33 Fun Things to Do in Rhode Island this May
From 90's-style Battle of the Bands to the Newport Oyster and Chowder Festival, we've compiled all the activities to add to your May to-do list.
Sip and Stoll. Photograph courtesy of Roger Williams Park Zoo.
FEATURED
5/9: Sip & Stroll: Battle of the Bands Nineties Night
WHAT: Grab your Beanie Babies, don a windbreaker and sport some butterfly clips because we’re going back to the nineties. Roger Williams Park Zoo is hosting a Sip & Stroll and you’re invited. This adults-only event features a live nineties-themed Battle of the Bands, costume contests and more. Plus, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with the animals, and your ticket includes access to explore the new “Dragons & Mythical Creatures” experience. 5:30–9 p.m. $18. WHERE: Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence. MORE INFO: 785-3510, rwpzoo.org
Photograph courtesy of Ballet RI, dancers Emma Guertin and Luis Ocaranza, photographed by Ian Travis Barnard.
5/10–12: ‘Cinderella’ With Ballet RI
WHAT: Watch the Cinderella story come to life in a magical ballet performance. Choreographed by Yury Yanowsky and featuring Sergei Prokofiev’s iconic score, relive this childhood classic, complete with spectacular scenery and stunning costumes. Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo(k) your tickets now for this enchanting event. Fri. 7:30 p.m.; Sat. 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 1 p.m. $25–$80. WHERE: The Vets, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence. MORE INFO: 421-2787, thevetsri.com
Photograph courtesy of Discover Newport.
5/18–19: Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival
WHAT: There’s a reason we’re named the Ocean State — get a sampling of some of Rhody’s iconic seafood delicacies at the eighth annual Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival. Head to picturesque Bowen’s Wharf and enjoy oysters and chowder from local growers and vendors, all while listening to live music and feeling the sea breeze. Sat. and Sun. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Free. WHERE: Bowen’s Wharf, Newport. MORE INFO: 849-2243, bowenswharf.com
THEATER
The Gamm Theatre
MAY 9–JUNE 2: John Patrick Shanley’s Doubt: A Parable is set 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
United Theatre’s Alt Comedy Fest
MAY 11: Laugh all day long at the United Theatre’s Alt Comedy Fest. Festivities start at 11 a.m. with an improv workshop and continue all day long with a variety of improv and comedy performances. At night, youth improvisors from the theater’s after-school arts program will perform in a regional showcase. Visit the website for tickets and information. 11 a.m.–8 p.m. The United Theatre, 5 Canal St., Westerly, unitedtheatre.org
Wilbury Theatre Group
MAY 23–JUNE 16: Travel to Dublin during Once, the Tony Award-winning musical based on the 2007 film that 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. Music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová. Visit the website for times. $5–$35. Wilbury Theatre Group, 475 Valley St., Providence, 400-7100, thewilburygroup.org
Trinity Rep
MAY 30–JUNE 30: 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. Dowling Theater, 201 Washington St., Providence, 351-4242, trinityrep.com
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Farm Fresh Rhode Island Providence Farmers Market
ONGOING: Get to know various food and farm vendors (more than sixty-five to be exact, selling everything from produce to fresh fish), at this year-round market while exploring the permanent businesses that call Farm Fresh home, such as New Harvest Coffee and Spirits, Anchor Toffee, Rhed’s Hot Sauce, Providence Brewing Co., Wright’s Creamery and Tallulah’s Taqueria. Sat. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Free admission. Farm Fresh Rhode Island, 10 Sims Ave., Providence, 312-4250, farmfreshri.org
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 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
The Providence Rock-N-Roll Yard Sale x InDowncity
MAY 4: Now’s the chance to restock your rock and roll collection and bring your loved ones along for a free and fun family-friendly event. Head to downtown Providence to find more than thirty vinyl, vintage and handmade vendors, local food, beer and cocktail providers, pop-ups at local shops and music from local DJ and vinyl dealer, Studebaker Hawk. Free. Noon–6 p.m. Westminster and Union streets, Providence, indowncity.com
Providence Flea Mother’s Day Market
