Tiverton Farmers Market. Support local musicians, artists, food entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations as they gather to connect community members. Vegan and vegetarian options are available. Sun. 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Free. Tiverton Town Farm Recreation Area, 3588 Main Rd., RI-77, Tiverton, 474-1064, tivertonfarmersmarket.com
Food Truck Friday
THROUGH SEPT. 27: 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 series 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
Ocean State Improv Festival
JUNE 5–9: Performers from across the country will bring the laughs for the Ocean State Improv Festival, a week full of inspiring workshops, fascinating shows and pure improv fun. Visit the website for times. $10–$125. 327 Main St., Wakefield, 218-0282, contemporarytheatercompany.com
Gaspee Days
JUNE 8–9: Celebrate Rhode Islanders’ rebellious natures with the Gaspee Days Parade, a Colonial encampment and the burning of the infamous Gaspee, and other fun and historic activities for the whole family. Visit the website for times. Free. Narragansett Parkway (parade) and Pawtuxet Park, Warwick, 781-1772, gaspee.com
The Newport Flower Show: “At Home”
JUNE 21–23: Step into a colorful and sweetly scented environment of stunning floral designs during the Newport Flower Show. Opening reception, Fri. 6–8 p.m. VIP early admission, 8 a.m., $50; general morning admission, 9 a.m.–noon; afternoon admission noon–3 p.m. $25–$225. Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 847-1000, newportmansions.org
Zoobilee! Party with a Purpose
JUNE 29: Roger Williams Park Zoo’s annual fundraiser boasts delicious offerings from local restaurants, as well as live music from Mystique, meet-and-greets with the zoo’s education animals and other festivities. 6–11 p.m. Visit the website for more details. Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, 785-3510, rwpzoo.org
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 Italian 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
Dragons & Mythical Creatures
THROUGH AUG. 11: 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 pre-purchased online. Visit the website for times and ticket prices. Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, 785-3510, rwpzoo.org
Kids Con
JUNE 8: Bring the family to the ultimate kid paradise at Kids Con. Think petting zoos, princesses, face painting, magic shows, tasty food and more. Spend the day giving the kids a once-in-a-lifetime extravaganza experience, while reliving your favorite childhood memories. Don’t forget to stick around for the movie in the park to round out the night. $10; free for ages two and younger. 4–8 p.m. Mulligan’s Island, 1000 New London Ave., Cranston, rinightmarket.com
MUSIC
Music on the Hill
THROUGH JUNE 8: Music on the Hill kicks off summer with a seven-part concert series. The concerts will be held around Warwick and East Greenwich and feature Rhode Island musicians and guest artists. All shows are $30; students are free with school ID. Visit the website for more information and showtimes. musiconthehillri.org
Rhode Island Philharmonic
JUNE 1: Indulge in a night of music with “Beethoven & Bronfman: A One-Night Gala Event” with the Rhode Island Philharmonic, conducted by Tito Muñoz with Yefim Bronfman on the piano. The performance includes Jessie Montgomery’s “Starburst,” a Schumann piano concerto, a Schumann piano quintet with students from the RI Philharmonic Music School and Beethoven’s “Piano Concerto No. 4.” 5 p.m. $35–$150. Visit the website for more ticketing and pricing options. The Vets, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence, 248-7000, tickets.riphil.org
Newport Classical
JUNE 7: Witness “Transformations,” an eclectic program of self-transcribed works for piano, led by pianist Asiya Korepanova. The program uncovers how music transforms and explores different meanings when performed on alternative instrumentation than originally written. Listen to works such as Rachmaninoff’s Cello Sonata, Op. 19, Chopin’s Polonaise for Cello and Piano, Op. 3 and more. 7:30 p.m. $45–$58. Newport Classical Recital Hall, 42 Dearborn St., Newport, 846-1133, newportclassical.org
MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
RISD Museum
ONGOING: Plan your in-person visit in advance online and 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 thought-provoking works within exhibits such as “Toots Zynsky: Past/Present,” on view starting June 8, and “Jordan Seaberry: We Live Until,” on view through Nov. 10. 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
Strawberry Thanksgiving
