Little Rhody, in spite of its small size, offers a packed summer, full of festivals that both natives and tourists not only flock to, but also make an annual tradition.
Each summer, Rhode Island hosts fairs & festivals that are extremely popular as well as jam packed with visitors; and here’s why. One-of-a-kind experiences, featuring food, film, music, art, and more, can be found all summer long around Rhode Island. Each is unique and offers a different vibe, but there’s always something for everyone. For example, if you’re not into the band playing on stage, wait 20 minutes or try a different stage. If you don’t dig oysters, there’s delicious pizza just around the corner or many other options somewhere nearby.
Don’t miss out on this summer’s last opportunity to enjoy what our Ocean State does best with its fairs & festivals – food, fun, and entertainment for all!
Charlestown Seafood Festival
Friday, August 2 – Sunday, August 4
The award-winning festival was the first of its kind in the country and continues to be one of the most popular summer events in the state. Enjoy Rhode Island’s best lobsters, steamers, chowder, fish and chips, clam cakes, corn on the cob, and a raw bar, with native oysters. Bring the family for amusement rides, rock wall climbing, kayaking, a car show, and live music with top bands on the midway. Stay late Saturday night for fireworks. CharlestownSeafoodFestival.com
Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival
Tuesday, August 6 – Sunday, August 11
The Rhode Island International Film Festival is a major event held annually. The week-long program includes special showings across the state with premiere works in Providence. Flickers is the largest public film festival in New England and an Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences qualifying event in three categories. Check the website for films and locations. Film-Festival.org
Farm Fresh RI Local Food Fest
Tuesday, August 13
Join local growers and producers at the annual Farm Fresh RI event to support the mission of the popular community-based organization. You’ll be able to meet Rhody’s star chefs and watch as they prepare meals, while enjoying local wine, beer, signature cocktails, and live music. The event takes place in Newport at Castle Hill Inn’s Chalet Patio and Lawn, with a gorgeous water-view setting overlooking the Newport Bridge. Advance tickets only. Newport, FarmFreshRI.org
Rhode Island Folk Festival
Sunday, August 25
Formerly the Providence Folk Festival, this free music festival features three stages of the best local and regional talent at Rose Larisa Memorial Park in Riverside, across the street from the Crescent Park Carousel. Headliners include regional all-stars Tom Rush, Dan Lilley, Tai & Moon, Michelle Malone, Dan Blakeslee, Divey, and more. Craft vendors and food trucks will be there. Bring the family and well-behaved pups. Riverside, RhodeIslandFolkFestival.com
Rhythm & Roots Festival
Friday, August 30 – Sunday, September 1
Rhode Island’s homegrown Rhythm & Roots Festival is back on Labor Day Weekend with an outstanding lineup for 2024. Headliners for the three-day festival include Emmylou Harris, Old Crow Medicine Show, Larkin Poe, Drive-By Truckers, and Shemekia Copeland, alongside traditional music from a slew of Louisiana bands who bring authentic Cajun and zydeco music to the Northeast. Come for three stages of music, stay for the food trucks, vendors, parades, and more. Camping at Ninigret State Park is available. Charlestown, RhythmAndRoots.com
Pawtucket Arts Fest
Saturday, August 31 – Sunday, September 8
The Pawtucket Arts Festival celebrates the City’s creative and cultural life by presenting vibrant arts events throughout the month of September to Pawtucket residents and visitors to the Blackstone River Valley. They collaborate with local and international producing partners to present dance, music, theatre, film, visual, and folk-traditional arts that evoke the City’s historic legacy and diverse communities. Many of their events are free and for audiences of all ages.
One of the state’s largest festivals celebrates the historic city of Pawtucket. Running over a week, festivities include art installations, performances, music, food, and more. Dozens of events, including the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra’s Pops in the Park, Chinese Dragon Boat Races, Mixed Magic Theatre, Pawtucket Flavor Fest, live music, fireworks, local vendors, food trucks, and more, have all been a part of previous festivals. Check the website for updates. PawtucketArtsFestival.or
