34 Fun Things to Do in Rhode Island this September

From PVDFest to the Calamari Festival, we've compiled all the activities to add to your September to-do list.

August 30, 2024

Tabitha Pereira, Kat Sheridan,

FEATURED

Photo courtesy of Nick Millard/Go Providence.

9/6–7: PVDFest

WHAT: Close out the summer and celebrate the Creative Capital in the heart of downtown Providence. Discover the community of artists fostering art and individuality with an array of live music, art installations, parades, tasty food and more. See the website for times and places. WHERE: Downtown Providence. MORE INFO: pvdfest.com

Photo courtesy of Audubon Nature Center/Garrett Rosbach.

9/7–8: Raptor Weekend

WHAT: Spot owls, falcons, eagles and hawks at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium at this year’s Raptor Weekend. Learn more about the majestic birds with presentations, special talks and live demonstrations. Plus, you can start the celebrations early during “Birds and Brews” with Proclamation Ale Co. the night before (Fri, 6–8:30 p.m., ages twenty-one and older, $50). Raptor Weekend, Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $10–$60; children three and younger free. WHERE: 1401 Hope St. (Rt. 114), Bristol. MORE INFO: 949-5454, asri.org/raptor-weekend

Photo courtesy of RI Calamari Festival/Caitlyn Lifschitz of Loverly Photography.

9/21: Calamari Festival

WHAT: Our state appetizer is calamari, so it’s basically a requirement for every Rhode Islander to hit up this festival. Listen to live music, wander the vendor marketplace, grab a drink and eat copious amounts of calamari made by local restaurants. Make sure to vote for your favorite version; the winner gets statewide bragging rights. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Adults $20 pre-sale; $25 at the door; children twelve and younger free. WHERE: Narragansett Gazebo, Ocean Road, Narragansett. MORE INFO: ricalamarifest.com

THEATER

Theatre by the Sea

through Sept. 15: Visit South County’s quaint Theatre by the Sea and catch a showing of the Tony Award-winning 42^nd Street through Sept. 15. A young girl has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to star in a production about the classic days of Broadway and movie musicals. You’ll leave the theater tapping your feet! Check the website for times and ticket information. $62–$91. 364 Cards Pond Rd., Matunuck, 782-8587, theatrebythesea.com

Granite Theatre

SEPT. 6–22: Catch Harvey at the Granite Theatre in Westerly and enjoy the antics of Elwood P. Dowd and his sister Veta, and their issues with Elwood’s friend, Harvey. The biggest issue? Harvey is an imaginary six-and-a-half-foot-tall rabbit. For the sake of her daughter, Veta wants to have Elwood committed to a sanitarium. Veta is committed instead and the hijinks ensue. Adults $30; seniors $27; youth $25. 1 Granite St., Westerly, 596-2341, granitetheatre.org

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Field of Artisans

THROUGH SEPT. 2: View 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. Sun. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free. The General Stanton Inn, 4115 Old Post Rd., Charlestown, fieldofartisans.com

Food Truck Friday

THROUGH SEPT. 27: Choose menu items from more than fifteen local food trucks as well as beer and wine from Trinity Brewhouse during Food Truck Friday at Roger Williams Park’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

PVD Flea Summer Markets

SEPT. 1, 8, 15: 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, 120 Peck St., Providence, 484-7783, providenceflea.com

Rhode Island Seafood Festival

SEPT. 7–8: What is a Rhode Island festival without a day (or two) of celebrating all the amazing seafood our state has to offer? Slurp down oysters, crunch on calamari and nosh on nibbles with a view of the cityscape. Sat. 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $10 for a one-day ticket; $15 for a two-day ticket; children twelve and younger free. India Point Park, 201 India St., Providence, riseafoodfest.com

Misquamicut FallFest

SEPT. 13–15: The end of summer doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to the beach. FallFest at Misquamicut State Beach features amusement park rides, live music, food truck fare, a classic car show and more. Fri. 5–11 p.m.; Sat. 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission $12; children younger than seven free. Misquamicut State Beach, Westerly, misquamicutfestival.org

