New Englanders love the Summer…and, more importantly, we love being involved in outdoor activities during the warm, Summer months! Below is a list of fun, outdoor activities that the entire family can enjoy! At these events, be on the lookout for an appearance by our mascot, Jake the Cat, who might surprise you with a prize from one of our participating 'Fun in the Sun' sponsors: Dunkin' Donuts, Block Island Ferry, and Water Wizz!
Sunset Cruises on Narragansett Bay & Newport Harbor
Rhode Island Bay Cruises
Please visit website for departure dates and sailing times.
Take a 2 hr. Sunset Cruise on Narragansett Bay onboard the luxurious 400-passenger Catamaran Millennium. . Sights include 10 lighthouses (Wickford Point, Plum Beach, Dutch Island, Whale Rock, Beavertail, Castle Hill, Lime Rock, Goat Island, Rose Island and Conanicut), 10 islands, Historic Fort Adams, Hammersmith Farm, waterfront mansions, sailing under the Jamestown & Newport Bridges, past the USS Forrestal and sailing through famous Newport Harbor filled with sailboats and mega yachts.
Advance reservations recommended, can be purchased online or in person.
Waterfire's 100 sparkling bonfires, the fragrant scent of aromatic wood smoke and enchanting music from around the world engage all the senses and emotions of those who stroll the paths of Waterplace Park. (See website for dates)
The Country's oldest open air art fair features more than 250 artists from around the country and around the world. Fine arts paintings, sculpture and photography.
10:00am–5:00pm.Newport Visitors' Center, 23 America's Cup Avenue. A self-guided walking and driving tour of private gardens and homes in Newport. Rain or shine. Call (401) 847-0514, email info@secretgardentours.org, or visit the Newport Secret Garden Tourswebsite for more information.
Kingston Chamber Music Festival
URI Fine Arts Center
Jul. 24, 2013 - August 4, 2013
Artists from around the world converge on Kingston for this event.
This is a festive family oriented event featuring lvie bands on the park stage, arts and crafts, carnival amusements, food court, a road race, car show, dog show, fireworks and more!
FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival
VMA Arts & Cultural Center
Aug. 6, 2013 - Aug. 11, 2013
6:30 p.m.
Admission: $10 with discounts
The FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF), has secured its place in the global community as the portal for the best in international independent cinema, earning the respect of domestic and foreign filmmakers, filmgoers and trend watchers. This confluence of art and commerce brought together world-class celebrities, award-winning filmmakers, new talent and audience members in record numbers last year. Ranked as one of the top 12 Festivals in the United States, RIIFF is also a qualifying festival for the Short Film Academy Award through its affiliation with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. There are 65 film festivals worldwide which share this distinction and RIIFF is the only festival in New England.
Rhode Island's largest authentic county fair. Annual fair with country music concerts, a giant midway, animal shows, grange and 4H exhibits, crafts, children's games and more. Daily 8am-11pm.
Featured on the Food Network and Travel Channel, the legendary Polar Seltzer Great Chowder Cook-Off officially kicks off summer in Newport on Saturday, June 1, 2013. The original and longest running chowder championship draws competitors and crowds from across the country. Attendees enjoy endless samples of traditional and exotic creations from dozens of restaurants and then vote for the best in three categories: Clam, Seafood and Creative. The winners walk away with overflowing prize pots and bragging rights for the year. Live entertainment, food and bar options, kids’ activities sweeten the deal for all festival-goers.
And now introducing a new Chowder pairing: the Newport Oyster Festival! It debuts only a cherrystone’s throw away outside the gates at the Newport Yachting Center on America’s Cup Avenue. The best of local shellfish and seafood are presented farmers’ market style, thanks to our friends at Matunuck Oyster Farm, and paired with beer, wine, spirits and live music. The festival continues into the evening and entry is free with your Chowder ticket, making it a great after-party following the Cook-Off Awards Ceremony and a new space to explore during the event. If you want to check it but do not have a Chowder Cook-Off ticket to get you in, it is only $5 day-of. The Newport Oyster Festival starts at noon and goes through 8pm.
