Local Events By Date
NOTE: The events listed are subject to change, and this page will be updated with the latest information.
May 1 – 2
May Day Market at WaterFire Arts Center in Providence
An “open air market” with fine arts and crafts, food and flowers. The website say it’s all things home and garden. Free admission and parking, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
May 7 – 16
SouthCoast Spring Arts Festival from Fall River to Wareham
SouthCoast Spring Arts is presenting a 10-day festival celebrating arts in communities by connecting innovative, creative and affordable arts and cultural events across the region.
May 8
Mother’s Day Specialty Market in Tiverton
From 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. local vendors will be offering a selection of goods at the Sandywoods venue on Muse Way. It is free and open to the public.
May 21 – 23
Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival at Bowen’s Wharf
Champagne, oysters and chowder from local growers and vendors on the waterfront. Growers will be shucking alongside a group of local restaurants and live music. Festival attendance will be limited and there will be three timed sessions on Saturday and Sunday.
May 28 – 31
Boots on the Ground for Heroes at Fort Adams State Park in Newport
Almost 7,000 combat boots will be on display with flags and placards to represent the life of each U.S. service member killed in action in the Global War on Terror. The hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Monday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
June 12
The Gaspee Days Parade in Warwick
The Gaspee Days Committee had said the parade was in danger of being canceled if they weren’t able to raise enough money. Since then, Mayor Frank Picozzi said they were able to raise enough to hold the parade, but donations are still being accepted. A GoFundMe page was created to collect them.
June 12 – 13
Festival of Gardens in Providence
The Providence Preservation Society is holding the Festival of Gardens, where guests will enjoy exclusive access to a selection of private gardens at historic homes, a community garden and a Colonial Revival garden.
June 18 – 20
Newport Flower Show: Back in Bloom at Rosecliff Mansion
Black in Bloom: A Ballroom Floral Fantasy will be a reimagined presentation of the Newport Flower Show. It will feature design exhibits and garden vignettes on the first floor at Rosecliff. There will also be botanical arts design classes available.
June 19 – 20
Narragansett Art Festival at Veterans’ Park
The 38th Narragansett Art Festival is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the historic “Towers” in Veterans’ Park overlooking Narragansett Town Beach. This is a free, family-friendly fine art festival.
July 4
Many Fourth of July fireworks were canceled last year, but some communities plan to hold celebrations in 2021. Check with your local city or town to find out their plans.
July 4 – 20
The Newport Music Festival in Newport
The Newport Music Festival’s 17 concerts are back for 2021 after being cancelled for the first time last year. Many of the concerts are already sold out. Venues range from the Breakers’ lawn to the Norman Bird Sanctuary to Castle Hill Inn.
July 5
Fourth of July Parade in Bristol
America’s oldest Fourth of July celebration is back. The parade kicks off at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of Chestnut and Hope streets and ends on High Street. While the parade was moved to Monday, the fireworks are still scheduled for Sunday, July 4.
July 10 – 11
Wickford Art Festival at Wilson Park in North Kingstown
More than 200 fine artists will be spread through Wilson Park. The event and parking are free.
July 22 – 24
Blessing of the Fleet Festival in Narragansett
After being cancelled in 2021, the event is hoping to take place in some fashion this year. The road race will held virtually again this year.
July 23 – 25 & 26 – 28
Newport Folk Festival at Fort Adams
This year, the festival will look a little different with two unique three-day events of performances, storytelling and workshops.
July 30 – August 1
Newport Jazz Festival at Fort Adams
Newport Jazz Festival organizers have said they are focusing on creating three intimate days of jazz performances, and that they will release access to the events in phases due to modified capacities.
August 6 – 8
Charlestown Seafood Festival at Ninigret Park
Organizers say they’re hopeful they will be able to hold a festival in 2021.
August 9 – 15
Rhode Island International Film Festival in Providence and throughout Rhode Island
The seven-day event is the largest public film festival in New England and a qualifying event for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences and the British Academy of Television and Film Arts (BAFTA). It is held throughout Rhode Island with premiere works in Providence.
August 11 – 15
The Washington County Fair in Richmond
This is the 55th year of the fair, with music and concerts, rides, tractor and truck pulls, livestock shows, kids games and food.
September 3 – 5
Rhythm & Roots in Charlestown
The Rhythm & Roots festival feature music, dance and food. Ticket sales will start at 10 a.m. on May 12. Fewer family and friends will be permitted due to COVID-19 regulations, so organizers suggest purchasing tickets early. Many of the artists scheduled for 2020 agreed to come back for this year.
September 4 – 6
Feast of Our Lady of Angels in Fairhaven
The traditional weekend-long Portuguese “festa” features live music, game booths, Portuguese and American foods, auctions and kids activities. It is still to be determined if the event will happen. There is a procession scheduled for Monday at 1 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church.
September 11
RI Calamari Festival in Narragansett
The particulars of this event are still being worked out, but it is expected to happen in some capacity. It will be held at Narragansett Festival Park/Towers.
September 11 – 12
Rhode Island Seafood Festival at India Point Park
Festival organizers said they will make a final decision on whether or not to have the event in the first week of August. The event is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days and will happen rain or shine.
September 25 – 26
PVDFest in Providence
PVDFest is making a comeback, by holding a Party in Providence in September, along with PVDFest Happenings from June to August. More information will be released on their website.