38 Fun Things to Do in Rhode Island this April

FEATURED

Photo courtesy of Ann Clanton/RIBFF.

4/4–7: Rhode Island Black Film Festival   

What: Witness emerging filmmakers, actors and industry insiders share their passion for cinema and enjoy a varied lineup of narrative, documentary and feature films at the seventh annual Rhode Island Black Film Festival. The event gives a voice to diverse cultures and features work from local and international artists. Where: Johnson & Wales University, 8 Abbott Park Place, Providence. More info: 996-1166, ribff.org

Photography courtesy of Providence Performing Arts Center.

4/6: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in Concert   

What: Witches, wizards and muggles unite! Immerse yourself in the magic during this one-day-only event. Transport yourself to the wizarding world and watch Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire live in concert with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. Sat. 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. $59–$129. Where: Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St., Providence. More info: 421-2787, ppacri.org

Photo courtesy of Scott Mason Photography.

4/13: Newport Rhode Races  

What: Head to the City by the Sea for this marathon, half-marathon and 5K event. In partnership with the famed Newport Daffodil Days festival, these Rhode Races promise a good workout, beautiful views of the blooming daffodils and, of course, spectacular ocean vistas from the seaside start. Marathon starts at 7:30 a.m.; half-marathon starts at 8 a.m.; 5K starts at 8:30 a.m. Where: All races begin at Easton’s (First) Beach, Newport. More info: 427-7764, rhoderaces.com

THEATER

Wilbury Theatre Group

THROUGH APR. 7: Hansol Jung’s Wolf Play revolves around the experiences of a Korean child called Wolf who was adopted by a white heterosexual couple. The play engages audiences in conversation about transnational adoption, custody rights, LGBTQ+ parenting and an adopted child’s sense of belonging. Visit the website for times. $5–$35. Wilbury Theatre Group, 475 Valley St., Providence, 400-7100, thewilburygroup.org

Gamm Theatre

THROUGH APR. 14: Experience the Gamm’s signature take on Shakespeare in Twelfth Night, a production laced with melancholy and peppered with mirth. Penned in the celebratory spirit of Tudor England’s post-Christmas Twelfth Night festival, the Bard’s satire explores the mutable nature of gender, sexuality and social standing with heart and humor. Visit the website for times. $25–$70. The Gamm Theatre, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, gammtheatre.org

Trinity Rep

THROUGH APR. 28: Witness American playwright August Wilson’s iconic play, Fences — a story centered around former Negro League baseball player Troy Maxson in segregated 1957 Pittsburgh. Troy’s desire to protect his loved ones from oppression grows warped by his stubbornness and pride. Fences is a must-see Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, returning to the Trinity Rep stage for the first time in over thirty years. $24–$74. Dowling Theater, 201 Washington St., Providence, 351-4242, trinityrep.com

Daydream Theatre Company 

APR. 11–13 AND 18–20: Based on a true story and steeped in mystery, The Motion Picture Camera of Louis Le Prince provides a peek into the lens of the renowned French artist and inventor of an early motion-picture camera, Louis Le Prince. Discover the bloodshed and bodies that laid the foundation of filmmaking, from the beginnings until the present day. 8 p.m. $17 online; $19 at the door. Beacon Charter School for the Arts, 320 Main St., Woonsocket, ristage.org

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Farm Fresh 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 RI, 10 Sims Ave., Providence, 312-4250, farmfreshri.org

Mount Hope Farmers Market

ONGOING: Head over to Mount Hope Farm for your weekly groceries, courtesy of local farmers and artisans like Barden Family Orchard, Roots Farm, Brightside Seafood, Navad Bakery and Two Gals Cocktails. Need a dose of cuteness? Be sure to visit the farm animals during your visit. Sat. 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Free admission. Mount Hope Farm, 250 Metacom Ave., Bristol, 254-1745, mounthopefarm.org

Providence Flea 

ONGOING: Obsess over vintage finds and locally sourced products while shopping at the Providence Flea at Farm Fresh RI market hall. Sun. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission. Farm Fresh Rhode Island, 10 Sims Ave., Providence, 484-7783, providenceflea.com

Tiverton Farmers Market

ONGOING: Browse a selection of vendors offering fresh 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. Every Sunday. 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Free. Tiverton Middle School, 10 Quintal Dr., Tiverton, 474-1064, tivertonfarmersmarket.com

Aquidneck Growers Market

THROUGH APR. 27: Support agricultural life and the local economy at the Aquidneck Growers Market, where attendees can find an assortment of both organic and conventionally grown produce, fresh and ready for any recipe. Sat. 9 a.m.–noon. Free admission. Stoneacre Garden, 151 Swinburne Row, Newport, 256-6627, aquidneckcommunitytable.org

