36 Fun Things to Do in Rhode Island this June

FEATURED

6/19: Father’s Day Boat Tours 

WHAT: Show Dad just how much you appreciate him (and his corny jokes) as you cruise by the Providence Riverwalk, Waterplace Park and Providence Harbor. The fifty-minute cruise tour will be narrated, and you can choose to BYOB in a personal cooler or get a drink from the Providence River Boat Co. store before climbing aboard. Cruises depart hourly between noon –7 p.m. Adults $26; children seventeen and younger $21. Where: 101 Dyer St., Providence. more info: 580-2628, providenceriverboat.com.

6/10–12: PVDFest

WHAT: The Creative Capital’s signature arts festival is making its long-awaited return. Celebrate in downtown Providence with plenty of culture, art and culinary offerings. Every corner you turn, there’s a new creative experience for you to explore. Unique performers include the Rebirth Brass Band, trumpeter and vocalist Kermit Ruffins, pianist Eddie Palmieri, indie band Hit La Rosa and more. Free admission. Where:  Downtown Providence. more info: 421-4278, pvdfest.com.

6/26: The United Theatre

WHAT: In the name of mixology, immerse yourself in film, art and cocktails at the United Theatre. After a premiere screening of the movie Hey Bartender, participate in a meet and greet with James Beard Award-winning mixologist Dale DeGroff and acclaimed filmmaker Douglas Tirola, then a book signing and cocktail event with artist reception in the theater’s gallery with works by saloon artist Jill DeGroff. Where: The United Theatre, 5 Canal St., Westerly. more info: 388-8208, unitedtheatre.org.

 

THEATER

Trinity Rep

THROUGH JUNE 19: Although we plan family celebrations to be perfect, they rarely ever end up that way, especially in the case of Beverly, whose husband is no help, her brother is MIA, her sister won’t put the wine down and her teenage daughter’s secrets might release more chaos. Christopher Windom directs Fairview, the family comedy that takes unpredictable turns and confronts perceptions of race and identity. Run time is one hour and forty minutes. Chace Theater. 201 Washington St., Providence, 351-4242, trinityrep.com  

Wilbury Theatre Group

THROUGH JUNE 19: Based on Leo Tolstoy’s novel War and Peace, award-winning composer Dave Malloy presents Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, an electropop opera that amplifies the possibilities for the genre with its vivid storytelling and striking score. Thurs.–Sun. Visit the website for times. $15–$55 or make a pay-what-you-can donation.
WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley St., Providence, 400-7100, thewilburygroup.org

Providence Performing Arts Center

JUNE 2–3: These four guys from Jersey will have you tapping along to classic hits like “Sherry” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” During the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical phenomenon Jersey Boys, discover how Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons made it from New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 7:30 p.m. $20–$80. 220 Weybosset St., Providence, 421-2787, ppacri.org

Contemporary Theater

JUNE 9–12: Be entertained by performers from across the country during the Ocean State Improv Festival, a week full of inspiring workshops, fascinating shows and pure improv fun. Visit the website for times and ticket prices. 327 Main St., Wakefield, 218-0282, contemporarytheatercompany.com

 

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Food Truck Friday at Roger Williams Park Carousel Village

ONGOING: Select from more than fifteen local food trucks as well as beer from Trinity Brewhouse during the eighth annual Food Truck Friday at Roger Williams Park Carousel Village. Enjoy live music from Sidy Maiga Music, Catnip Junkies, Pat Lowell Acoustic and more while picnicking on the lawn. Fri. 5–8:30 p.m. Free admission. 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, foodtrucksin.com/food-truck-events

Providence Flea Summer Markets

JUNE 5–SEPT. 25: Celebrating its tenth season, the Providence Flea has returned outdoors, allowing visitors to feel the fresh air while shopping and obsessing over vintage finds and locally sourced products. Gather your flea crew and start searching for your next hidden gem. Sun. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission. 275 South Water St., Providence, 484-7783, providenceflea.com

Black Ships Festival

JUNE 10–12: Celebrate the thirty-ninth
annual Black Ships Festival with the Japan America Society of Rhode Island and take part in fun, family-centered activities ranging from a taiko drum concert, martial arts demonstrations and an arts and crafts fair. Visit the website for times. Various locations in Newport and Bristol, 847-7666, blackshipsfestival.com

Food Trucks and Concerts at Chase Farm

JUNE 18: Enjoy a variety of locally owned food trucks and beer from Trinity Brewhouse on the grounds of Chase Farm while vibing out to live music. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on the lawn. Select Saturdays from 5 a.m.–8:30 p.m. Free admission. Chase Farm, 667 Great Rd., Lincoln, foodtrucksin.com/food-truck-events

