There are a million and one events going on in Providence this weekend! Especially, music events. From the Blithewold Concert Series on Wednesday Night to the Alex and Ani Sunday Jazz Series on Sunday night and ever day in between! Don’t forget to check out the local Farmer’s Markets as well to get local treats!
Wednesday, August 5th
Blithewold’s Summer Concert Series: Music at Sunset – Honkey Tonk Knights: 5:00 p.m. Spread out a blanket and unpack the picnic basket, soak up the warmth of the summer sun, and enjoy the sunset over Narragansett Bay, all while savoring a kaleidoscope of musical performances over the summer.
KidInfo Story Time + Art in the Park: 10:30 a.m. Join us for STORYTIME in Burnside Park while local authors, illustrators, storytellers and performers bring stories and books to life!
2015 Burnside Music Series: 4:30 p.m. Join us every Thursday this summer for beautiful times in Burnside Park, replete with delightful bevs by Trinity Brewhouse, delicious food by Rhode Island’s greatest food trucks, casual jams by celebrity DJs, and, of course, the finest tunes Rhode Island has to offer.
Concert Under the Elms Concert Series: 6:30 p.m. Join us for the Concerts under the Elms, an annual outdoor summer concert series held Thursdays under the canopy of elms at the John Brown House Museum.
Family Fun Friday: 11:00 a.m. Bring a picnic, a blanket to sit on, and enjoy the show! Each week, dance and sing along with the kids to a variety of educational and interactive musical performances.
KidEye International Film Festival: 10.00 a.m. Films by and for kids are showcased in this special Red Carpet Premiere program at The Metcalf Auditorium at the RISD Museum.
AS 220 Foo Fest 2015: 1:00 p.m. FOO FEST is AS220’s annual summer block party, held outdoors and inside, on Empire Street in Providence, that highlights the incredible arts, music, creative, and cultural scene brewing right here in Providence, Rhode Island.
Manton Avenue Project Plays: The Manton Avenue Project (MAP) is proud to announce that plays from their most recent festival, “This Land is Our Land: the public park plays,” will be presented in a summer series as part of the 50th anniversary of the Roger Williams National Memorial.
Sunday, August 9th
The Providence Flea: 10:00 a.m. Featuring all the cool vendors from last summer’s Flea plus a slate of new vendors for even more one-of-a-kind Flea finds! Shop Local this season at the Flea.
Alex and Ani Sunday Jazz Series: 1:00 p.m. Attention jazz fans! Get ready to make your Sundays a little more musical with The Alex and Ani Sunday Jazz Series at Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard.
Providence is known as the “Creative Capital,” and for good reason. The city is home to many art galleries and museums that display artwork from all over the world. And if you’re visiting at the end of the month, Gallery Night is not to be missed. Every third Thursday of the month, from March to November, galleries across Providence open their doors. This free event, which celebrates art ranging from contemporary multi-media installations to one-of-a-kind functional artworks, is called Gallery Night Providence.
Founded in 2011, Yellow Peril Gallery is a contemporary art gallery located at The Plant, a historic mill complex in the Olneyville neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island. The Gallery fosters modern art critiques on popular culture and society from emerging, mid-career and established artists in the United States and abroad. Their inventory comprises of works of art from critically-acclaimed artists who have been featured in biennials and museum exhibitions, participated in top tier art fairs and acquired by private collectors worldwide. Artists represented share their commitment to social responsibility, and 10% from the sale of all artwork is donated to a charitable organization of the Artists’ choice.
Thursday and Friday: 3 p.m.- 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 12 p.m.- 5 p.m.
Founded in 1880 to stimulate the appreciation of art in the community, the Club has long been a place for artists and art patrons to congregate, create, display and circulate works of art. Located along Thomas Street, in the shadow of the First Baptist Church, the Providence Art Club is a picturesque procession of historic houses, home to studios, galleries and the clubhouse. Through its public programs, its art instruction classes for members and its active exhibition schedule, the Providence Art Club continues a tradition of sponsoring and supporting the visual arts in Providence and throughout Rhode Island.
Monday- Friday 12:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.
RISD Museum
RISD Museum, photo via mhcari.org
The RISD Museum acquires, preserves, exhibits, and interprets works of art and design representing diverse cultures from ancient times to the present. Distinguished by its relationship to the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), the Museum educates and inspires artists, designers, students, scholars, and the general public through exhibitions, programs, and publications. The RISD Museum houses more than 91,000 works of art, ranging from ancient Greek and Roman sculpture to contemporary art in every medium, including textiles, ceramics, glass and furniture. Part of the Rhode Island School of Design, the museum offers a full schedule of special exhibitions, lectures, tours, concerts and other programs.
Tuesdays- Sundays 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
ArtProv Gallery
ArtProv is a gallery of contemporary art that displays an evocative collection of works centered around color, texture and expression by local, national and international artists. Constructed in a converted loft space in the Jewelry District’s historic Doran Building, ArtProv’s inspired location features three viewing spaces open for private showings.
