35 Fun Things to Do in Rhode Island this August

FEATURED

8/14–18: Washington County Fair  

WHAT: Feel like a kid again as you walk through the massive midway, take in lively concerts, enjoy old-fashioned games and leave the concession stands with a mouthwatering burger or ice cream. Gates open from 8 a.m.–11 p.m. Adults $12; children ages ten and younger free; active military and veterans free on Thursday. WHERE: 78 Richmond Townhouse Rd., Richmond. MORE INFO: washingtoncountyfair-ri.com

 

8/24–25: Statewide Scavenger Hunt    

WHAT: Armed with just a map and an augmented reality app,
can you and a group of two to five people be the first to navigate through more than 120 locations and win? The prize is a treasure chest full of unique Rhode Island experiences. Whether you’re local, new to the area or just visiting, this is a great way to explore the state. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $60. WHERE: Starts at 188 Valley St., Providence, and takes you around Rhode Island. MORE INFO: leadershipri.org/risws

 

8/25: Rhode Island Folk Festival   

WHAT: Enjoy a variety of folk music at this outdoor fest, with concerts on three different stages. The acoustic-based bands will be accompanied by food trucks, drinks from Memphis Kelle Spirits Beer Garden, and art vendors between the stages. Make sure to bring the littles to the kids’ tent for a dose of arts, crafts and music. Noon–6 p.m. Free admission. WHERE: Crescent Park, 701 Bullocks Point Ave., Riverside. MORE INFO: rhodeislandfolkfestival.com

 

THEATER

Granite Theatre

THROUGH AUG. 4: Catch The Drowsy Chaperone at the Granite Theatre in Westerly and enjoy the five-time Tony Award-winning play that follows the story of a man who witnesses a record of his favorite musical come to life before his eyes. Chaos and hilarity ensue in this musical that pokes fun at the genre. $35. 1 Granite Street, Westerly, 596-2341, granitetheatre.org

Studio Playground

AUG. 12–23: Do your kiddos have an interest in acting? They can test their skills this summer during a performing arts camp with Studio Playground, where they’ll learn and explore the benefits of laughter through movement and playful improvisation. Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Visit the website to sign up. Lincoln Woods State Park, 2 Manchester Print Works Rd., Lincoln, studioplayground.org

Theatre by the Sea

ONGOING: Visit South County’s quaint Theatre by the Sea to see The Sound of Music through Aug. 17 or 42^nd Street starting Aug. 21. These two classics will have you leaving the theater singing. Check the website for times and ticket information. $62–$91. 364 Cards Pond Rd., Matunuck, 782-8587, theatrebythesea.com

 

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Wakefield RiverFire

THROUGH AUG. 8: Stroll down Wakefield’s Main Street in the annual RiverFire summer series on Thursday evenings, visiting restaurants and local shops while taking in free live music on Main Street and at the outdoor stage of the Contemporary Theater Company. Starting at 6:30 p.m., enjoy the ambiance of the fires glowing along the river. 6–8 p.m. Free. 317 Main St., Wakefield, wakefieldvillageassociation.com

Charlestown Seafood Festival

AUG. 2–4: Savor the best in local steamers, chowder, clam cakes, lobster rolls, oysters and more at the thirty-ninth annual Charlestown Seafood Festival. Don’t forget about the carnival rides, live music, 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. Ninigret Park, 5 Park Ln., Charlestown, 364-4031, charlestownseafoodfestival.com

Black Ships Festival

AUG. 16–18: Celebrate the forty-first 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, blackshipsfestival.com

Brew at the Zoo 

AUG. 24: Enjoy animal encounters and live music during this year’s Brew at the Zoo. Sample over 170 beers from more than 100 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. (Designated drivers can visit for the music and animals for $40.) 5–8 p.m.; VIP admission 4 p.m. $40–$100. Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, 785-3510, rwpzoo.org

PVD Flea Summer Markets

ONGOING: Obsess over vintage finds and locally sourced products from more than seventy-five vendors including indie makers, bakers, clothing vendors and more. Sun. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission. 195 District Park, 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 tenth 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 p.m. Free admission. 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, rwpzoo.org/food-truck-friday