Wakefield RiverFire

JUNE 23–AUG. 11: Stroll down Wakefield’s Main Street and participate in the annual RiverFire summer series on Thursday evenings. Visit restaurants and local shops 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. 6–10 p.m. Free. Saugatucket River off Main Street, Wakefield, 474-4700, wakefieldvillageassociation.com

Newport Pride

JUNE 24–26: Celebrate love, acceptance, inclusivity and diversity during Newport Pride weekend, which kicks off at the Newport Harbor Hotel. Participate in the flag raising at Newport City Hall, support small shops during the market and festival at the Great Friends Meetinghouse and go for a three-mile bike ride through town during this annual celebration of LGBTQ pride. Visit the website for event times. Various locations in Newport, 248-1190, newportprideri.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 paired with or without alcohol at six local restaurants. Reservations are required. Thurs.–Sun. at noon. $74–$89. Various locations in Providence and Newport, rhodeislandredfoodtours.com

Newport Foodies Stroll

ONGOING: Throughout the 1.75-mile walking food tour, rediscover Thames Street with the help of great meals. Wander the historic streets of the City by the Sea with tour guides Thomas and Susan Maxwell in between gourmet delights at notable restaurants and pubs. Reserve your spot online. Wed., Fri. and Sat. 11:30 a.m. and noon. Adults $88; children twelve and younger $37. Meeting location in front of wave statue, 337 Thames St., Newport, 508-505-5299, newportfoodiesstroll.com

Discover Providence Tour

ONGOING: Hear stories about the city’s exciting neighborhoods and the people in them during this bus tour. Explore and take photos of locations including College Hill, Federal Hill and the State House. Mon–Sat., 11 a.m.–2 p.m. $35. Meet at the Rhode Island Convention Center, 1 Sabin St., Providence, 886-0733, experienceri.com 

Spring Lighthouse Cruise

THROUGH JUNE 24: On a ninety-minute narrated lighthouse cruise ride, admire the sights of scenic Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay, including the Rose Island Lighthouse, Goat Island Lighthouse, Castle Hill Lighthouse and others. Choose to depart from Bowen’s Wharf or Jamestown Village. Check website for dates and times. $20–$35. 1 E. Ferry Wharf, Jamestown; 5 Bowen’s Landing, Bowen’s Wharf, Newport, 423-9900, coastalqueencruises.com

Newport Secret Garden Tours

JUNE 24–26: It’s Earth Day every day during the Secret Garden Tours, which celebrate bountiful properties in historic Newport. Take a self-guided tour of the private gardens. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $25 in advance; $30 day of. Storer Park, Newport, 439-7253, secretgardentours.org

 

KIDS’ STUFF

Asian Lantern Spectacular

ONGOING: Head to Roger Williams Park Zoo after dark to witness a wonderland of illuminated, larger-than-life lanterns inspired by the wild. Stroll through the interactive displays while indulging in Asian-inspired cuisine and drinks with your family. Tickets sold online only. Wed.–Sun. 6–10:30 p.m. Adults $25; children $23; babies one and younger free. Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, 785-3510, rwpzoo.org

Granite Theater

JUNE 3–12: Stumble down the rabbit hole with Alice and fall into a fantastical land during this reimagined youth production of Alice in Wonderland. Fri.–Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $15–$20. 1 Granite St., Westerly, 596-2341, granitetheatre.com

 

MUSIC

Newport Classical

JUNE 3: Established as one of the most prominent Spanish concert pianists,  Daniel del Pino presents “Suite Iberia” composed by Isaac Albéniz. 7:30–9 p.m. $45–$58. Recital Hall at Emmanuel Church, 42 Dearborn St., Newport, 846-1133, newportclassical.org

Music on the Hill

JUNE 1–12: The annual music festival continues, with concert titles including “A Great Day for Singing,” “Violin Virtuosity” and more. Visit the website for dates and times. Various locations in East Greenwich, North Providence and Cranston, musiconthehillri.org

 

SPORTS

Newport International Polo Series

JUNE 4–SEPT. 24: Watch action-packed polo matches every Saturday during the Newport Polo Series, including Newport vs. Boston and USA vs. Portugal. Enjoy fan prizes, special weekly features, concessions and more. Sat. 5 p.m.; 4 p.m. in Sept. $20–$125; children fifteen and younger free. 250 Linden Ln., Portsmouth, 846-0200, nptpolo.com

 

BENEFITS

Gathering to Give Concert

JUNE 4: Gather at Restmere for the Gathering to Give Concert, featuring a tour of the lovingly restored 1857 Italianate home, cocktails, light bites and live music on the lawn to benefit Adoption Rhode Island. 5–9 p.m. $200–$500. Restmere, 1 Ichabod Ln., Middletown, 865-6000, adoptionri.org

Welcome to Summer Bash

JUNE 18: Help welcome the arrival of summer with a night of dancing, live music and light beach fare to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island. 7:30–11 p.m. $40. Bonnet Shores Beach Club, 175 Bonnet Point Rd., Narragansett, 921-2434, bigsri.org 