MAY 5: Obsess over vintage finds and locally sourced products with Mom in mind while shopping at the special Mother’s Day Market at the Farm Fresh Rhode Island market hall. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission. Farm Fresh Rhode Island, 10 Sims Ave., Providence, 484-7783, providenceflea.com
Misquamicut SpringFest
MAY 10–12: With live entertainment and multiple food, craft and commercial vendors, there’s something to see and do in every corner at the annual Misquamicut SpringFest. Get a bird’s-eye view of the entire fest from the Ferris wheel, check out classic cars at the annual car show and more. Visit the website for times and ride pricing. Tickets are $12 at the gate and $10 online before the event; children younger than seven free. Misquamicut State Beach, 257 Atlantic Ave., Westerly, 322-1026, misquamicutfestival.org
Coggeshall Farm’s Sheep and Wool Festival
MAY 18: Ever wonder where your wool sweater came from? Learn about all things fiber and textile at Coggeshall Farm’s Sheep and Wool Festival. From sheering to spinning and sewing, the sheep-to-shawl event will demonstrate how the sheep’s thick coat gets to our shoulders. Say hi to the animals, participate in hands-on crafts, try food from local vendors, and explore the forty-eight acres of beautiful farmland. $10 for members; $12 for nonmembers. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Coggeshall Farm Museum, 1 Colt Dr., Bristol, coggeshallfarm.org
Rogue Island Comedy Festival
MAY 23–27: Laugh it up at the Rogue Island Comedy Festival, featuring renowned comedians performing at various venues, including the JPT Film and Event Center and Top of Pelham in Newport; Ragged Island Brewing Co. in Portsmouth; and Diego’s Barrio Cantina in Middletown. Visit the website for more information. rogueislandcomedyfest.com
Gaspee Days Arts and Crafts Festival
MAY 25–27: Celebrate Memorial Day weekend by taking in arts and crafts from more than 100 Rhode Island artisans in quaint Pawtuxet Village. Don’t miss the children’s activities and performances by local bands. Visit the website for festival times. Free. Narragansett Parkway, Warwick, 781-1772, gaspee.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. Sample savory delicacies and learn 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 the website for more information. 408-6608, pvdtourco.com
Newport Mansions Self-Guided Tours
ONGOING: Admire Gilded Age mansions and learn about their fabulously wealthy owners and their eagerness to be part of high society, as well as the buildings’ famed architectural designs. Bring your phone and earbuds then download the Newport Mansions app to participate. Cost included with admission. Visit the website for dates and times. Rosecliff, the Breakers, the Elms, Marble House and Chateau-sur-Mer, Newport, newportmansions.org
Rail Explorers Tours
ONGOING: Take a bite out of brunch or check out the night sky with Rail Explorers in pedal-powered tours around Portsmouth and the Narragansett Bay area. Visit the website for tour times and ticket prices. 1 Alexander Rd., Portsmouth, 877-833-8588, railexplorers.net
Rhode Island Red Food Tours
ONGOING: Explore your favorite Rhody neighborhoods with a food stroll featuring delicious food samplings plus alcohol (or nonalcoholic) pairings at five to six independent restaurants and eateries. Tours take place in Providence and Newport. Reservations are required. Visit the website for dates, times and ticket prices. 684-1110, rhodeislandredfoodtours.com
Mother’s Day Mimosa Tour
MAY 12: Toast Mom during an open-air cruise along the Providence River. See Providence in a new light while sipping complimentary mimosas with narration from Providence Riverboat Company tour guides. Visit the website for time slots. $30–$40. The Landing, 101 Dyer St., Providence, 580-2628, providenceriverboat.com
KIDS’ STUFF
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 majestic unicorns, a serpent-like wyvern, a mysterious kraken and more enchanting magical creatures. Watch in awe as the animatronic beasts move, roar and even breathe smoke. Tickets must be purchased in advance online; nonmembers must also buy a general zoo admission ticket. Visit the website for times and prices. Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, 785-3510, rwpzoo.org
BENEFITS
The Blazin’ Battle Against Brain Cancer
MAY 19: Support the Rhode Island Brain and Spine Tumor Foundation at the Blazin’ Battle Against Brain Cancer 5K and Half-Marathon. The race is in memory of firefighter Jim Varin, who passed away from glioblastoma. The race, founded by the Varin family, strives to spread awareness of glioblastoma and fulfill Jim’s wishes of supporting others with a brain cancer diagnosis. Half-marathon starts at 8 a.m.; 5K starts at 8:15 a.m. Deerfield Park, Lisa Ann Circle, Greenville, runsignup.com