Wednesday – Friday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The Chazan Gallery
Chazan Gallery, photo via chazangallery.org
Chazan Gallery @ Wheeler is a nonprofit artists’ space which exhibits a wide range of contemporary work by artists living or working in the area. Providence is a city with a very large community of artists, and the gallery provides an excellent space for these artists to exhibit their work. Through an open jury process, the gallery shows work from among the strongest artists in the area in a series of varied and intresting exhibitions each year. Bill Van Siclen, the Providence Journal’s art editor, has called the gallery “a model of quality and consistency. The artists have been among the best the state has to offer.” Located on the East Side of Providence near Brown University and RISD, the gallery is totally supported by Wheeler School, a gift to the Providence arts community from the school.
GRIN is a contemporary art gallery located at The Plant in the historic Olneyville District of Providence, Rhode Island. Directed by Corey Oberlander and Lindsey Stapleton, GRIN was founded in 2013 as a space for artists to develop and exhibit their work, with a steady curatorial hand.
The David Winton Bell Gallery is Brown University’s contemporary art gallery and home to an important part of the university’s permanent art collection. The gallery hosts four to five major exhibitions each year, as well as annual exhibitions of student artwork and a triennial exhibition of artwork by Brown faculty members.
The Dryden Gallery at Providence Picture Frame stands as the city’s largest and most versatile space of its kind. It is comprised of two distinctly structured, equally appealing venues. The ground floor Red Gallery is an intimate setting ideal for showcasing individual artists, while the Grand Gallery encompasses the cavernous third floor of one of Providence’s most celebrated restored mill buildings. Providence Picture Frame, in continuous operation since 1889, is the oldest and largest frame store in New England. Dryden Gallery manifests its commitment to support, provide common ground for, and indeed celebrate local visual artists and their peers from all points of the compass.
Monday-Saturday 8:30 a.m. -6:30 p.m.
Gallery Z
The Atwells Ave. location currently displays an extensive and diverse selection of small-to-medium-sized original Fine Art works (paintings, photographs, drawings, glass, sculptures, collages, assemblages) from Gallery Z‘s deep stable of Fine Artists: locally, nationally or internationally renowned, along with a selection of jewelry, pottery and unusual specialty handicrafts from Armenia and around the world.
The Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology is Brown University’s teaching museum. A resource across the university, we inspire creative and critical thinking about culture by fostering interdisciplinary understanding of the material world. The museum offers exhibits, public lectures, performances, symposia, festivals, and a broad range of programs and events for all ages.
Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Peter Miller Fine Art Photography Gallery
Peter Miller Fine Art (PMFA) photography gallery opened in March 2015 in Providence, Rhode Island. The gallery is the only venue dedicated exclusively to fine art photography in Providence and Southern New England.
Visit by appointment
AS220
AS220 offers artists opportunities to live, work, exhibit and/or perform in its facilities, which include several rotating gallery spaces, a performance stage, a black-box theater, a print shop, a darkroom and media arts lab, a fabrication and electronics lab, a dance studio, a youth program focusing on youth under state care and in the juvenile detention facilities, four dozen affordable live/work studios for artists, and a bar and restaurant.
Main Gallery: 115 Empire St. Performance Space
Youth Gallery: 115 Empire Street (Second Floor)
Open Window: 115 Empire Street
Project Space (and Reading Room): 93 Mathewson St. (Dreyfus building)
Resident Gallery: 131 Washington (First floor of the Mercantile building)
Open the first Saturday of the month from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
For a full list of Art Galleries in Providence and the entire State of Rhode Island, please visit the Discover Rhode Island website.
The City of Newport is one of Rhode Island’s largest visitors destinations. From the note worthy mansions, to the International Tennis Hall of Fame, there is never a dull moment in this sea-side city. Check out our list of fun activities for you to do while you’re in Newport.
Newport Mansions
The Newport Mansions are one of the most famous attractions you can find while you’re in Newport. Whether you want to take a guided tour, or participate in one of the many events held at these venues throughout the year, you definitely don’t want to miss out on these large spectacles while you are in town
The Breakers is one of the largest and most famous Newport Mansions. Known for being the summer home to the prominent Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, inventor of the New York Central Railroad, the Breakers is now open for tours throughout the week from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The Marble House
The Marble House was built as a summer home for the grandson of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt. Built in 1892, this home transitioned Newport from its small summer town to the extravagant reputation that it now possesses. The Marble House is open at 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekly.
The Elms
The Elms was the summer home for Mr. and Mrs. Edward Berwind. The construction of this mansion was completed in 1901. The Elms are open for tours beginning at 9:00 a.m. with the last tour leaving at 5:00 p.m.
Rosecliff was established by heiress Theresa Oelrich of Nevada. The home was built to resemble the garden retreat in Versaille. Rosecliff is open beginning at 9:00 a.m. for tours with the last tour leaving at 4:00 p.m.
For a full list of the Newport Mansions, their tour schedules and upcoming events please visit their website.
Historic Sites
Interested in seeing more of the history Newport has to offer? There are plenty of historic monuments for you to explore while your visiting this port-side city.