Animal Rescue Rhode Island FurBall Gala

JUNE 24: Attend a seaside gala benefiting the pets at Animal Rescue Rhode Island. Tickets to the FurBall include wine, dinner, auction opportunities, music by Blurred Vision and a celebration of the 2022 ARRI champions Chip and Jozy Mainelli. 6–9 p.m. $200. Dunes Club, 137 Boston Neck Rd., Narragansett, 783-7606, animalrescueri.org

Zoobilee! Feast With the Beasts

JUNE 25: The zoo’s largest single-night fundraiser boasts delicious cuisine and refreshments from various restaurants and beverage providers in the area, as well as live music from Mystique, meet and greets with the zoo’s education animals and other festivities. Funds go toward providing more than 120 animal species with medical care, helping 65,000 students conserve wildlife and wild places, and saving endangered species worldwide. Tickets to this twenty-one-plus event also include admission to the Asian Lantern Spectacular. 7–11 p.m. $150. Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, 785-3510, rwpzoo.org  

 

MUSEUMS 

RISD Museum

ONGOING: Plan your in-person visit in advance online and check out exhibitions on view including “Drawing Closer,” “Striking Chords” and “Variance.” 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

 

GALLERIES

Michelangelo — A Different View

THROUGH JUNE 12: Get up close and personal to the works of Michelangelo at the “Michelangelo — A Different View” exhibit. Admire the art of the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling from only a few feet away in the Ocean State. Wed., Thurs. and Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m.–8 p.m. $12–$20. Rhode Island Convention Center, 1 Sabin St., Providence, 458-6000, riconvention.com

Beyond Van Gogh

THROUGH JULY 8: Become one with the art of Vincent van Gogh, whose masterpieces have become a three-dimensional immersive experience. Step into works like “Starry Night” and “Café Terrace at Night” as they calm the mind and inspire your artistic eye. Sun.–Thurs. 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m.–10 p.m. $33.99–$83.99. Free admission for children four and younger. Rhode Island Convention Center, Exhibit Hall C, 1 Sabin St., Providence, vangoghprovidence.com

 

ETCETERA

Open Air Saturdays

ONGOING: In between your shopping ventures, enjoy live music performances, fuel up with food truck fare, participate in outdoor games and more. Visit a variety of locations throughout downtown such as Grant’s Block, Union Street and Biltmore Park. Every first Saturday of the month. Noon–6 p.m. Various locations throughout downtown Providence, indowncity.com

Roller Disco

JUNE 2–OCT. 29: Show off your grooviest moves as you glide through the Providence Rink. Music, courtesy of local deejays and live acts, starts at 6 p.m., and the Trinity Beer Garden provides snacks and beverages. Thurs., Fri. and select Sat. 5–10 p.m. Adults $7; children and seniors $4. BankNewport City Center, 2 Kennedy Plz., Providence, 680-7390, theprovidencerink.com

Sand Bar and Bites

JUNE 4: Arrive at the remote beach on Quonochontaug Pond via motorboat shuttle and settle on the beach bar to enjoy hors d’oeuvres. Take in the serene sights of the pond alongside family and friends. 5–7 p.m. $80. Weekapaug Inn, 25 Spray Rock Rd., Westerly, 888-565-5023, weekapauginn.com

Newport Flower Show

JUNE 17–19: A lush central garden exhibit, stunning floral designs and a stroll through the Cour d’Amour are some of the many sights and activities this show has to offer. Opening reception on Fri., 6–8 p.m., $225; VIP show Fri.–Sun., 8 a.m., $50; general admission Fri.–Sun., 9 a.m. and noon, $35. Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 847-1000, newportmansions.org

Juneteenth Festival

JUNE 19: Attend the fourth annual Juneteenth celebration, commemorating June 19, 1865, and the liberation of enslaved African Americans throughout the nation. Dance, eat and support local vendors with family and friends. The night concludes with fireworks. Noon–9:15 p.m. Free. Roger Williams Park Temple to Music, Providence, 288-7864, juneteenthri.com

Art Night Bristol Warren

JUNE 30: Art Night Bristol Warren returns for its eleventh season of showcasing lively and local art scenes throughout the East Bay. Visitors can check out art-related businesses, museums and studios as well as admire dance and musical performances at various venues. Last Thursday of the month through August. 5:30–8:30 p.m. Various locations throughout Bristol and Warren, artnightbristolwarren.org

 

Looking Ahead

July

JULY 4: Bristol Fourth of July Parade, Bristol, fourthofjulybristolri.com

July 9–10: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, wickfordart.org

July 16: Craft Brew Race, Newport, craftbrewraces.com/newport

July 21: Best of Rhode Island, Providence, rimonthly.com 

July 29–31: Newport Jazz Festival, Newport, newportjazz.org