Your September To-Do List in Rhode Island
From PVDFest to the Balloon Glow and Laser Show, we've compiled all the local activities that should be on your to do list this month.
GET YOUR KICKS: ‘Just Dance’ Party
Sept. 3
Heading back to school is easier when there’s a dance party involved, and it’s even better when it’s for all ages and abilities. Attendees are encouraged to bring family and friends or mingle and make new acquaintances while enjoying pizza and soft drinks. RSVP on the website. 5:30–7 p.m. The Courthouse Center for the Arts, 3481 Kingstown Rd., South Kingstown, courthousearts.org
Photography courtesy of PVDFest/Matthew Huang
CULTURAMA: PVDFest
Sept. 5–6
The ultimate extravaganza of art, music and culture turns ten this year. Test out your art skills by competing in a mural battle put on by PVD artist Agonza or wander through Pneuhaus design studio’s nature-inspired immersive sculptures. Dance the day and night away listening to local bands and deejays and then indulge in local bites and retail therapy at food trucks and vendor booths lining the streets. Free. Various locations in downtown Providence, pvdfest.com
Photography courtesy of Audubon Nature Center/Garrett Rosbach
BIRD’S THE WORD: Audubon Raptor Weekend
Sept. 5–7
Learn about owls, hawks and falcons through live presentations and educational programs, all while the feathered creatures are just feet away from you. All ages are welcome to expand their knowledge while learning from Audubon experts from across the Northeast. For times and ticket prices, visit the website. Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope St., Bristol, asri.org
Photo courtesy of Horror Depot’s Dark Arts Festival
JOIN THE DARK SIDE: Dark Arts Festival
Sept. 7
Enjoy all things horror at Horror Depot’s Dark Arts Festival with more than 100 artists, filmmakers and authors. Learn how to tap into the paranormal world with an investigation presentation and watch various horror films at their world premieres. Other entertainment includes drag shows, special guests and sideshows. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. $10–$25. Rhode Island School of Design, 20 Washington Pl., Providence, horrordepot.com
Photo courtesy of Stadium Theatre
HOP TO IT: Stadium Beer Fest
Sept. 11
Support the arts while tossing down a cold one (or two) — what could be better? The eleventh annual Stadium Beer Fest features unlimited wine, beer and nibbles along with raffles, live music and a whole lot of fun, with all proceeds going back to the theater. 6–8:30 p.m. Ages twenty-one plus. $35. Stadium Theatre, 28 Monument Sq., Woonsocket, stadiumtheatre.com
Photo by Jamie Coelho
JAM OUT: Deer Tick
Sept. 11–13
Deer Tick will play songs from their 2023 album, Emotional Contracts, by the sea at Ocean Mist. Come see the Rhode Island band that’s been in Rolling Stone and performed on “Conan.” Have a drink, enjoy the sea views and jam out to the music of a locally birthed alt-rock band. Visit website for tickets. Ocean Mist, 895 Matunuck Beach Rd., South Kingstown, oceanmist.net
HIGH TIMES: Balloon Glow and Laser Show
Sept. 12–13
Experience fun for the whole family with tethered hot air balloon rides, festival style food, live music and plenty of vendors. At the end of both nights there will be a grand finale hot air balloon and laser show, where audience members get to watch balloons light up in the sky in unison. The event also features kid-friendly zones, games, rides and more. Bring a blanket or chairs for maximum comfort during the laser show. Show and parking tickets vary in price. 5–11 p.m. Washington County Fairgrounds, 78 Richmond Townhouse Rd., Richmond, balloonshows.com
Photo via Getty Images/
Kirin Photo
FRESH PICK: Fall Harvest Festival
Sept. 13–14
Get into the fall spirit by spending the day at the Burrillville Fall Harvest Festival. During the day the festival offers shopping opportunities from local craft vendors, live music, pumpkin painting and photo stations. As Saturday turns to night, attendees are welcome to stay and watch a laser light show while the band Jailbreak performs. Plenty of food and a beer tent will round out the event. Visit website for prices and ticket information. The Assembly Theatre, 26 East Ave., Harrisville, tourblackstone.com
Photo courtesy of Arts in Common
LOCAL TUNES: Bristol PorchFest
Sept. 14
Discover your new favorite local musician or band by watching more than fifty musicians and bands perform on porches and front lawns along High Street in Bristol. Admission is free, but attendees are welcome to tip the performers. 3–6 p.m. High Street, Bristol, facebook.com/bristolporchfest
Photo courtesy of the Preservation Society of Newport County
FINE FARE: Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival
Sept. 19–21
Head to Newport for three days of wine and food tastings while learning from renowned sommeliers and chefs. Educational seminars will fill your brain with information while nearly two dozen on-site partners will fill your glass and plates with delicious offerings and drinks. Visit website for times and ticket pricing. Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Ave., Newport, newportmansions.org