This historic landmark didn’t begin as a tennis hall or museum, in fact it was a lavish club entitled the Newport Casino. Built in 1880, this structure offered all sorts of activities. From shopping to horse shows to tea parties, the Newport Casino had it all back in the day! In 1986, the owners of the Newport Casino decided that tennis needed an establishment to honor the sport and decided to create what is now the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Today, the museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Built in 1799 and named after President John Adams, this historic landmark overlooks Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. In 1965, the Fort was taken on by the State of Rhode Island to become a part of Fort Adams State Park. Today, the park is known for many summer activities including, swimming, picnicking, and boating. Most famously, the park is known for its two annual events, the Newport Jazz Festival and the Newport Folk Festival, which bring thousands of people to the city every year.
The Newport Art Museum is home to many different historic and contemporary exhibits. A unique aspect of this museum is that it focuses on artists from Rhode Island and art produced in Rhode Island. Come to see different pieces of art regularly at the Newport Art Museum. The Newport Art Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. & Sunday from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The National Museum of American Illustration
The National Museum of American Illustration was opened in 1998 and houses illustrations from many different time periods and styles. The Museum is open Thursday-Sunday from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with guided tours at 3:00 p.m. on Friday’s.
Jane Pickens Theater and Event Center
Jane Pickens Theater and Event Center, photo via janepickens.com
As one of the oldest theaters still standing in the United States, the Jane Pickens Theater and Event Center presents a variety of movies from historically based, documentaries, and classics. The historic atmosphere of the theater creates an experience you will never forget! You will always be able to find the right movie for you and your family at the Jane Pickens Theater.
Tours
Whether by boat, bus, or on foot, there are plenty of ways you can tour the city of Newport and all the scenic views it has to offer.
The Cliff Walk is a 3.5 mile scenic walk that travels alongside the eastern boarder of Newport. Beginning on Memorial Boulevard and ending on Narragansett Avenue, the famous trail illustrates the beautiful seaside views of Newport while also experiencing the history of this city as you walk by the Newport Mansions. This is one of the most popular tours and tourist attractions the city has to offer.
Viking Guided Tours
The best way to see all the sites in Newport is to hop on one of the famous Viking Trolley Buses! Enjoy everything Newport has to offer with a guided tour that will give you ample information about the city’s history. For more information about specific tours and rates please visit their website.
Adirondack II Tour
Tour Newport Harbor on the Adirondack II, an elegant 80 foot sail boat! Experience Newport from the water! Buy tickets online or when you’re in person. The Adirondack II departs from Bowen’s Wharf several times throughout the day.
This selection is only a glimpse of the fun attractions there are in Newport. Between all of the wharfs, there are plenty of shops and restaurants for you to enjoy. In search of a relaxing beach day? Newport has got you covered. Check out our beach recommendations for the best spots in Newport County. Looking for a family friendly activity? Check out the local baseball team, The Newport Gulls, in one of their home games at Cardienes Field! There is one thing that is certain, you definitely won’t run out of things to do on your trip to Newport.
We have a lot going on this week in Providence! Especially, our WaterFire to support RI defeats Hep C. The Steeple Street Music Stage is back at this WaterFire. Come enjoy live performances by Rose Weaver and Greg Abate. Lighting begins at 8:25 p.m.
Wednesday, July 29th
Windmill Wednesday’s at Prescott Farms: 3:30 p.m. Explore how this amazing machine works and learn about the importance of grist milling on Aquidneck Island.
PechaKucha Night Providence: 7:30 p.m. It’s time once again for one of your favorite PechaKucha Nights of the year: We return to the beautiful outdoor space and community garden at The Avenue Concept!
Thursday, July 30th
KidInfo Story Time + Art in the Park: 10:30 a.m. Join us for STORYTIME in Burnside Park while local authors, illustrators, storytellers and performers bring stories and books to life!
Children’s Workshop-Rocks Rock!: 1:00 p.m. Ballard Park is holding a nature workshop for children! The one and a half hour program will feature hands-on activities focusing on the natural elements found in Ballard Park.
Concert Under the Elms Concert Series: 6:30 p.m. Join us for the Concerts under the Elms, an annual outdoor summer concert series held Thursdays under the canopy of elms at the John Brown House Museum.
Family Fun Friday-Rolie Polie Guacamole: 11:00 a.m. Bring a picnic, a blanket to sit on, and enjoy the show! Each week, dance and sing along with the kids to a variety of educational and interactive musical performances.
The Providence Flea: 10:00 a.m. Featuring all the cool vendors from last summer’s Flea plus a slate of new vendors for even more one-of-a-kind Flea finds!
Alex and Ani Sunday Jazz Series: 1:00 p.m. Attention jazz fans! Get ready to make your Sundays a little more musical with The Alex and Ani Sunday Jazz Series at Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard.
Rhode Island offers so many great activities for the whole family to enjoy. Here are our recommendations for kid-friendly activities!
Providence Children’s Museum
Photo Courtesy of Providence Children’s Museum
Providence Children’s Museum, Rhode Island’s only hands-on museum especially for children and their families, inspires learning through active play and exploration. The Museum presents interactive exhibits and hands-on programs that explore the arts, culture, history and science and embrace a wide range of learning styles and forms of expression. Open Tuesday-Sunday 9:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.