MUSIC
Open Music Jam
ONGOING: Grab your friends or go solo for a live musical performance at Jake & Johnny’s Lounge. Savor delicious food, sip on craft cocktails and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Tues. 8 p.m. Free. Jake & Johnny’s Lounge, 298 Atwells Ave., Providence, 481-0829, jakeandjohnnyslounge.com
Rhode Island Philharmonic
MAY 3–4: Enjoy two nights of iconic music with the Rhode Island Philharmonic, conducted by Thomas Wilkins with Kelly Hall-Tompkins on the violin. The performance includes Peter Boyer’s Silver Fanfare, a violin concerto by Wynton Marsalis and Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique. Open rehearsal Fri. 5:30 p.m. TACO Classical Sat. 8 p.m. $20–$165. The Vets, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence, 248-7000, tickets.riphil.org
Newport Classical
MAY 17: Is home a place or a person? Explore this question during a mesmerizing recital led by soprano Magdalena Kuźma, performing works from Barber, Rachmaninoff, Chopin and more renowned composers. 7:30 p.m. $45–$58. Newport Classical Recital Hall, 42 Dearborn St., Newport, 846-1133, newportclassical.org
Music on the Hill
MAY 27–JUNE 8: Music on the Hill kicks off summer with its seven-part concert series featuring chamber music. 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. For more information about showtimes and groups, visit musiconthehillri.org.
WELLNESS
Free Wednesday Nature Walks
ONGOING: Every Wednesday afternoon, join Norman Bird Sanctuary naturalists for a nature stroll. Connect with the outdoors and breathe in the fresh air when you walk among the wildlife at this nature preserve in Middletown. Wed. 3–3:45 p.m. Free. Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Rd., Middletown, 846–2577, normanbirdsanctuary.org
Still Together Mindfulness Meditation
ONGOING: Find peace and well-being during meditation sessions, held for free in-person and online at the Warwick Center for the Arts. In-person sessions are held on the first and third Monday of the month, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Virtual sessions are held every second, fourth and fifth Monday of the month, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Thurs. mornings, 7:30–7:50 a.m. Free. Warwick Center for the Arts, 3259 Post Rd., Warwick, 737-0010, warwickcfa.org
MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
Newport Art Museum
ONGOING: View exquisite and thought-provoking works within exhibits such as “Unfinished Business,” on view until May 26, and “Japanese Prints from the Permanent Collection,” on view until Feb. 2025. 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
RISD Museum
ONGOING: Check out exhibitions including “Nancy Elizabeth Prophet: I Will Not Bend an Inch” and “The Let Out” by Ryan Cardoso and DJ Chappel. 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
‘Living While Black’ at First Unitarian Church of Providence
MAY 4: First Unitarian Church of Providence will hold an opening reception and artist talk for “Living While Black,” an antiracist art exhibit on display in the parlor of the historic church. The forty portraits were created by Ajuan Mance based on incidents of surveillance, harassment and violence aimed at Black people engaged in the activities of everyday life. The series celebrates the courage and resilience of the Black community. 5 p.m. First Unitarian Church of Providence, 1 Benevolent St., Providence, 421-7970, firstunitarianprov.org
ETCETERA
Kentucky Derby Party
MAY 4: Giddy up for the Kentucky Derby viewing party at the Weekapaug Inn MeetingHouse. Sport your Southern best and grab a Derby-themed cocktail or two to couple with food and views of Quonnie Pond. A prize will be awarded to the evening’s best fascinator and best dressed gentleman. $95. 6–8 p.m. Weekapaug Inn, 25 Spray Rock Rd., 888-565-5023, Westerly, weekapauginn.com
Mother’s Day Garden Stroll
May 12: Walk around the grounds of the Kinney Azalea Gardens to find the blooming azaleas, native trees and wildflowers cultivated by four generations of horticulturists from the Kinney and Fella families. Mother’s Day festivities include a garden hat contest, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new garden pavilion, and a variety of potted plants available for purchase. Free. 2–5 p.m. Kinney Azalea Gardens, 2391 Kingstown Rd., Kingston, 783-2396, kinneyazaleagardens.com
