Your September To-Do List in Rhode Island
From PVDFest to Operation Mincemeat, we've compiled all the local activities that should be on your to do list this month.
OUTDOOR CONCERT
Rhode Island Philharmonic Pops
SEPT. 5
Listen to the RI Philharmonic Pop’s renditions of favorites from Phantom of the Opera, Gypsy, Mary Poppins, Wicked and more while sitting by the sea. Troy Quinn will conduct the free “Outstanding Overtures” concert that pays homage to timeless musicals, movies and classical compositions. Rain date Sept. 6. Free. 7 p.m. Independence Park, 248-7070, 446 Thames St., Bristol, riphil.org
Photography courtesy of Go Providence/Nick Millard
ART INSTALLATION
WaterFire Full Lighting
SEPT. 6
Experience a Rhode Island tradition as quirky as our small state! Watch flames dance on Providence’s rivers during this full WaterFire lighting. Float by the fire on a gondola ride, peruse the offerings from vendors and eat your heart out at a food truck as you look on in awe at the magic that only takes place in Providence. Free. 7:10 p.m. Downtown Providence, waterfire.org
Photo courtesy of Discover Newport
FOOD
Rhode Island Seafood Festival
SEPT. 12–13
If it’s from the sea, you’ll find it at this festival! Spend the weekend listening to live music and eating fresh local seafood from vendors like Matunuck Oyster Bar, Blount Clam Shack, Ninigret Nectar Oysters and more while sipping drinks from Whalers Brewing Company, Narragansett Beer and Chair 2, among others. Not a fan of seafood? No worries! Plenty of non-seafood options will be offered as well. $12; ages twelve and younger free. Sat. 11 a.m.– 7 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. India Point Park, 201 India St., Providence, riseafoodfest.com
SAILING
New York Yacht Club’s Women’s International Championship
SEPT. 12–19
Cheer on sailors from across the globe as they compete for the title of New York Yacht Club Women’s International Champion during two days of practice and five days of racing on the club’s fleet of IC37 keelboats. Check the website for times. New York Yacht Club, Harbour Court, 5 Halidon Ave., Newport, nyyc.org
ARTS & CULTURE
PVDFest
SEPT. 18–19
Celebrate art, music and culture during the festival that is a love letter to all things Providence. PVDFest returns to downtown Providence for a weekend of live music — including headliner Big Freedia — artisan vendors, art installations and delicious food. Fuel up at one of the many local food trucks on site and dance till your feet hurt during a live performance. It’s not just a weekend in Providence: it’s a cultural experience. Free. Fri., 5–10 p.m.; Sat., noon–10 p.m. Check the website for locations and times. Various locations in downtown Providence, pvdfest.com
FOLK MUSIC
Swell Folk Festival
SEPT. 20
Long after the dust settles from the Newport Folk Festival, local and national acts will gather in Providence for a new kind of celebration. The inaugural Swell Folk Festival will feature local favorites like Princess June, Hawk in the Nest and Polly Bessette, along with food trucks, a beer garden, craft circles, local artisans, a kids’ tent and plenty of vinyl and vintage. Don’t forget a blanket for lounging. Free. 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Lippitt Park, 1015 Hope St., Providence, swellfolkfestival.com
Photo courtesy of PPAC/Matt Crockett
MUSICAL
Operation Mincemeat
SEPT. 20–26
This Tony Award-winning musical tells the true story of Operation Mincemeat, a successful British military deception featuring a dead body, a fake love letter and Ian Fleming that helped the Allies win World War II. Fast-paced and hilarious, this musical doesn’t just educate audiences on a major
part of history — it immerses them in it. Visit website for showtimes. $61–$115. Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St., Providence, ppacri.org
ART EXHIBIT
Eugene Flinn
SEPT. 26–OCT. 10
Add another item to your Block Island itinerary by visiting an art gallery showcasing painter Eugene Flinn’s work. Ever since the late 1970s, Flinn has visited the island each summer and takes inspiration from the quintessential New England setting in his paintings, which feature iconic landmarks such as Mohegan Bluffs. An artist’s reception will be held from 5–7 p.m. on Sept. 26, and the exhibit runs through Oct. 10. Spring Street Gallery, 105 Spring St., New Shoreham, springstreetgallery.com
Photo courtesy of Pinecastle Records/Lost in Translation Photography
MUSIC
Billy Gilman
SEPT. 26
With more than 10 million albums sold, Billy Gilman isn’t new to the music scene. In fact, the native Rhode Islander has two Grammy Award nominations under his belt and has made a name for himself in the pop and country music scene. See him perform live in celebration of twenty-five years
of hits. $35. 7:30 p.m. The United, 5 Canal St., Westerly, unitedtheatre.org
Photo courtesy of IStock/Getty Images Plus/ Elena ElizArova
DRINKS
Hocus Pocus Speakeasy
SEPT. 26–27
It’s just a bunch of Hocus Pocus … and cocktails! Get into the spooky season spirit while drinking some well-crafted ones at this Hocus Pocus pop-up speakeasy. Believe in magic as you watch the Sanderson sisters, decked out in full witchy attire, lead interactive performances and devilish games. Themed cocktails will cast a spell on you as you take part in singalongs and potion-induced madness. Ages twenty-one and older. $35. Sat. 4 and 7 p.m.; Sun. 1 p.m. Hope Events on Main, 99 Main St., Pawtucket, hocuspocusspeakeasy.com