Roger Williams Park Zoo
Dubbed “the finest zoo in New England” by the Boston Globe. Walk through this beautifully landscaped 40-acre zoo – one of the nation’s oldest – and encounter an African elephant, a Masai giraffe, zebras, a red panda, snow leopard, moon bears, a gibbon, giant ant eater and more in naturalistic settings. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April – September and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. October – March with last admission one half hour before closing. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and Christmas Eve. Check our website for any additional early closings. The nationally acclaimed Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular runs evenings during October; check their website for dates and details.
Flutterby: Butterflies in Bloom
While visiting the Roger Williams Park Zoo, don’t miss this butterfly exhibit. This summer-long special exhibit that thrilled tens of thousands is back at Roger Williams Park Zoo for its second and final year! Flutterby: Butterflies in Bloom provides an immersive experience inside the Zoo’s beautifully landscaped greenhouse filled with hundreds of free-flying native North American butterflies. A delight for butterfly and gardening enthusiasts alike, this enchanting experience invites visitors to discover a deeper appreciation for some of our earth’s most imperiled species – butterflies, in bloom. The exhibit will be open May 23 – September 7, and requires a nominal admission fee in addition to Zoo admission.
Pawtucket Red Sox
Photo credit to familyfriendlyboston.com
The Pawtucket Red Sox, in the neighboring city of Pawtucket, is a great place to see baseball the way it should be played – by eager young talents in a small gem of a ballpark. Tickets to games in McCoy Stadium are affordable and are sure to offer a great experience at the ballpark.
Providence Bruins
The Providence Bruins are the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate for the Boston Bruins. A team filled with the hockey stars of tomorrow, the P-Bruins’ home ice is at Providence’s Dunkin’ Donuts Center, affectionately known as “The Dunk” to locals.
WaterFire Providence
This award-winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence, has been praised by Rhode Island residents and
Photo credit to Tom Lincoln
international visitors alike as a powerful work of art and a moving symbol of Providence’s renaissance. WaterFire’s over eighty sparkling bonfires, the fragrant scent of aromatic wood smoke, the flickering firelight on the arched bridges, the silhouettes of the firetenders passing by the flames, the torch-lit vessels traveling down the river, and the enchanting music from around the world engage all the senses and emotions of those who stroll the paths of Waterplace Park. WaterFire has captured the imagination of over ten million visitors, bringing life to downtown, and revitalizing Rhode Island’s capital city. Check the schedule to see when the next event is!
The RISD Museum
The RISD Museum houses more than 91,000 works of art, ranging from ancient Greek and Roman sculpture to contemporary art in every medium, including textiles, ceramics, glass and furniture. Part of the Rhode Island School of Design, the museum offers a full schedule of special exhibitions, lectures, tours, concerts and other programs. The RISD Museum offers different tours and programs geared toward different age groups. To find out when programs that will be the best fit for your family are, look at their events calendar.
KidInfo Storytime and Art in the Park
Thursdays in Burnside Park in Providence hold something for everyone in the family! Storytime in Burnside Park is at 10:30, when local authors, illustrators, storytellers and performers bring stories and books to life! Stay for Art in the Park, where resident creative genius Ricky Katowicz leads listeners into The Great Green Room! Here the stories of Margaret Wise Brown – such as Goodnight Moon, Runaway Bunny, The Important Book and others – will be transformed into magical experiences using all of the 5 senses! Katowicz will be hosting several guest artists to lend their specialties to the playful and rhythmic styles of Margaret Wise Brown.
Friends of Ballard Park Children’s Workshop
Friends of Ballard Park is holding a nature workshop for children! The one and a half hour program will feature hands-on activities focusing on the natural elements found in Ballard Park. The class is best suited for children six to twelve years old. Younger and older siblings welcome. This event occurs weekly on Thursdays in Newport’s Ballard Park.
Other Recommendations
If your family enjoys spending time outdoors, check out our biking and hiking recommendations. Or, if your family is looking to spend the day at one of the many beautiful beaches in Rhode Island, check out our beach recommendations. For more information about family-friendly events occurring in Rhode Island, visit KidInfo.
Providence Restaurant Week: Providence Restaurant Week continues this week. Check out what restaurants are participating and their offers here
FringePVD: 5:00 p.m. Join us and experience the Providence Fringe Festival where there will be over 100 performing artists all week long. Check it out!
KidInfo Storytime + Art in the Park: 10:30 a.m., join us for STORYTIME in Burnside Park while local authors, illustrators, storytellers and performers bring stories and books to life!
Best of Rhode Island Party: 6:00 p.m. Don’t miss the party of the year as Rhode Island Monthly, for the 22nd year, celebrates over 300 statewide “Best Of” winners in food, wellness, shopping, and fun selected by our readers and editors as their August issue premiers!
Family Fun Friday Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys: 11:00 a.m. Bring a picnic, a blanket to sit on, and enjoy the show! Each week, dance and sing along with the kids to a variety of educational and interactive musical performances.
