35 Fun Things to Do in Rhode Island this August

From the Charlestown Seafood Festival to Brew at the Zoo, we've compiled all the activities to add to your August to-do list.

August 1, 2023

Edelinda Baptista,

FEATURED

Photography courtesy of Newport Jazz Festival.

8/4–6: Newport Jazz Festival

What: Enjoy jazz music by the ocean with the Newport Bridge as the backdrop at the sixty-ninth annual Newport Jazz Festival. The largest musical celebration in the state will host some of the greatest names in jazz, including Herbie Hancock, Diana Krall, Jon Batiste, Thundercat, Kamasi Washington, Samara Joy and others. Visit the website for ticket information. Where: Fort Adams State Park, 90 Fort Adams Dr., Newport. More Info: 848-5055, newportjazz.org.

Photography courtesy of Charlestown Chamber of Commerce.

8/4–6: Charlestown Seafood Festival

WHAT: Savor the best in local steamers, chowder, clam cakes, lobster rolls, oysters and more at the thirty-eighth annual Charlestown Seafood Festival. Don’t forget about the carnival rides, Saturday night fireworks, beer and wine tents and the car show on Sunday. Fri. noon–11 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Adults $12; seniors and military $9; ages ten and younger free. Where: Ninigret Park, 5 Park Ln., Charlestown. More Info: 364-4031, charlestownseafoodfestival.com.

Photography courtesy of Roger Williams Park Zoo.

8/26: Brew at the Zoo

What: Enjoy animal encounters and live music by the Niteflies during this year’s Brew at the Zoo. Sample 170 beers from more than eighty local, regional and national brewers at this twenty-one-plus event. General admission tickets include unlimited beer samplings, a souvenir pint glass and more. VIP access grants guests first dibs to meet the brewers and sample some of their limited edition or premium beers before the rest of the crowd. 5–8 p.m.; VIP admission 4 p.m. $70–$85. Where: Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence. More Info: 785-3510, rwpzoo.org.

THEATER

Theatre by the Sea

THROUGH AUG. 5: Visit South County’s quaint Theatre by the Sea and catch a viewing of The Bodyguard. This new musical is based on the 1992 film featuring former Secret Service agent Frank Farmer and the superstar he is assigned to protect, Rachel Marron. Experience their story accompanied by classic hits by the late Whitney Houston. 3 and 8 p.m. $65–$88. 364 Cards Pond Rd., Matunuck, 782-8587, theatrebythesea.com

Granite Theatre

AUG. 11–26: The Granite Theatre presents The Boys Next Door, the hilarious and heartwarming play featuring four male roommates with special needs and their adventures in the company of their kind but burned out caretaker. Visit the website for times. $25–$30. 1 Granite St., Westerly, 596-2341, granitetheatre.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, 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 while encouraging others to support local as well. Visit the website to check out venues, dates and times. Various locations in Providence, Charlestown and South Kingstown, fieldofartisans.com

Wakefield RiverFire

THROUGH AUG. 10: Stroll down Main Street and take part in the 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

Hope Street Block Party

AUG. 6: The Hope Street Merchants Association invites everyone to its annual block party on Providence’s iconic Hope Street. During the festival, a quarter-mile of Hope will be blocked off for guests to walk among eateries, shops, food trucks and vendors. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. Hope Street, Providence, hopestreetpvd.com

Rhode Island International Film Festival

AUG. 7–13: This festival is the ideal place for rising filmmakers and connoisseurs to find inspiration, meet like-minded people and express their love for film. This weeklong festival includes films submitted by local creators, galas and opportunities to learn about the craft. Visit the website for times, venues and prices. Various locations throughout Providence, 861-4445, film-festival.org

Black Ships Festival

AUG. 11–13: Celebrate the fortieth annual Black Ships Festival with the Japan-America Society of Rhode Island and take part in fun, family-centered activities like a taiko drum concert, a cultural marketplace fair, martial arts demonstrations and arts and crafts. Visit the website for times and venues. Various locations in Newport and Bristol, 846-2720, blackshipsfestival.com

