7 Great Summer Festivals in Rhode Island
Mark your calendar for our favorite summer events.
Summer can seem like an endless stretch of hot weather and long days, so if you’re looking for a way to break out of that mundane routine, check out one (or all!) of these festivals going on this summer in Rhode Island.
AUGUST 4–9: FLICKERS Rhode Island International Film Festival
Need a break from the August heat? Flock indoors for the largest public film festival in New England: six days of film screenings, forums and special events celebrating the best new voices in independent cinema. Visit the website for showtimes and ticket prices. Various venues in Rhode Island, 401-861-4445, film-festival.org
AUGUST 6–8: Charlestown Seafood Festival
Rhode Island’s best seafood, plus nearly every type of entertainment imaginable, including but not limited to a car show, arts and crafts displays, amusement rides and fireworks. Fri. noon–11 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Adults $10, Senior and Military $7, children ten and younger free. Ninigret Park, 5 Park Ln., Charlestown, 401-364-4031, charlestownrichamber.com
AUGUST 11–15: Washington County Fair
Sure, Ocean Staters know how to rock a swimsuit. But we look good in overalls, too. This five-day festival boasts amusement rides, an impressive live music lineup, tractor and horse pulls, fair food and more. 8 a.m.–10 p.m. Adults $11, children ten and younger free. Free parking. Washington County Fairgrounds, 78 Richmond Townhouse Rd., 401-539-7042, washingtoncountyfair-ri.com
AUGUST 29: Providence Folk Festival
Bring a blanket and a picnic basket full of delicious food and relax on the lawn with family and friends to the sounds of an incredible lineup of folk artists. Parking is free and food truck fare will be available for additional bites. Noon–6 p.m. Free admission. Rose Larisa Park, 701 Bullocks Point Ave., Riverside, providencefolkfestival.com
SEPTEMBER 3-5: Rhythm and Roots Festival
This family-run, quirky, energetic and singularly special festival is the perfect way to close out the summer. Tickets are available for purchase per day, or, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can park your camping gear on their expansive camping grounds and be immersed in four nights of music, food and all sorts of goodies aside. Glamping tents are available for the less rustic folk and family friendly events are available for all ages. There is even a pond to swim in! Admission is free for ages twelve and under, plus reduced admission for children ages thirteen through nineteen. Tickets range from $30-$250, camping and glamping prices additional. Ninigret Park, 5 Park Ln., Charlestown, rhythmandroots.com
SEPTEMBER 10–19: Pawtucket Arts Festival
Whether you prefer dance, theater, music, visual or folk-traditional arts, there is something for everyone during this celebration of culture, history and art in Pawtucket. See website for event times and prices. Various locations in Pawtucket, 401-728-0500, pawtucketartsfestival.org
SEPTEMBER 11-12: Rhode Island Seafood Festival
Calling all seafood lovers! This annual festival offers the best seafood Rhode Island has to offer. Enjoy two days of live music, freshly caught food from the sea and family fun while overlooking the Bay. Sat. 11 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Until Sept. 3, tickets cost $5 in advance and $8 for a two-day pass. From Sept. 3-9, tickets will be $10 per day, and after Sept. 9, tickets will only be available at the gate for 10$ per day. India Point Park, 263 India St., Providence, riseafoodfest.com