Field of Artisans

ONGOING: 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. Free. Every Sunday, Tuesday and Saturday. Visit the website to check out venues, dates and times. Various locations in Charlestown and South Kingstown, fieldofartisans.com

Tiverton Farmers Market

ONGOING: Browse a selection of vendors
offering fresh, local 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 with community members. Vegan and vegetarian options are available. Every Sunday. 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Free. Tiverton Town Farm Recreation Area, 3588 Main Road, RI-77, Tiverton, 474-1064, tivertonfarmersmarket.com

Mount Hope Farmers Market

ONGOING: Head over to Mount Hope Farm for your weekly groceries, courtesy of local farmers and artisans like Roots Farm, Brightside Seafood, Navad Bakers and Two Gals Cocktails. Need a dose of cuteness? Be sure to visit the farm animals during your farmers market visit. Sat. 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Free admission. South Pasture at Mount Hope Farm, 250 Metacom Ave., Bristol, 254-1745, mounthopefarm.org

 

SPORTS

Newport International Polo Series

ONGOING: Watch action-packed events every Saturday during the Newport Polo Series, including USA vs. Jamaica and Newport vs. New York. Enjoy fan prizes, special weekly features, concessions and more. Sat. 5 p.m. See website for pricing information. 250 Linden Ln., Portsmouth, 846-0200, nptpolo.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, while sampling savory delicacies and learning 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 website for dates and times. $75. 99 Atwells Ave., Providence, 408-6608, pvdtourco.com 

Rhode Island Red Food Tours

ONGOING: Explore your favorite 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 website for dates, times and costs. 684-1110, rhodeislandredfoodtours.com

Providence River Boat Company

ONGOING: Brave the dark waters of the Providence Marina during a haunted boat ride, take one of the daily tours to learn more about Rhode Island, sip on locally distilled cocktails while enjoying the scenery, or sail around Providence on one of the other tours the Providence River Boat Company offers. Visit the website for dates, times, prices and other information. 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 $95; children ages twelve and younger $58. Meet in front of the wave statue, 337 Thames St., Newport, 508-505-5299, newportfoodiesstroll.com

 

FAMILY FUN

Dragons & Mythical Creatures at Roger Williams Park Zoo

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 animatronic beings like a majestic unicorn, a serpent-like wyvern, a mysterious kraken and more enchanting magical creatures — watch in awe as the beasts move, roar and even breathe smoke. Cost not included with zoo admission; tickets must be pre-purchased online. Visit the website for times and ticket prices. Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, 785-3510, rwpzoo.org

Rail Explorers Tours

ONGOING: Take a bite out of brunch or check out the night sky with Rail Explorers in themed, pedal-powered tours around Portsmouth and the Narragansett Bay area. Visit website for tour times and ticket prices. 1 Alexander Rd., Portsmouth, 877-833-8588, railexplorers.net

 

MUSIC

Kingston Chamber Music Festival

THROUGH AUG. 4: Listen to beautiful chamber music during the thirty-sixth annual Kingston Chamber Music Festival at the University of Rhode Island. Enjoy works from the Dover Quartet on Aug. 2 and “Natalie’s Favorites” on Aug. 4, which features pieces by Mozart, Mendelssohn and Schubert. Visit the website for times and more information. $35. Ages twenty-five and younger and students free. Edwards Hall, the University of Rhode Island, 64 Upper College Rd., Kingston, 308-3614, kingstonchambermusic.org

Warren Folks Fest

AUG. 17: The Warren Folks Fest 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 then check out the vendors stocked with intriguing wares. Stop by the kids’ craft table so the little ones can explore their inner artists. 1–7 p.m. Free; donations encouraged. 30 Cutler St., Warren, 903-0969, thecollaborative02885.org

Rhythm & Roots Festival

AUG. 30–SEPT. 1: Dance to live music from Emmylou Harris, Old Crow Medicine Show and more during the Rhythm & Roots Festival. Quench your thirst with craft beers on tap and snack on stuffed pockets, Korean chili bowls, vegetarian specials, crepes and homemade ice cream. For the full experience, stay overnight at the campground to hear musicians play into the night. $59–$269. Ninigret Park, Charlestown, rhythmandroots.com

 