Washington County Fair

AUG. 16–20: Feel like a kid again as you walk through the massive midway, take in lively concerts, participate in old-fashioned games and contests, and leave the concession stands with a mouth-watering burger or ice cream. Gates open from 8 a.m.–11 p.m. Adults $11; children ages ten and younger free. 78 Richmond Townhouse Rd., Richmond, 539-7042, washingtoncountyfair-ri.com

TRIPS AND TOURS

Rhode Island Red Food Tours

ONGOING: Explore your favorite 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: Brave the dark waters of the Providence Marina during a Haunted Boat Tour, where passengers can learn more about the city’s deceased and restless souls while getting a view of historic architecture, moonlit bridges and cobblestone walkways. Reserve your spot online and dress according to the weather. Wed. and Sun. Ages ten and older. 8:30 p.m. $27–$30. 101 Dyer St., Providence, 580-2628, providenceriverboat.com

Newport Foodies Stroll

ONGOING: Rediscover Thames Street with the help of great meals during this nearly two-mile walking food tour. Wander the streets with tour guides Thomas and Susan Maxwell in between three-course meals and wine pairings at notable restaurants and pubs. Reserve your spot online. Wed.–Sat. 11:30 a.m. and noon. Adults $88; children ages twelve and younger. $55. Meet in front of the wave statue, 337 Thames St., Newport, 619-3019, newportfoodiesstroll.com

Rhode Island Bay Cruises

ONGOING: Go on a thirty-mile cruise and pass by iconic Rhode Island lighthouses along Narragansett Bay. The Newport Bridge, mansions and historic Fort Adams are some of the many sights to take in during the breezy voyage. Visit the website for cruise rates. Sun.–Thurs. 1–2:40 p.m. Quonset Point, North Kingstown, 295-4040, fastferry.com

KIDS’ STUFF

Dinosaurs Among Us

THROUGH AUG. 13: This walk-through event allows guests to travel about 65 million years back 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

Kingston Chamber Music Festival

THROUGH AUG. 8: The University of Rhode Island’s thirty-fifth annual Kingston Chamber Music Festival features a variety of classical concerts for music lovers to enjoy. Visit the website for times. $35. Edwards Hall, 64 Upper College Rd., Kingston, 308-3614, kingstonchambermusic.org

RWP Pops at Roger Williams Park

AUG. 2: Join the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra at Roger Williams Park and take part in the tribute to composer John Williams, most known for his work in the popular Star Wars and Harry Potter franchises. Conductor Troy Quinn will lead the orchestra in honoring some of Williams’ most memorable works while the audience enjoys a selection of food trucks. 7:30–9 p.m. Free admission. 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, 248-7070, riphil.org/summer-pops

Warren Folks Festival

AUG 19: The Warren Folks Festival combines live music from Rhode Island acts with craft beer and cocktails, food from local restaurants, creative art and more. Choose from a variety of eateries like Chomp Kitchen and Drinks, Basil & Bunny and Hunky Dory, then check out the vendors stocked with intriguing wares. Stop by the kids’ craft table so your younger ones can explore their inner artists. 1–7 p.m. Free; donations encouraged. 30 Cutler St., Warren, 903-0969, thecollaborative02885.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. Sweden and Newport vs. Palm Beach. Enjoy fan prizes, special weekly features, concessions and more. Sat. 5 p.m. $20–$125; children ages fifteen and younger free (lawn seating). 250 Linden Ln., Portsmouth, 846-0200, nptpolo.com

BENEFITS

Cruise-In for a Cause

AUG. 13: Join the James D. Rielly Foundation for its sixth annual Cruise-In for a Cause charity car show and toy drive at Mount Hope Farm, benefitting the Bristol Santa House, families and children of the military, law enforcement and first responders. Gaze at muscle cars, antiques, classics, hot rods and special interest cars of all varieties. Then head over to the food trucks, take part in a raffle, and vibe to music by Triple J DJ. Free admission; $20 per registered car or $10 when you bring a new, unwrapped toy. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Mount Hope Farm, 250 Metacom Ave., Bristol, jdrfoundation.org