Providence Roller Derby: 6:00 p.m. Season Opener – The Old Monkey Honey’s vs. The Sakonnet River Rats
Woander Exhibit Opening Reception 6:00 p.m. The Grin Art Gallery is pleased to present Woander Exhibit, a cross-media exhibition featuring four artists dealing with memory, exploration, purpose and self, Curated by Corey Oberlander and Lindsey Stapleton.
Manton Avenue Project Plays: 6:30 p.m. The Manton Avenue Project (MAP) is proud to announce that plays from their most recent festival, “This Land is Our Land: the public park plays,” will be presented in a summer series as part of the 50th anniversary of the Roger Williams National Memorial.
Alex and Ani Sunday Jazz Series: 1:00 p.m. Attention jazz fans! Get ready to make your Sundays a little more musical with The Alex and Ani Sunday Jazz Series at Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard.
There’s so much to do this weekend in Rhode Island. It’s Providence Restaurant Week all week long with great deals on great food, and there is a WaterFire full lighting on Saturday. Check out what other events are going on!
Wednesday, July 15
Ways of Looking for Artists: Making and Meaning: 10:30 a.m. How can art in a museum setting illuminate one’s own artistic process? Through sustained looking, conversation, and writing, artists deeply engage with art and consider their own practice. Museum educator Hollis Mickey provides contemplative moments and opportunities for generative dialogue.
Brown St. Summer Concert Series: 5:30 p.m. Our July 15 concert feature the amazing sounds of the local band, Roz and the Rice Cakes, plus include a Play at the Park activity with the Providence Children’s Museum.
Thursday, July 16
KidInfo Storytime and Art in the Park: 10:30 a.m. Join us for STORYTIME in Burnside Park while local authors, illustrators, storytellers and performers bring stories and books to life. As always, a mobile playground, faceprinting and food trucks for lunch add to the all-ages fun and make for a perfect picnic in the park
Burnside Music Series: 4:30 p.m. Join us every Thursday this summer for beautiful times in Burnside Park, replete with delightful bevs by Trinity Brewhouse, delicious food by Rhode Island’s greatest food trucks, casual jams by celebrity DJs, and, of course, the finest tunes Rhode Island has to offer, courtesy of a kaleidoscopic array of astounding musicians
Concerts Under the Elms Concert Series: 6:30 p.m. Join us for the Concerts under the Elms, an annual outdoor summer concert series held Thursdays under the canopy of elms at the John Brown House Museum.
Children’s Museum Bubble Blowout: 11:00 a.m. The Museum’s Children’s Garden bubbles over with fun as families blow billowing bubbles of all shapes and sizes! Kids use a wide array of wacky tools to blow giant bubbles, stretch them into astonishing shapes, and explore their amazing properties.
Design the Night: It’s Elemental: 4:00 p.m. The evening features discussions with local artists, art-making for adults and children, gallery talks, refreshments, and music—all incorporating elemental themes of fire, water, air, and earth.
Beaux Arts Ball at Newport Art Museum: 6:00 p.m. The Museum’s Gala Party will entice the eye and the palette with theatricals, dinner by Russell Morin Fine Catering inside the Griswold House galleries, a silent auction and lively After Party dancing. Imaginative and colorful attire is encouraged.
Hands-on-Art at the RISD Museum: 6:00 p.m. Inspired by works on view, create art in the galleries with the guidance of art instructor Paul Carpentier. No experience necessary. Materials provided. Free.
Shakespeare in the Spirit: 7:30m p.m. This year’s Mixed Magic Theatre Exult Choir concert, Shakespeare in the Spirit, blends gospel music to scenes from Shakespeare and both soar to new and unique heights.
WaterFire Full Lighting: 8:20 p.m. To start this Waterfire there will be a 100 person torch procession surrounding the circle of fires in the basin in honor of Navigant Credit Union’s 100th Anniversary “Celebrating a Century, Looking forward to the Next 100″.
Alex and Ani Sunday Jazz Series: 1:00 p.m. Attention jazz fans! Get ready to make your Sundays a little more musical with The Alex and Ani Sunday Jazz Series at Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard
Shakespeare in the Spirit: 3:00 pm, 7:30m p.m. This year’s Mixed Magic Theatre Exult Choir concert, Shakespeare in the Spirit, blends gospel music to scenes from Shakespeare and both soar to new and unique heights.
There’s a lot to do this upcoming weekend in Providence. Between Farmer’s Markets and Concert Series, there is always something going on! Check it out.
Thursday, July 9th
KidInfo StoryTime + Art in the Park At 10:30, join us for STORYTIME in Burnside Park while local authors, illustrators, storytellers and performers bring stories and books to life! Stay for ART IN THE PARK where resident creative genius Ricky Katowicz leads us into The Great Green Room!
Glenn Miller Orchestra 8:00 p.m. The most popular and sought after big band in the world today, will perform for both listening and dancing at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston Thursday evening, July 9. Presented by the Rotary Club of Providence
Friday, July 10th
Paddle into the Past: Lower River, Native American History and Archaeology 5:30 p.m. Join us for a Friday evening paddle through Providence. Joseph N. (Jay) Waller, Jr. is a senior archaeologist with The Public Archaeology Laboratory, Inc., will share how the river changed from European settlement to industrialization to present.