Rhode Island Home Show 

APR. 4–7: The largest home improvement show in southern New England boasts hundreds of exhibitors with trends, services and ideas on home improvement, remodeling, design and landscaping. Plus, visit the new “House of Brews,” where you can sample local beers from breweries around the state. Thurs. and Fri. noon–9 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Visit the website for tickets. Rhode Island Convention Center, 1 Sabin St., Providence, 438-7400, ribahomeshow.com

Bloom Flower and Home Market 

APR. 6–7: You can never have too many plants, especially if they come from a small business. Shop from more than eighty-five of the best vendors of indoor and outdoor plants, home decor, art and more at the Bloom Flower and Home Market. Plus, all general admission tickets include a drink voucher that can be redeemed for a complimentary beverage at the event. Noon–6 p.m. $8; visit the website for tickets. The WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley St., Providence, bloomflowerandhome.com

Food Truck Friday 

APR. 19–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, foodtrucksin.com/food-truck-events

Party for the Planet 

APR. 20: April is the month to celebrate the Earth and you can spend a fun-filled day at Roger Williams Park Zoo learning about the importance of protecting the planet. Participate in interactive education stations, enjoy live music, hang out with costumed characters and more. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Cost included in zoo admission. Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, 785-3510, rwpzoo.org

TRIPS AND TOURS

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 and 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

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 the website for dates, times and costs. 684-1110, rhodeislandredfoodtours.com

KIDS’ STUFF

Glow Skate

ONGOING: Lace up your skates for a night filled with colorful lights and lasers at Glow Skate. This energetic environment is perfect for family fun. Test your luck with games at the arcade, fuel up with soft drinks and pizza and even try your hand at laser tag and rock climbing, too. Sat. 4–6:30 p.m. and 7–9:30 p.m. Visit the website for pricing. 75 New Rd., Rumford, 438-9898, unitedskates.com/rumford

Children’s Book Festival 

APR. 6: Bring the kids to meet the authors of their favorite bedtime stories at the We are ALL Readers Children’s Book Festival. A free event open to the public, attendees can enjoy story times and talks with award-winning authors and illustrators. The festival includes hands-on activities, a pop-up bookstore, book signings and food trucks. Visit the website for times, a list of the authors coming to town and the events offered from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Free; reserve tickets online. North Kingstown High School, 150 Fairway Dr., North Kingstown, weareallreaders.com  

BENEFITS

Uncorked! 

APR. 12: Support WSBE Rhode Island PBS at its annual food and wine fundraising event, Uncorked! Indulge in fine wines from the cellars of local purveyors and private donors and sample savory small bites prepared by chefs from local establishments. Throughout the night, you can take part in an instant-win wine grab and browse the silent and live auctions offering boutique wines and gift packages. Visit the website for tickets and other information. The WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley St., Providence, 222-3636, ripbs.org

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

APR. 12–13: Enjoy two nights of Beethoven with the Rhode Island Philharmonic, conducted by Benjamin Manis with Orli Shaham on the piano. 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

APR. 26: Enjoy an evening of music with the Balourdet Quartet, with Angela Bae and Justin DeFilippis on the violin, Benjamin Zannoni on the viola and Russell Houston on the cello. Enjoy string quartets by Mozart, Beethoven and Karim Al-Zand. 7:30 p.m. $45–$58. Newport Classical Recital Hall, 42 Dearborn St., Newport, 846-1133, newportclassical.org

SPORTS AND WELLNESS 

Free Wednesday Nature Walks 

ONGOING: Every Wednesday afternoon, head to the Norman Bird Sanctuary for a spring nature walk. Connect with the outdoors and breathe in the fresh air when you stroll 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 your peace and well-being during meditation sessions, held for free in-person and online at the Warwick Center for the Arts. Reduce your stress, improve your health and strengthen your focus while engaging in guided meditation practice. 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

Amica Mutual Pavilion 

APR. 6: Providence Bruins vs. Rochester. 7:05 p.m. $20–$89. APR. 12: Providence Bruins vs. Utica. 7:05 p.m. $20–$89. APR. 13: Providence Bruins vs. Utica. 7:05 p.m. $20–$89. APR. 19: Providence Bruins vs. Springfield. 7:05 p.m. $20–$61. APR. 21: Providence Bruins vs. Hartford. 3:05 p.m. $20–$51. 1 LaSalle Sq., Providence, 331-0700, amicamutualpavilion.com

