Your July To Do List in Rhode Island
From the Ancients & Horribles Parade to a Jaws Summer Party and Screening, we've compiled all the local activities that should be on your to do list this month.
Photography courtesy of Theatre By the Sea/Steven Richard Photography
THEATER: Grease: The Musical
THROUGH JuLY 18
Step back in time to the 1950s in this live production of Grease: The Musical. Hand-jive to hit songs like “You’re the One That I Want” and “Summer Nights” while watching the story unfold. Innocent Sandy finds out the boy she met over the summer is bad boy Danny, the leader of the leather-clad group the T-Birds. Can they make a romance work despite their differing personas? Visit website for times and ticket prices. Theatre by the Sea, 364 Cards Pond Rd., Wakefield, theatrebythesea.com
Photo via Istock/Getty Images Plus/Alek Zotoff
INDEPENDENCE DAY: Oakland Beach Fireworks
JULY 3
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States with a sparkling fireworks display on Warwick’s Oakland Beach. Bring blankets or chairs and something to munch on as you take in the patriotic sights. Free. 9 p.m. Oakland Beach seawall, Warwick
PARADE: Ancients & Horribles Parade
JULY 4
For 100 years, the Ancients & Horribles Parade has produced a Fourth of July spectacle unlike any other, where outrageous floats and satirical costumes mock political figures and movements. Prizes are awarded for Most Ancient Horrible, Most Patriotic, Best Walking Group and more. Cheer on the weirdness from the sidelines and enjoy the show. Free. 4 p.m. Putnam Pike, Chepachet, glocesterri.gov
COMEDY: David Cross
JULY 10–11
David Cross is well-known in the comedy world for his iconic role as Tobias Fünke in “Arrested Development” and for creating the sketch comedy series “Mr. Show.” The comedian dips into politics and sketch comedy during his stand-up sets. Come see what some have termed as “one of the defining figures of cult Gen X comedy.” $44.99. 7 and 9:30 p.m. Comedy Connection, 39 Warren Ave., East Providence, ricomedyconnection.com
Photo by Michael Masi
ART: Wickford Art Festival
JULY 11–12
Shop from more than 200 artists showcasing their work in painting, sculpture, jewelry and ceramics. Some of Rhode Island’s iconic food trucks will be on hand to provide sustenance, including Haven Brothers, Del’s Lemonade and Finn’s Fresh Crepes. Partake in family fun by walking through trails that will lead to local musicians performing on site. Free. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Wilson Park, 211 W. Main St., North Kingstown, wickfordart.org
Photo by Sam Jones
MUSIC AND COMEDY: “Weird Al” Yankovic
JULY 14
Comedy meets a rock show at Weird Al Yankovic’s performances. Expect to hear the hits that will make you laugh along to the absurdly silly lyrics, including “Like a Surgeon,” “Eat It” and “Smells Like Nirvana.” Puddles Pity Party, the perpetually sad seven-foot-tall clown, will join Yankovic on stage to lend his voice to the songs. Check website for ticket prices. 7:30 p.m. Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St., Providence, ppacri.org
Photo courtesy of Newport Contemporary Ballet/Alan Hubbard
BALLET: Newport Dance Festival
JULY 15–19
Enjoy nightly dance performances on the lawn of the historic Great Friends Meeting House. Bring blankets and chairs to comfortably watch the dance performances outside. Though presented by Newport Contemporary Ballet, performances feature dancers from studios near and far. $19–$250. 7:30 p.m. Great Friends Meeting House, 21 Farewell St., Newport, newportcontemporaryballet.org
Photo courtesy of Jane Pickens
FILM: Jaws Summer Party & Screenings
JULY 17–19
Watch the 1970s blockbuster make a splash as it returns to the big screen! When the fictional New England town of Amity Island becomes terrorized by a rogue shark, a local police officer, a scientist and a grizzled fisherman join forces to take it down. Known for its campy visuals and chilling score, Jaws is the perfect summer movie for thrill seekers. The July 17 showing features live surf rock at 6:30 p.m. with The Teledynes; the July 18 show features sea shanties with Sharks Come Cruisin’ at 6:30 p.m. Visit website for ticket pricing. July 17–18, 7:30 p.m.; July 19, 4:30 p.m. The JPT Film
& Event Center, 49 Touro St., Newport, janepickens.com
Photo courtesy of Bally’s Lincoln Casino Resort
MUSIC: Todd Rundgren
JULY 18
Emerging in the late 1960s in the band Nazz, Todd Rundgren wrote songs like “Open Your Eyes” and “Hello It’s Me” before going onto a solo career. Producing albums for artists like Hall & Oates and Meat Loaf, Rundgren is a highly respected artist in the music world. Watch him shred his guitar
and perform live on stage! $55–$189. 8 p.m. Bally’s Lincoln Casino Resort, 100 Twin River Rd., Lincoln, casinos.ballys.com/lincoln
Photo courtesy of the Newport Historical Society/Jennifer Manville Photography
ANTIQUES: The Newport Show
JULY 25–26
Fine art and antique lovers, this is for you! The Newport Show is a two-day event featuring furnishings, fine art and opulent goods to raise money for the Newport Historical Society and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County. With exhibitors like Antique American Wicker and Peace & Plenty Antiques, this event will be a showstopper. $15–$20. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. St. George’s School Ice Rink, 384 Purgatory Rd., Middletown, thenewportshow.com
