As summer begins to bloom, Rhode Island transforms into a vibrant hub of culture, food, music, and community spirit. From charming town fairs to grand seaside festivals, June 2025, promises a packed calendar of unforgettable experiences for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re drawn to the aroma of fried dough, the rhythm of live bands, or the thrill of carnival rides, there’s something for everyone in the Ocean State this month.
Here’s your guide to some of the best fairs and festivals happening across Rhode Island in June 2025:
Gaspee Days Festival (June 7–9, Pawtuxet Village)
A highlight of Rhode Island’s summer, the Gaspee Days Festival commemorates the burning of the HMS Gaspee in 1772—a pivotal event leading up to the American Revolution. Held in the historic Pawtuxet Village, this spirited event kicks off with a lively parade featuring marching bands, historical reenactors, and colorful floats.
Visitors can also enjoy an arts and crafts fair, a colonial encampment, live music, and the popular Gaspee Days 5K. End the day with fireworks over the bay and a true sense of Rhode Island pride.
Federal Hill Summer Festival (June 14–16, Providence)
Federal Hill, Providence’s “Little Italy,” comes alive during this three-day celebration of Italian-American culture. At the Federal Hill Summer Festival, Atwells Avenue is transformed into a pedestrian plaza filled with vendors selling everything from cannoli and calamari to handmade jewelry and vintage art.
Live music fills the air with a mix of Italian classics and contemporary hits. With sidewalk cafes buzzing and street performers delighting crowds, this festival is a delicious, cultural immersion.
Newport Pride Festival (June 22, Newport)
Celebrating love, inclusivity, and community, the Newport Pride Festival is a joyful event that welcomes all. The day kicks off with the Newport Pride March through downtown, followed by a vibrant waterfront festival featuring drag performances, DJs, local artisans, food trucks, and community organizations.
Newport’s rich history and beautiful seaside setting offer the perfect backdrop for this colorful, family-friendly event that supports LGBTQ+ rights and awareness in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Dragon Boat Races & Taiwan Day Festival (June 15, Pawtucket)
Celebrate Asian heritage and community at the annual Rhode Island Dragon Boat Races and Taiwan Day Festival, held on the banks of the Blackstone River. This unique event features thrilling dragon boat races, where local teams compete in ornately decorated boats.
The cultural festival portion offers traditional Taiwanese music, dance, martial arts demonstrations, and a tempting variety of Asian cuisine. It’s an energetic and enlightening experience perfect for families and curious minds alike.
5th Annual Strawberry Social (June 22, Tiverton)
Trek over to the Tiverton Farmers Market’s Annual Strawberry Social on Sunday, June 22nd, from 10am to 2pm. We will be celebrating the beginning of summer with a delightful event featuring strawberry shortcake bowls with whipped cream, available for purchase at the market table.
Don’t miss out on the delicious flavors of the season’s strawberries, while exploring the special offerings from our vendors, like strawberry cupcakes, scones and tarts, and strawberry basil margarita mocktails. Get curious and try something new. The fun ambiance will be enhanced by the enchanting melodies, providing the perfect setting for this community event. Be sure to wear your best strawberry outfit too.
The Strawberry Social will take place at their summer location, the Tiverton Town Farm Recreational Area, located at 3588 Main Road, Rt.77. This event is proudly sponsored by The Bay Magazine, and you can find the latest copy at our market table along with our strawberry social sweatshirts. This event is free and open to the public, and there will be ample free parking available on the back lots. Look for parking signs and if needed, overflow parking is also provided in the north lot near the playground.
Mark your calendars and join us for a delightful celebration of summer and the delicious taste of strawberries at the Tiverton Farmers Market’s Annual Strawberry Social!
Charlestown Seafood Festival Preview Days (Weekends in June)
While the official Charlestown Seafood Festival takes place in August, June weekends often feature preview events and smaller seafood-centered gatherings. These warm-up weekends at Ninigret Park include food trucks serving chowder, lobster rolls, clam cakes, and local oysters, along with live bands and pop-up artisan markets.
Keep an eye on local event listings for exact dates, but if you love seafood and fresh air, Charlestown in June is a great stop.
Wickford Art Festival Preview (June 29–30, Wickford Village)
While the full Wickford Art Festival is set for July, many artists and vendors start to arrive in late June for preview pop-ups and community events. Stroll the quaint streets of historic Wickford, browse local galleries, and watch artists at work.
Live acoustic music and seaside cafés round out this laid-back cultural event, ideal for art lovers and weekend explorers.
Smithfield Family Fun Day (June 15, Deerfield Park)
Perfect for families with young children, the Smithfield Family Fun Day offers a wholesome mix of inflatables, pony rides, games, local food vendors, and live entertainment. The event also features a Touch-A-Truck experience where kids can climb into fire engines and police cruisers.
A fireworks display ends the evening, making this free community event a memorable way to welcome summer with your family.
Cumberland Fest Warm-Up Events (Throughout June, Cumberland)
Cumberland Fest officially hits in late summer, but June brings smaller fairs and town-sponsored events like outdoor movie nights, food truck Fridays, and craft fairs in local parks. The community’s energy and organization make even the warm-up events a treat.
Check out Diamond Hill Park for rotating entertainment, kids’ activities, and local vendors gearing up for a busy summer.
Tips for Attending Rhode Island Festivals in June:
- Bring cash and cards – Some vendors are cash-only, but most festivals are moving toward card payments.
- Arrive early for parking – Especially for events in Newport and Providence.
- Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen – June can be hot and humid.
- Support local – Many vendors and performers are local, so your purchases support small businesses and artists.
- Check weather updates – Many events are rain or shine, but severe weather may cause cancellations.
June in Rhode Island is more than just a kickoff to summer and a month of memories waiting to happen—it’s a celebration of history, culture, flavor, and fun. Whether you’re walking through artisan booths in Wickford, dancing in the streets of Federal Hill, or cheering on dragon boat racers in Pawtucket, these festivals reflect the heart and soul of the state.
So, mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and make the most of what Rhode Island has to offer this June. With so many fairs and festivals, there’s no excuse to stay indoors.