Manton Avenue Project Plays 6:30 p.m. The Manton Avenue Project (MAP) is proud to announce that plays from their most recent festival, “This Land is Our Land: the public park plays,” will be presented in a summer series as part of the 50th anniversary of the Roger Williams National Memorial.
Shakespeare in the Spirit 7:30 p.m. This year’s concert,Shakespeare in the Spirit, blends gospel music to scenes from Shakespeare and both soar to new and unique heights.
Providence Restaurant Week Experience the destination that Travel + Leisure readers voted the #1 City in the U.S. and Saveur magazine named “one of the notable
small dining destinations in the world.”
From farmers markets to outdoor music performances, there is plenty to do with your family in Rhode Island this holiday weekend. The Bluegrass on the Pawtuxet music festival is ongoing from Saturday to Monday. On Saturday, check out the annual parade in Bristol, and Sunday is the Cape Verdean Independence Festival.
Concerts Under the Elms 6:30- 8:00 p.m. Concerts under the Elms, an annual outdoor summer concert series held Thursdays under the canopy of elms at the John Brown House Museum.
McCoy Stadium Fireworks 6:15 p.m. Join the Pawtucket Red Sox as we celebrate our countries independence! Fireworks begin immediately following the game. Game starts at 6:15.
Friday, July 3
Summer Soiree Gallery Event 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. An evening of art, live music and delectable summer savories at the Jamestown Art Center. $150 for non-members, $125 for members.
Bristol’s Annual 4th of July Parade 10:30 a.m. The Bristol 4th of July parade is one of the longest running parades in the country! The parade is made up of color guards, fire trucks, bands, and floats. The parade is led by the “Grand Marshall” being carried by the historic horse drawn coach.
Bluegrass on the Pawtuxet 5:00 p.m. A brand new bluegrass festival in New England! Angry Lobster Events, In association with the Rhode Island Bluegrass Alliance, presents: 1st annual Bluegrass on the Pawtuxet, Pawtuxet Village, Cranston/Warwick RI 4-6 July 2014 “Celebrating America’s music on America’s birthday”
Independence Day Beach Ball Join Ocean House for a fabulous oceanside celebration of all things American. With live music and delicious summertime classics like fresh seafood, grilled meats and ice-cold refreshments, the annual Independence Day Beach Ball is not to be missed. After dinner, enjoy a colorful fireworks display over the Atlantic.
Sunday, July 5
The Providence Flea 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Featuring all the cool vendors from last summer’s Flea plus a slate of new vendors for even more one-of-a-kind Flea finds! Shop Local this season at the Flea.
Rhode Island Cape Verdean Independence Festival 12:00 p.m. The RI Cape Verdean Heritage group has the pleasure to invite you to join them in celebrating their 40th Anniversary. July 5th is the date of Cape Verdean Independence, and this year’s festival is dedicated to one of the greatest Capeverdean Icons, Norberto Tavares. Join for an afternoon of music, dances, food and tons of surprises.
Alex and Ani Sunday Jazz Series 1:00 p.m. Get ready to make your Sundays a little more musical with The Alex and Ani Sunday Jazz Series at Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard.We invite you to bring lawn chairs and blankets and visit Carolyn’s Café for a bite to eat and the perfect glass of wine. Please note that parking is $10 per car and allows you to receive $10 off a bottle of estate wine.
Bluegrass on the Pawtuxet 5:00 p.m. A brand new bluegrass festival in New England! Angry Lobster Events, In association with the Rhode Island Bluegrass Alliance, presents: 1st annual Bluegrass on the Pawtuxet, Pawtuxet Village, Cranston/Warwick RI 4-6 July 2014 “Celebrating America’s music on America’s birthday”
Bluegrass on the Pawtuxet 5:00 p.m. A brand new bluegrass festival in New England! Angry Lobster Events, In association with the Rhode Island Bluegrass Alliance, presents: 1st annual Bluegrass on the Pawtuxet, Pawtuxet Village, Cranston/Warwick RI 4-6 July 2014 “Celebrating America’s music on America’s birthday”
We have a lot going on in Providence this week! From farmers markets, to concerts, to plays, you won’t have to look far for something to do! Check out some of the upcoming events happening in our great city this weekend.
Wednesday, June 17th
Hi Neighbor! Block Party 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Enjoy food on site or bring your own picnic basket, lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the warm weather (finally!) on the green, green grassy lawn. Event is free!
Trinity Repertory Company Presents: Melancholy A Play 7:30 p.m. Melancholy Play: a new chamber musical by Sarah Ruhl Music by Todd Almond Directed by Liesl Tommy Meet Tilly. She’s a bank teller, and she’s depressed. But she’s so beautifully, alluringly depressed that everyone she meets falls in love with her, including her therapist and her tailor. But what happens when she stops being so sad?
Thursday, June 18th
Summer Writing Conference at URI Enjoy three days of lively interaction and instruction with local, national, and internationally acclaimed writers and teachers on URI’s picturesque Kingston Campus. Writers of all levels and experience will find master classes, craft sessions, workshops in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and screenwriting; networking opportunities, and one-on-one consultations.
