34 Fun Things to Do in Rhode Island this July

FEATURED

Photography courtesy of Discover Newport/Photography by Corey Favino.

7/4: Fourth of July Parade Picnic at Linden Place 

WHAT: 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 $100; Linden Place members $90; children five and younger free. 8 a.m.–4 p.m. WHERE: 500 Hope St., Bristol. MORE INFO: 253-0390, lindenplace.org.

Photography courtesy of Theatre By the Sea.

Through 7/8: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at Theatre by the Sea

WHAT: Listen to all the songs you remember at a show you’ll never forget in Theatre by the Sea’s production of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Sing along to classics like “Natural Woman,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” in an intimate setting right by the ocean. Check website for times. $65–$88. WHERE: 364 Cards Pond Rd., South Kingstown. MORE INFO: 782-8587, theatrebythesea.com.

Photography courtesy of Taproot Brewing Company at Newport Vineyards.

Ongoing: Taproot Taco Thursdays

WHAT: Time to make Taco Thursdays a tradition with Taproot Brewing Company at Newport Vineyards. The rotating street taco creations are endless and will cure just about every taco craving you can imagine. Each taco is $6, so don’t hold back on ordering as many as you can eat. Make sure to ask your server about the weekly special. Walk-ins accepted, reservations preferred. Thurs., noon–8 p.m. WHERE: Newport Vineyards, 909 East Main Rd., Middletown. MORE INFO: 848-5161, newportvineyards.com.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

PVD Flea Summer Markets

ONGOING: Feel the fresh air while obsessing over vintage finds and locally sourced products from more than seventy-five vendors including indie makers, bakeshops, clothing vendors and more. Sun. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission. 275 South Water St., Providence, 484-7783, providenceflea.com

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 ninth 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. 5–8:30 p.m. Free admission. 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, rwpzoo.org/food-truck-friday

Field of Artisans

ONGOING: Connect with and learn about the work of dozens of makers and entrepreneurs from all over New England at these intimate pop-ups. Surround yourself with other creatives to shop, support and share your findings while encouraging others to support local as well. Visit the website to check out venues, dates and times. Various venues in Providence, Charlestown and South Kingstown, fieldofartisans.com

Bristol Fourth of July Celebration

JULY 3 and 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

Wickford Art Festival

JULY 8–9: Admire one-of-a-kind art made by acclaimed local and national artists, both new and returning, at the annual Wickford Art Festival. Soak up gorgeous views within the seaside village, and take home some new decor, whether it be a painting, photography, jewelry, ceramics or furniture. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free admission. Wilson Park, 211 West Main St., North Kingstown, 294-6840, wickfordart.org

Wakefield RiverFire

JULY 13–AUG. 10: 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. Remember to bring a nonperishable food item with you to donate to the Jonnycake Center’s food pantry in Peace Dale. 6–8:30 p.m. Free. 317 Main St., Wakefield, 474-4700, wakefieldvillageassociation.com

Providence Fringe Festival

JULY 16–29: Take in unexpected performances during the ninth annual Providence Fringe Festival, presented by the Wilbury Theatre Group in collaboration with WaterFire Providence. Keep an open mind: The censor-free festival features more than 300 dancers, visual artists, actors and more from across the nation. All ticket sales support the performing artists. This year, the first-ever FringePVD Encore Series will take place at the United Theatre in Westerly Aug. 10–12. See website for times and ticket prices. Both online and outside in various venues in the Olneyville and Valley neighborhoods in Providence, 400-7100, fringepvd.org

Newport Dance Festival

JULY 18–23: The annual Newport Dance Festival, filled with artistic performances from the Boston Dance Theatre, Amy Hall Garner and others, will inspire with performances on the Great Friends Meeting House’s outdoor stage. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., curtain opens at 7:30 p.m. $39–$210. Great Friends Meeting House, 21 Farewell St., Newport, 847-4470, newportcontemporaryballet.org

TRIPS AND TOURS

Rhode Island Red Food Tours

ONGOING: Explore your favorite Rhody neighborhoods in the capital city and the City by the Sea with a food tour. Walking tours include delicious food samplings plus alcohol pairings at six local restaurants. Reservations are required. Thurs.–Sun. at noon. $74–$94. Various locations in Providence and Newport, rhodeislandredfoodtours.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 from the Southern Circuit to Bayside Station. See website for tour times and ticket prices. 1 Alexander Rd., Portsmouth, 877-833-8588, railexplorers.net