Bristol PorchFest

SEPT. 15: Get a taste of live music — minus the festival fees — right on your neighbors’ porches. Sample a little of everything, including Cajun, traditional Portuguese, folk, rock tunes and more. 3–6 p.m. Free. High Street, Bristol, facebook.com/bristolporchfest

Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival

SEPT. 19–22: Sample dishes created by local and regional chefs paired with wines from around the world and a breathtaking view of the ocean. Dive into Sunday brunch, insightful seminars and delicious wine dinners during this year’s festival, which will feature a guest appearance by esteemed chef Jacques Pépin and his daughter, Claudine Pépin. Visit the website for times and prices. Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 847-1000, newportmansions.org

Exeter Fall Festival

SEPT. 21: There’s much fun in store at the Exeter Fall Festival — think pumpkin painting, balloon animals, live music, dancing and carnival games, a performance by Emmy-nominated magician and comedian Matt Roberts, face painting, raffles, a bake sale and more. Proceeds support the Exeter Public Library’s programs and resources. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission. Activity tickets $1, or six for $5. 160 Yawgoo Valley Rd., Exeter, 294-0294, yorkerhill.com/exeterfriends

Rhode Island Annual Heritage Festival

SEPT. 21: Head over to the WaterFire Arts Center to celebrate the state’s rich cultural heritage with a day of dancing, music and art from more than thirty different countries. Kids can get their faces painted and participate in arts and crafts activities, and food trucks will offer traditional fare and drink. Noon–5 p.m. Free. WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley St., Providence, 222-4133, preservation.ri.gov

Newport Oktoberfest

SEPT. 28: The Fort Adams Trust and Ragged Island Brewing Co. invite beer lovers to Newport’s second annual Oktoberfest. Bust out the lederhosen and enjoy authentic German beer and food while listening to live music. Tickets include entry and a complimentary stein. Ages twenty-one and older. 1–6:30 p.m. $20–$30. Fort Adams State Park, 80 Fort Adams Dr., Newport, 841-0707, newportoktoberfest.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

Tiverton Farmers Market

ONGOING: Browse a selection of vendors offering fresh, local produce, meats, seafood, baked goods and more while supporting local musicians, artists, food entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations. Every Sunday. 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Free. Tiverton Town Farm Recreation Area, 3588 Main Rd., RI-77, Tiverton, 474-1064, tivertonfarmersmarket.com

SPORTS

Newport International Polo Series

ONGOING: Watch action-packed events every Saturday during the Newport Polo Series, including USA vs. Egypt and the Herb Chambers Exotics Cup. Enjoy fan prizes, special weekly features, concessions and more. Sat. 4 p.m. See website for pricing information. Newport International Polo Grounds, 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 Italian 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

Newport Foodies Stroll

ONGOING: Rediscover Thames Street with the help of great meals during this nearly two-mile walking food tour. Indulge in three-course meals and wine pairings at notable restaurants with tour guides Thomas and Susan Maxwell. Reserve your spot online. Wed.–Sat. 11:30 a.m. and noon. Visit the website for more information. Meet in front of the wave statue, 337 Thames St., Newport, 508-505-5299, newportfoodiesstroll.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, or sail around Providence on one of several sailings offered by the Providence River Boat Company. Visit the website for dates, times and prices. 101 Dyer St., Providence, 580-2628, providenceriverboat.com

Take a pedal-powered Rail Explorers tour. Photo courtesy of
Discover Newport/Corey Favino.