Gallery Night Providence 5:30p.m. Gallery Night Providence offers free, carefully curated guided tours of What’s New in the Providence Art scene every third Thursday from March to November.
URI Feinstein Providence Campus Presents: Baggage A Play 7:30 p.m. URI Feinstein Providence Campus Presents the premiere of the play Baggage June 18-19 @ 7:30pm Written and Performed by Frank V. Toti Jr. The play explores the journey through life through the eye of the playwright. Baggage explore those ‘things’ we carry with us, ‘things’ we collect along the way, and the decision to reevaluate and repack before moving on.
Food Truck Friday at Roger Williams Park 4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Fridays in June head to the Carousel Village in Roger Williams Park to enjoy a smorgasbord of great food from some of the area’s best food trucks. Find out which trucks will be at the Carousel Village each week by visiting the Food Trucks In website.
Professor Chef Cooking Class: New England Clam Boil 6:30 p.m. Learn how to shop for fresh seafood, select it and whip up an easy one-pot meal. Then we’ll show you how to combine it all to create a clam boil that includes a whole Maine lobster, crab, shrimp, clams, mussels, potatoes and corn on the cob. We’ll supply all of the tips and some of the tools you’ll need. We will send you home prepared to share your new skills with friends and family.
RI PrideFest & Illuminated Night Parade Noon – 8:30 p.m. Held on South Water Street in Providence featuring live performances, Beer Wine & Spirits Garden, Kids Zone, Vendor Marketplace, and more. The Illuminated Night Parade kicks off at 8:45pm in the streets of downtown Providence.
The Bluffs Exhibit Opening Reception Opening Reception 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Bluffs by Joseph Leroux constructed imagery comparable to the process of a musical composition. Notes, distortion and rhythm translate into texture, color, form and design. The Bluffs will be on display at The Grin, a contemporary art gallery located at The Plant in the historic Olneyville District of Providence, Rhode Island.
Manton Avenue Project Plays 6:30 p.m. (MAP) is proud to announce that plays from their most recent festival, “This Land is Our Land: the public park plays,” will be presented in a summer series as part of the 50th anniversary of the Roger Williams National Memorial.
Downtown Sundown Concert Series 7:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, a blanket, and maybe even a picnic dinner and sit on the lawn at the beautiful Roger Williams National Memorial and enjoy a FREE concert series by some of the best songwriters RI has to offer. There is limited parking available at the park. Lots of street parking and pay lots available. All ages are welcome.
The Providence Flee 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Featuring all the cool vendors from last summer’s Flea plus a slate of new vendors for even more one-of-a-kind Flea finds! Shop Local this season at the Flea.
Alex and Ani Sunday Jazz Series 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Attention jazz fans! Get ready to make your Sundays a little more musical with The Alex and Ani Sunday Jazz Series at Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard. We invite you to bring lawn chairs and blankets and visit Carolyn’s Café for a bite to eat and the perfect glass of wine.
Jaws 40th Anniversary 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. Dare to relive the terrifying masterpiece? Select Showcase Cinemas, Cinema de Lux, and Multiplex Cinemas theatres, in partnership with Fathom Events, Turner Classic Movies and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment invite you to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the one of the most popular American thrillers of all time when Jaws (1975) returns to select cinemas nationwide for a special two-day only event!
This week celebrates the anniversary of the attack and burning of the HMS Gaspee in Providence. Throughout the weekend, there will be several events to commemorate this day including, guided tours and a Full WaterFire lighting. Also, this weekend is the Providence International Arts Festival, an experience like no other! Come join us for performances and art installations throughout the city Thursday-Sunday.
Wednesday, June 10
Thursday, June 11
Providence International Arts Festival Discover the city center as it comes to life with firsts in arts, culture, music, food, and spectacle. Experience an extravaganza of performances and art installations throughout the city and join the parade converging on Kennedy Plaza during this signature showcase event. 8:30 a.m.- midnight
2015 Festival of Historic Houses 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Since the first Festival, more than 50 years ago, The Providence Preservation Society has showcased contemporary living in historic homes.
Imagination Playground Providence Children’s Museum presents Imagination Playground where kids invent their own ways to play as they stack and build with huge blue foam blocks of all shapes and sizes. Event is from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Rock ‘N’ Roll Yard Sale The Providence Public Library downtown will host a Rock ‘N’ Roll Yard Sale from 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Enjoy live music and dj while browsing the vendors’ tables.
Gaspee Day at the John Brown House John Brown, the Providence merchant who promoted the attack on the Gaspee, later built and resided in a magnificent 18th century mansion. The John Brown House Museum at 52 Power Street will be open from 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. with guided tours at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Self-guided audio tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis. We will emphasize John Brown’s role as organizer of the Gaspee event and will make sure that everyone sees the painting in the museum that records the burning of the Gaspee. 10:00 a.m- 7:30 p.m.
Gaspee Day at the Governor Stephen Hopkins House Make time to see The Governor Stephen Hopkins House located at 15 Hopkins Street (off Benefit Street) and open for tours between 1:00 and 9:30 p.m. Admission is free, donations are always welcome. 1:00 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.