Daffodil Ride

APR. 20: Grab your bike and your spring-loving pals for a four-mile ride through a parade of vibrant daffodils. Sport your yellow best, decorate your bike and join other riders as you start at Touro Park and conclude at Ballard Park, with an exclusive stop to see thousands of daffodils in bloom at Bellevue House’s private gardens. Take your own Daffodil Ride any other day they’re in bloom by following the route online. 9:30 a.m. Free; donations encouraged. Touro Park, Newport, 619-4900, bikenewportri.org

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

Newport Art Museum

ONGOING: View exquisite and thought-provoking works within exhibits such as “Unfinished Business” and “Arghavan Khosravi.” 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 “Art and Design from 1900 to Now” and “Nancy Elizabeth Prophet: I Will Not Bend an Inch.” Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat., Sun. 10 a.m.­–5 p.m.; Thurs. noon–8 p.m. Adults $20; seniors $15; ages 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

ETCETERA

Private Carriage Rides 

ONGOING: Take an old-fashioned carriage ride on the serene backroads of northwestern Burrillville or through quiet farm trails with Liberty Farm and Carriage Company’s majestic draft horses. The full-time farming family and third-generation equestrians offer private carriages for two, four and six riders and group rides for up to fourteen people. Carriage rides are approximately twenty-five to thirty minutes long. Visit the website for times. $75–$175. Liberty Farm, 60 Ironmine Rd., Burrillville, 651-6004, libertyfarm.net

‘Waves of Discovery’

ONGOING: Discover the historical legacy of Newport at the “Waves of Discovery” exhibit. Learn about the early European settlers of the city and how they navigated voyages across the Atlantic Ocean. Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Visit the website for details. Newport Historical Society, 82 Touro St., Newport, 841-8770, newporthistory.org

Comedy Connection

APR. 4–6: Lil’ Sasquatch. Thurs. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Sat. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. APR. 11–13: Alex Edelman. Thurs. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Sat. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. APR. 25: “Are You Garbage?” special event. 9:30 p.m. Visit the website for prices. 39 Warren Ave., East Providence, 438-8383, ricomedyconnection.com

Newport Daffodil Days

APR. 6–28: Take in more than 1.3 million daffodils blooming in the City by the Sea. Visit spaces like Ballard Park and near Easton’s (First) Beach and admire the views. The event supports Newport in Bloom, an organization dedicated to filling the city’s public spaces and gardens with flowers. Various locations throughout Newport, newportinbloom.org

Poetry Circle

APR. 11: Watch words come to life at the Portsmouth Library’s monthly Poetry Circle. Whether you’re a beginner or a poetry connoisseur, get ready to read, share and create. Join in on insightful conversations exploring the art of different poets or find inspiration to craft your own. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Free. Portsmouth Free Public Library, 2658 East Main Rd., Portsmouth, 683-9457, portsmouthlibrary.org

Blithewold Daffodil Days

APR. 13–21: In celebration of spring’s return, gaze at the estate’s more than 100,000 daffodils and go for a peaceful stroll through Blithewold’s thirty-three acres. You can also register for some family programming, afternoon tea, concerts or workshops. Visit the website for more details. Blithewold Mansion, 101 Ferry Rd., Bristol, 253-0412, blithewold.org

Providence Pizza Week

APR. 14–20: Celebrate Providence Pizza Week by sampling your way through the many pizza shops and eateries taking part in the tasty event. Order your cherished tried-and-true varieties or check out what chefs across the city are cooking up. Various restaurants in Providence, 456-0200, goprovidence.com

Drag Bingo

APR. 18: Add a twist to traditional bingo at Drag Bingo. Join in on an unforgettable “Toga, Toga, Toga”-inspired night filled with glamour, extravagant outfits and surprises. Enter contests, win prizes and more. Seating is first-come, first-served. Cash or check only. Proceeds go to AIDS Care Ocean State. 5 p.m. $25. Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, 60 Rhodes Place, Cranston, 521-3603, aidscareos.org

LOOKING AHEAD: MAY

MAY 10–11: Shen Yun, Providence Performing Arts Center, Providence, ppacri.org

MAY 10–12: Misquamicut SpringFest Weekend, Westerly, misquamicutfestival.org  

MAY 10–12: Cinderella With Ballet RI, the Vets, Providence, thevetsri.com

MAY 18–19: Newport Oyster and Chowder Festival, Bowen’s Wharf, Newport, bowenswharf.com 

MAY 23–27: Rogue Island Comedy Festival, Newport, rogueislandcomedyfest.com