BENEFITS

Cruise-In for a Cause

AUG. 11: Join the James D. Rielly Foundation for its seventh annual Cruise-In for a Cause charity car show and toy drive at Mount Hope Farm, benefiting 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 for spectators; $20 per registered car. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Mount Hope Farm, 250 Metacom Ave., Bristol, 965-5985, jdrfoundation.org

 

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

RISD Museum

ONGOING: Check out exhibits like “Defying Boundaries: Women in Japanese Art” and “Brighten Up! Contemporary Enamels.” Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat., Sun. 10 a.m.­–5 p.m.; Thurs. noon–8 p.m. Adults $20; seniors $15; students $10 with ID; 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

Newport Art Museum

ONGOING: View exquisite and thought-provoking works within exhibits such as “Jordan Seaberry: We Live Until” and “Renee Cox: Revolution/Revelation.” 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, newportnewportartmuseum.org

 

ETCETERA

Al Fresco on the Hill

THROUGH AUG. 31: Make the most of summer during Al Fresco on the Hill. Stop at one or more of the participating restaurants setting up outdoor dining experiences on the street and enjoy a performance while you eat; new performers are added each week. See the website for details on performers and parking. Sat. 5 p.m.–midnight. Federal Hill, Providence, federalhillprov.com

WaterFire Providence

AUG. 3, 17 and 31: Feel the warmth of a full WaterFire lighting, with flaming braziers at Waterplace Park and all the way down South Main Street, as the sun sets on the Creative Capital this summer. Lightings start at sunset. Free. Waterplace Park, Providence, 273-1155, waterfire.org

Fools’ Rules Regatta 

AUG. 17: Remember making little paper boats as a kid and trying to make them float? Well, then the Fools’ Rules Regatta may be for you! But this time, you’ll be in the boat. This event starts with two hours to make a boat using non-naval materials before the race begins. Is your boat bad? You can still win the “Worst Example of Naval Architecture” award! Don’t feel like participating? This will still be fun to watch. Free. The rain date is Aug. 20. Building starts at 9 a.m.; Race starts at 11 a.m. See the website for rules. The Town Beach, East Ferry, Conanicus Avenue, Jamestown, jyc.org

Art Night Bristol Warren

AUG. 29: 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 along Water Street and in the Handkerchief Factory. 5:30–8:30 p.m. Water Street, Warren, and 569 Main St., Warren, artnightbristolwarren.org 

Oakland Beach Cruise Night

ONGOING: Car lovers, rejoice! Every Tuesday this summer, head over to Oakland Beach in Warwick to admire classic cars and listen to oldies music. Plus, you can enjoy picturesque waterfront views and tasty fare at nearby seafood restaurants. Tuesdays through Sept. 10. 4–8 p.m. Free admission; $3 to display a car or $20 for a season pass. Oakland Beach Commons and Gazebo, Warwick, 738-2014, visitwarwickri.com

Lobster Boils at the Weekapaug Inn

ONGOING: Select a little bit of everything from the lobster boil at Weekapaug Inn, including lobster (of course), baked cod, clams, chowder and more. Seafood, beer, wine and soft drinks and s’mores are included in the ticket price. Sun. 6–8 p.m. Adults $135; children ages four through twelve $38; ages three and younger free. Weekapaug Inn, 25 Spray Rock Rd., Westerly, 888-565-5023, weekapauginn.com

Ca’ del Bosco Wine Garden

ONGOING: The Chanler at Cliff Walk in Newport has teamed up with Ca’ del Bosco to showcase Franciacorta’s luxurious wines and Italian spritzers. Sit back in Adirondack chairs and transport yourself to the Italian countryside at the Chanler estate, complete with pizza, spritzers and the fragrance of blooming flowers. Thurs.–Sun. 1–6 p.m. The Chanler at Cliff Walk, 117 Memorial Blvd., Newport, 847-1300, thechanler.com

 

LOOKING AHEAD: SEPTEMBER

AUG. 31–SEPT. 8: Pawtucket Arts Festival, Pawtucket, pawtucketartsfestival.org

SEPT. 6–7: PVDFest, Providence, pvdfest.com  

SEPT. 7–8: Rhode Island Seafood Festival, Providence, riseafoodfest.com

SEPT. 12–15: Newport International Boat Show, Newport Yachting Center Marina, Newport, newportboatshow.com

SEPT. 21–28: A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, Providence, ppacri.org