Waterfire: Full Lighting Sunset: 8:21 p.m. Lighting time: 8:46 p.m. The fires will remain lit until 12:30 a.m.
Hao Ni “Ghost Hit Wall” Reception Yellow Peril Gallery is pleased to present “Ghost Hit Wall” by Hao Ni, featuring an eclectic series of video, mixed media installations, sculptures, and drawings from June 11 – July 19, 2015. The opening reception is Saturday, June 13 from 6PM – 9PM.
Imagination Playground Providence Children’s Museum presents Imagination Playground where kids invent their own ways to play as they stack and build with huge blue foam blocks of all shapes and sizes. Event is from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The Providence Flee Shop Local this season at the Flea. Every Sunday, rain or shine, from 10 am – 4 pm, June 7 through September 13 on the Providence River Greenway, South Water Street (across from 345 South Water Street) in Providence, RI. (No admission fee)
The Rhody Ramble is a passport to history to help kids and families explore Rhode Island’s unique historic places with programming created especially for them! From waterfront mansions to working farms, the Rhody Ramble offers many different ways for visitors to experience early life in Rhode Island. A full calendar of events includes outdoor festivals, music concerts, scavenger hunts and hands-on activities. Created as a guide both for local families and visitors, the Rhody Ramble helps kids to connect with Rhode Island’s history and discover its hidden treasures.
The Rhody Ramble includes 18 member organizations of the Historic Sites Coalition of Rhode Island (HSCRI), a network of historic places open to the public. Founded in 2007, the HSCRI brings together stewards of historic sites to share resources, exchange ideas and promote Rhode Island’s unique places. The HSCRI is a program of Preserve Rhode Island, a statewide preservation advocacy organization.
Rhody Ramble’s Featured Events
Museum of Work and Culture 42 South Main Street, Woonsocket, RI 02895
Every Day until 12/31/2014
Weekdays: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm (closed Monday)
Saturdays: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sundays: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The Museum of Work & Culture, a Division of the Rhode Island Historical Society, tells the stories of the men, women, and children who came to the Blackstone River Valley to find work in the late 19th century and early 20th century. The exhibits focus on the farm-to-factory experience of French-Canadians who came to Woonsocket to tell the larger story of American immigration. A special exhibit, The Ghost Army, tells the story of American G.I.s who duped Hitler’s army with rubber tanks, sound effects and illusion during WWII.
Admission: $8 Adults, $6 Seniors/Students, Free for Children under 10. There is a $1 discount off adult admission for AAA members. Free Parking. Questions? Call 401-769-WORK (9675) or 401-331-8575.
Tour the Old Jail 2636 Kingstown Road , Kingstown RI 02881
Every Day until 12/31/2014
Open Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday 1-4 pm
Visit the Old Washington County Jail in Kingston, RI and tour period jail cells re-constructed in 1858 to replace the site’s first jail of 1792. Learn about the crimes and punishments of some of the area’s notorious characters! The museum also offers exhibits on RI plantation history, Washington County during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and regional exhibits of early schools, toys, and textiles of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Recommended for children 8-12.
The Museum of Natural History is Rhode Island’s only natural history museum and is home to the state’s only public planetarium. The natural history collections include fossils, mollusks, minerals, rocks, mounted flora and fauna. The cultural collections contains over 25,000 archaeological and ethnographic specimens primarily of African, Native American and Pacific origin. Last admission to the museum is at 3:30 pm.
Museum Admission: $2 (Free for children under 4 years old.) First Saturday of the Month is FREE for Providence Residents with proof of residency. Questions? Call 401-785-9457 Ext. 221
Planetarium & Museum Admission: $3 (No one under age 4 is permitted in the planetarium.) Shows on weekends at 2:00 pm.
The Breakers Family Tour
44 Ochre Point Ave, Newport RI 02840
Every Day until 12/1/2014 10:00 AM -5:00 PM
The family tour allows youngsters and parents to imagine themselves personally witnessing the history made in this great Gilded Age chateau. As the house shares its secrets, you hear from family members and staff, as well as fanciful creatures like the friendly dolphin hiding under the grand staircase, the lions of the Music Room and the dragons in the Dining Room. Experience a summer day in the life of one of the Vanderbilt children. Learn about the masters of the kitchen – Monsieur Le Chef and his colleague, The Butler. Take an imaginary slide down the grand stairs on a silver serving tray. Learn all the “rules” the children had to live by at The Breakers. The tour is designed for children aged 6-11, but is fun for the whole family!
Admission: Adult: $19.50, Youth: $5.50 (ages 6-17), Free for children under 6.
Telescope Observing Night
210 Doyle Avenue, Providence RI 02906
Every Tuesday until 3/31/2014 7:00 PM -9:00 PM
View the moon, stars and planets through the antique telescope at Brown University’s historic observatory. Ladd Observatory opened in 1891 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit and learn about the past, present and future of astronomy. Open every Tuesday after twilight.
Admission: FREE! Questions? Call 401-863-2323.
For more family activities, visit Rhody Ramble’s Facebook page, check out their tweets @RhodyRamble, stop by their blog, or register for free to join the Rhody Ramble to receive monthly updates about family events throughout Rhode Island.
