History buffs will love the Gaspee Days celebration in Pawtuxet Village. The 1772 burning of the HMS Gaspee was a precursor to the Revolutionary War and today, the annual weeks-long family event includes Colonial encampments, an arts and craft fair, the burning of the infamous Gaspee and a parade. Warwick, gaspee. com
JUNE Rhode Island celebrates its LGBTQ + community every year with PrideFest. Part music, part entertainment and part pride parade, you’ re sure to enjoy this colorful celebration. Providence, prideri. org
JULY As the oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the U. S., the Bristol Fourth of July Parade is practically a rite of passage for locals. Journey to“ America’ s most patriotic town” to witness the historic festivities and stay into the evening for the live music and spectacular fireworks display. Bristol, fourth ofjulybristolri. com
Since 1962, the Wickford Art Festival carries on its reputation for featuring over 200 local and national fine artists. Browse a variety of media then enjoy the many food trucks parked onsite at Wilson Park. North Kingstown, wickfordart. org
Taking place at historic Fort Adams, the Newport Folk Festival has one of the best lineups in the country for folk fans. In addition to the great music, the festival is always stocked with your favorite beverages and a number of local craft and food vendors. Newport, newportfolk. org
AUGUST The Newport Jazz Festival has been pulling people in for seventy years. The time-honored festival has been host to jazz giants like Miles
Davis, Duke Ellington and John Coltrane along with newer but equally talented acts. This is a must-attend for fans of the genre. Newport, newportjazz. org
The award-winning Charlestown Seafood Festival is a gastronomic extravaganza of Rhode Island’ s best dishes, including lobster, steamers, chowder, clam cakes and other seafood delicacies. It also offers a wide variety of displayed arts and crafts, amusement rides, midway entertainment, raffles, a car show and more. Charlestown, charlestownseafood festival. com
Rhode Island’ s largest agricultural fair, the Washington County Fair is a five-day festival complete with rides, food, country music, a farm museum and agricultural displays. Visit to get a taste of what rural life is like in the littlest state. Richmond, washingtoncountyfair-ri. com
The Rhode Island Chinese Dragon Boat Races and Taiwan Day Festival is an extraordinary event that the whole family can enjoy. Watch as the beautiful fiberglass, Taiwanese-style boats race by on the Pawtucket River and then enjoy top-notch entertainment— like cultural performances, arts and crafts tables and a dumpling-
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