Providence River Boat Company

ONGOING: Take a narrated tour of the capital city as you cruise by the Providence Riverwalk, Waterplace Park, the Providence Hurricane Barrier and more. Reserve your spot online and dress according to the weather. Thurs.–Sun., various times throughout the day. $25–$37. 101 Dyer St., Providence, 580-2628, providenceriverboat.com

Newport Foodies Stroll

ONGOING: Rediscover Thames Street with the help of great meals on this nearly two-mile walking food tour. Wander the historic streets of the City by the Sea with tour guides Thomas and Susan Maxwell in between three-course meals and wine pairings at notable restaurants and pubs like Knot Norm’s and Cold Fusion Gelato. Reserve your spot online. Wed.–Sat. 11:30 a.m. and noon. Adults $88; children twelve and younger $55. Meeting location in front of wave statue, 337 Thames St., Newport, 619-3019, newportfoodiesstroll.com

Disco Night on the Coastal Queen 

JULY 4: The Coastal Queen is hosting a disco night on the water where the vibrant soundtrack will  enliven the leisurely cruise. Boogie down to the greatest hits from all of your favorite seventies superstars including Donna Summer, ABBA, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire and much more. Enjoy views of Jamestown, Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor while raising the roof. 6:30–8 p.m. $39. 1 East Ferry Wharf, Jamestown, 423-9900, coastalqueencruises.com

Newport Secret Garden Tour

JULY 7–9: Earth Day is every day during the Secret Garden Tour, which showcases historic Newport’s gorgeous landscapes. Take a self-guided tour of the private gardens while soaking in views of striking flowers, plants, fountains and more. 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and 1:30–5 p.m. $25 in advance; $30 day of. Storer Park, Newport, 439-7253, secretgardentours.org

KIDS’ STUFF

Dinosaurs Among Us

THROUGH AUG. 13: This walk-through event allows guests to travel back 65 million years in time to witness sixty roaring life-size animatronic dinosaurs. For a more immersive experience, check out the walking dinosaur rides, meet and greets with baby dinosaurs, selfie stations with the creatures and hands-on fossil dig sites. Visit the website for times and ticket prices. Roger
Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, 785-3510, rwpzoo.org

MUSIC

Newport Classical Music Festival

JULY 4–23: Enjoy harp, piano, a cappella performances and more during the Newport Classical Music Festival with talented ensembles and individuals. Visit the website for ticket prices. Various venues throughout Newport, 846-1133, newportclassical.org

FirstWorks Summer Beats

JULY 23: Dive into the soul of Providence during FirstWorks Summer Beats concert series, presenting world-class artistry and toe-tapping bhangra funk with Red Baraat, a Brooklyn-based band. They’ve performed at the New Orleans Jazz Fest, Olympic Games Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, globalFEST, Lincoln Center and Providence’s own PVDFest. 6 p.m. Free. Roger Williams Park Bandstand, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, firstworks.org

SPORTS

Newport International Polo Series

THROUGH SEPT. 30: Watch action-packed events every Saturday during the thirty-second season of 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; children fifteen and younger free (lawn seating). 250 Linden Ln., Portsmouth, 846-0200, nptpolo.com

Infosys Hall of Fame Open

JULY 16–23: 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 with the pros of the sport with seats in the shade, then explore the International Tennis Hall of Fame Museum. 10 a.m. $13–$165. 194 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 849-3990, tennisfame.com

BENEFITS

JULY 15: Lounge alongside other movie enthusiasts during newportFILM’s annual Summer Benefit. Indulge in light drinks and delicious small bites while supporting the nonprofit
organization, which educates, inspires and entertains viewers with important documentaries that encourage change and build community. 6–8 p.m. $175 and up. Restoration Hall at IYRS, 449 Thames St., Newport, 649-2784, newportfilm.com

MUSEUMS

RISD Museum

ONGOING: Check out exhibitions like “Eating in Edo,” “Passive Pollination” and “The Performative Self-Portrait.” Tues., Wed., Sat., Sun. 10 a.m.­–5 p.m.; Thurs. and Fri. noon–7 p.m. Adults $17; seniors $12; youth eighteen and younger free. Free admission Thurs. and Fri. after 5 p.m. and all day Sun. 20 North Main St., Providence, 454-6500, risdmuseum.org