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; ages 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 exhibits such as “Dress Code” and “Bob Dilworth: Backyard.” 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 ages seventeen and younger free. 76 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 848-8200, newportartmuseum.org

Museum of Work and Culture

THROUGH AUG. 26: Learn about the local narratives of entrepreneurship, worship and social life in Woonsocket’s Jewish community presented in the “Mishpakha: Jewish History of Woonsocket” exhibit. Starting in the 1860s with the arrival of Woonsocket’s first recorded Jewish resident, the city became a home for Jewish immigrants in northern Rhode Island. The Jewish population grew to more than 200 families, creating a tight-knit group within the bustling textile city. Tues.–Fri. 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Adults $8; seniors, veterans and students $6; ages nine and younger free with adult. 42 South Main St., Woonsocket, 769-9675, rihs.org

United Theatre

THROUGH SEPT. 17: View “Feminine Wiles: The Art of Barbara Shermund,” an exhibit that features twenty-six original works from Shermund’s lifetime. The artwork shows the lifestyle of American women from the 1920s through the 1940s through honest and amusing cartoons that touch on topics like women in the workplace, women’s rights, maternity, body image, marriage, aging and homosexuality. On Aug. 4 at 7:30 p.m., cartoonist Liza Donnelly will discuss the pieces. Mon.–Tues. 4–9 p.m.; Wed.–Sun. noon–9 p.m. 5 Canal St., Westerly, 388-8208, unitedtheatre.org

Overlap Gallery

AUG. 2–SEPT. 10: Visit Overlap, Newport’s newest contemporary art space, for its two-person collaborative exhibition called “Exquisite Variants.” Analyze sculptures, drawings and mixed-media installations by artists Maggie Nowinski of Easthampton, Massachusetts, and Providence native Alicia Renadette. Opening reception takes place Aug. 5. Wed.–Fri. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat.–Sun. noon–4 p.m. Free. 112 Van Zandt Ave., Newport, 324-5238, overlapnewport.com

ETCETERA

Al Fresco on the Hill

ONGOING: Make the most of summer during the Al Fresco on the Hill extravaganza. Make a stop at one or more of the twenty-five restaurants setting up an outdoor dining experience on the street. Select Sat. Federal Hill, Providence, federalhillprov.com

Taproot Taco Thursdays

ONGOING: Time to make Taco Thursdays a tradition with Taproot Brewing Company at Newport Vineyards. The options are endless and cover just about every taco craving you can imagine. Each taco is $6, so don’t hold back on ordering. Walk-ins acceptable, reservations preferred. Noon–8 p.m. Newport Vineyards, 909 East Main Rd., Middletown, 848-5161, newportvineyards.com

WaterFire Providence

ONGOING: Feel the warmth of WaterFire Providence’s glowing braziers at Waterplace Park or traveling all the way down South Main Street. Visit the website for times. Free. Memorial Boulevard., Providence, 273-1155, waterfire.org

Lobster Boils

THROUGH SEPT. 3: Select a little bit of everything from the lobster boil and BBQ at Weekapaug Inn, including lobster (of course), baked cod, clams, chowder and more. Tables are set for ten guests; reserve your seats online. Sun. 6–8 p.m. Adults $135; ages six through twelve $38; ages five and younger free. Weekapaug Inn, 25 Spray Rock Rd., Westerly, 888-565-5023, weekapauginn.com

Ca’ del Bosco Wine Garden

THROUGH SEPT. 4: The Chanler at Cliff Walk in Newport has teamed up with Ca’ del Bosco to showcase Franciacorta’s luxurious sparkling wines along with a special wine garden menu on the seaside lawn. Fri.–Sun. First seating at 1 p.m.; last seating at 6 p.m. 117 Memorial Blvd., Newport, 847-1300, thechanler.com

Art Night Bristol Warren

AUG. 31: Art Night Bristol Warren returns for another season of showcasing the local art scene throughout the East Bay. Check out art-related businesses, museums, galleries and studios and performances at several venues. 5:30–8:30 p.m. Various locations throughout Bristol and Warren, artnightbristolwarren.org