JUNE 8: With strawberries recognized as a symbol of love and friendship, you’ll have the opportunity to honor and celebrate the strawberry season with the Tomaquag Museum during its Strawberry Thanksgiving celebration. Enjoy a day filled with traditional dances, music, tasty food and shopping with Indigenous vendors. Free. Noon–4 p.m. Ninigret Park Pavilion, Park Lane, Charlestown, 491-9063, tomaquagmuseum.org
Veterans Get Outside Day
JUNE 9: Join this fun-filled event at Fort Adams in Newport that connects veterans with available resources and encourages outdoor activities to improve mental health. Activities include sailing lessons and excursions, adaptive sports opportunities, tours of Fort Adams, informational resources from the Providence VA Medical Center, Rhode Island Veteran Services and more. Free and open to the public. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. North Lawn at Fort Adams State Park, Newport, militaryveteransadvocacy.org
Oddities & Curiosities
JUNE 22–23: Celebrate all things weird at this year’s Oddities & Curiosities Expo, featuring taxidermy, horror and Halloween-inspired pieces, skulls and bones, odd jewelry and more. In addition to the vast assortment of creepy collectibles, you can also enjoy sideshow performers on stage all day and learn the craft of taxidermy with classes available during the expo. $10 in advance; $15 day of event; children twelve and younger free. Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Rhode Island Convention Center, 1 Sabin St., Providence, riconvention.com
PRIDE
Drag in RI events
ONGOING: The lovely entertainers who comprise Drag in RI — Jacqueline DiMera, Haley Star, LaDiva Jonz and Vi’let Laboss — will hold special drag dinners, brunches and other events to celebrate Pride month. June 2: Drag brunch at Lake Taco, Coventry. June 4: Drag dinner at the Tipsy Toboggan, Fall River, Massachusetts. June 9: Drag brunch at Bayberry Garden, Providence. June 13: “Divas of Drag” at the Stadium Theatre, Woonsocket. June 22: Drag brunch at the Tipsy Toboggan, Fall River. June 23: Drag brunch at the Narragansett Cafe, Jamestown. For more information and ticket prices, visit draginri.com
East Providence Pride
JUNE 1: Kick off your Pride celebrations with East Providence Pride, taking place on the first day of June. The day starts off with a ceremonial flag raising, followed by a festive parade from East Providence City Hall to Pierce Field. Noon. East Providence City Hall, 145 Taunton Ave., East Providence, eastprovidenceri.gov
A crowd at a previous Woonsocket Pride event. Courtesy of Woonsocket Pride
Woonsocket Pride
JUNE 9: Woonsocket Pride will take place in River Island Park, featuring live stage performances and local artistic talent, food vendors, booths with local organizations and artisan vendors. Visit the website for details. Noon–6 p.m. River Island Park, 95 Bernon St., Woonsocket, woonsocketpride.org
Pride Rides With Providence Riverboat
JUNE 15: If festivals or parades aren’t your speed, enjoy the Pride celebrations along the serenity of the Providence River. The cruises include music, glitter, as well as festivities and views of the city. Visit the website for times and prices. The Landing, 101 Dyer St., Providence, providenceriverboat.com
South County Pride
JUNE 22: South County Pride will light up Wakefield’s Main Street with local queer art, food trucks, live music with a DJ, a car parade, a drag show and much more. Visit the website for details. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. 327 Main St., Wakefield, southcountypride.org
The annual bike parade at Newport Pride. Courtesy of Newport Pride/Bill Peresta.
Newport Pride Weekend
JUNE 28–30: Join Newport Pride for a weekend of rainbows and celebration. Festivities include the annual bike parade followed by a free Pride festival, featuring live music, art, food, drinks and activities for all ages. You’ll even have the chance to sail into Pride aboard a Newport Pride fundraising cruise on the Coastal Queen, where proceeds will benefit the Pride Center. Visit the website for details and times. Pride Bike Parade and Pride Festival, Great Friends Meeting House, 21 Farewell St.; Pride fundraiser cruise, Coastal Queen Cruises, 5 Bowen’s Landing, Newport, newportprideri.org
LOOKING AHEAD: JULY
JULY 4: Bristol’s Fourth of July Parade, Bristol, fourthofjulybristolri.com
JULY 13 and 14: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, wickfordart.org
JULY 14–27: FringePVD: The Providence Fringe Festival, Providence, fringepvd.org
JULY 25–27: Blessing of the Fleet Festival, Narragansett, narragansettlionsclub.org
JULY 26–28: Newport Folk Festival, Newport, newportfolk.org