Newport Art Museum

ONGOING: View thought-provoking works in exhibits such as “Dress Code,” “Pride: In Retrospect” (through July 9) and “Ana Flores: Shaman Ladders and Other Stories.” Tues.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun. noon–5 p.m. Adults $15; seniors $10; college students and military $8; museum members and children seventeen and younger free. 76 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 848-8200, newportartmuseum.org

ETCETERA

Al Fresco on the Hill

ONGOING: Make the most of summer during the Al Fresco on the Hill extravaganza throughout Federal Hill. Make a stop at one or more of the twenty-five restaurants setting up an outdoor dining experience on the street. Whether you want to sip vino facing the sunset or kick back with a slice of brick oven pizza under an illuminated patio, reserve your spot at the restaurant of your choice. Select Sat. Federal Hill, Providence, federalhillprov.com

Goat Hikes at Simmons Farm

ONGOING: Indulge in a breath of fresh air on this hike with a twist. Stroll through the rustic pastures of Simmons Farm with a goat on a leash and enjoy views of Narragansett Bay, babbling brooks and other barnyard animals. As you hike with your goat, farmer Karla will give you a personal look into the lifestyle of farming in New England. After the tour, cool down with a glass of lemonade. Sat. and Sun. Visit the website for times. $10–$50. Simmons Farm, 1942 West Main Rd., Middletown, 848-9910, simmonsfarmri.com

Sunrise Yoga 

ONGOING: Roll out a mat and let go of any stress during a good stretch sesh at sunrise yoga. Every Tuesday. 6 a.m. Free. Roger Williams Park’s Temple to Music, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, providenceri.gov

Roller Disco

ONGOING: Show off your grooviest moves and seventies-inspired outfit as you glide through the Providence Rink. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, skate through the warm weather alongside other determined skaters. Music, courtesy of local DJs and live acts, starts at 5 p.m., and the Trinity Beer Garden provides beverages to skaters and spectators as well. Thurs., Fri. and select Sat. 5–10 p.m. Adults $9; children and seniors $6. BankNewport City Center, 2 Kennedy Plz., Providence, 680-7390, theprovidencerink.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 South Main Street Park. Around 8 p.m.–midnight. Free. Memorial Boulevard, Providence, 273-1155, waterfire.org

Providence Restaurant Weeks

JULY 9–22: Sample a myriad of restaurants in downtown Providence and neighboring areas for the ultimate meals and deals. Participating restaurants and diners 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. Use the hashtag #prw and #pvdeats on social media to show off your delicious dishes. Various locations in Providence, goprovidence.com/rw

Lobster Boil and BBQ

JULY 9–30: Select a little bit of everything from the buffet line at the lobster boil and BBQ, including lobster (of course), baked cod, clams, chowder and more. Save room for dessert and s’mores by the fire. Tables are set for ten guests; reserve your seats online. Sun. 6–8 p.m. Adults $135; children six through twelve $38; children five and younger free. Weekapaug Inn, 25 Spray Rock Rd., Westerly, 888-565-5023, weekapauginn.com

An Evening With Summer Authors

JULY 13: Explore new beach reads by spending an evening with the authors of the latest summer blockbusters. Reading with Robin and Discover Newport present an exclusive evening of celebrating the summer’s biggest titles: Adrienne Brodeur’s Little Monsters, Megan Collins’ Thicker Than Water and Wendy Walker’s What Remains. All proceeds benefit the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. 7–8:30 p.m. $110. Newport Art Museum, 76 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 848-8200, robinkall.com

Craft Brew Races Newport

JULY 22: Cure whatever ales you with a 5K run through the west side of Fort Adams State Park, historic stone walls, the Eisenhower House and other sites. Participants and festival goers 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 21. Onsite registration starts at 10 a.m.; race starts at noon. 84 Fort Adams Dr., Newport, craftbrewraces.com/newport

LOOKING AHEAD: AUGUST

AUG. 3: RWP Pops at Roger Williams Park, Providence, rwpconservancy.org

Aug. 4–6: Charlestown Seafood Festival, Charlestown, charlestownseafoodfestival.com

Aug. 4–6: Newport Jazz Festival, Newport, newportjazz.org

Aug. 7–13: Rhode Island International Film Festival, Providence, film-festival.org

Aug. 11–13: Black Ships Festival, Bristol and Newport, blackshipsfestival.com