Rail Explorers Tours

ONGOING: Discover nature and picturesque views with Rail Explorers on themed, pedal-powered tours including brunch, lantern rides and sunset excursions. See website for tour times and ticket prices. 1 Alexander Rd., Portsmouth, 877-833-8588, railexplorers.net

Rhode Island Red Food Tours

ONGOING: Explore your favorite neighborhoods with a food stroll featuring delicious 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

MUSIC

Rhythm & Roots

THROUGH SEPT. 1: Dance to live music performances by Old Crow Medicine Show and other performers on the 4,400-square-foot wooden floor while quenching your thirst with craft beers on tap and snacking on Korean chili bowls, vegetarian specials, crepes and homemade ice cream. For the full experience, stay overnight at the campground and hear musicians play into the night. $59–$269. Ninigret Park, 4890A Old Post Rd., Charlestown, rhythmandroots.com

WELLNESS

Free Wednesday Nature Walks

ONGOING: Join Norman Bird Sanctuary naturalists for a nature walk on Wednesday afternoons. Connect with the outdoors and breathe in the fresh air when you stroll among the wildlife at this nature preserve in Middletown. Wed. 3:30–4:15 p.m. Meet outside the Welcome Center. Free. Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Rd., Middletown, 846-2577, normanbirdsanctuary.org

Still Together Mindfulness Meditation

ONGOING: 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

BENEFITS

Fall for Lucy’s Hearth

SEPT. 5: Lucy’s Hearth has been helping families for forty years, and, with this cocktail hour-style event, you can as well. Bid on silent auction items like vacation packages, restaurant gift cards and more; funds raised help support local children and families who are experiencing homelessness. 6–9 p.m. $135–$500. Wyndham Newport Hotel, 240 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown, 847-2021, lucyshearth.org/fall

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

Museum of Work and Culture

SEPT. 2–NOV. 30: The Welcome Blanket exhibit makes the concept of immigration tangible through handmade blankets and the makers’ own stories of immigration. The blankets will be gifted to new immigrants after being on display. Adults $10; seniors, veterans and students $8; children ten and younger free. 42 South Main St., Woonsocket, 769-9675, rihs.org

Check out an exhibit at the Newport Art Museum. Photo courtesy of Discover Newport.

Newport Art Museum

ONGOING: View exquisite and thought-provoking works within exhibits such as “Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Ocean Front, 50 Years Later” and “Nick Mele: Pages & Play.” 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 exhibits like “Listen!” and “Defying Boundaries: Women in Japanese Art.” Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thurs. noon–8 p.m. Adults $20; seniors $15; students $10 with ID; youth eighteen and younger free. Free admission Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Thurs. 5 p.m.– 8 p.m. 20 North Main St., Providence, 454-6500, risdmuseum.org

ETCETERA

Ca’ del Bosco Wine Garden

THROUGH SEPT. 2: 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. Thurs.–Sun. 1–6 p.m. The Chanler at Cliff Walk, 117 Memorial Blvd., Newport, 847-1300, thechanler.com

Oakland Beach Cruise Night

THROUGH SEPT. 10: Close out the summer with the last few cruise nights at Oakland Beach. Join fellow car owners and aficionados, admire classic cars and listen to oldies music. Plus, you can enjoy picturesque waterfront views and tasty fare at nearby seafood restaurants. Tuesdays, 4–8 p.m. Free for spectators; $3 to display a car. Oakland Beach Commons and Gazebo, end of Oakland Beach Avenue, Warwick, 738-2014, visitwarwickri.com

Newport Boat Show

SEPT. 12–15: Test out your nautical knowledge while checking out new sailboats and powerboats at one of the largest boat shows in the country, spanning more than thirteen acres of historic downtown Newport. Thurs.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $31–$40; $20 for military and Newport residents on Sunday; children younger than ten free. Newport Yachting Center Marina, 4 Commercial Wharf, Newport, 846-1115, newportboatshow.com

WaterFire Providence

SEPT. 21: As the sun sets on the Creative Capital this summer, feel the warmth of a full lighting, which will feature flaming braziers at Waterplace Park and traveling all the way down to South Main Street Park. The lighting starts at sunset and ends at 11 p.m. Vendors start selling at 5:30 p.m. Free. Waterplace Park, Providence, 273-1155, waterfire.org