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 parade . Narragansett and 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
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 always has a beer and wine garden stocked with your favorite beverages and a number of local craft and food vendors . Newport , newportfolk . org
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
AUGUST 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 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-eating contest — all under the festival ’ s giant tent . Pawtucket , dragonboatri . com
SEPTEMBER A trailblazing addition to the Rhode Island festival scene , PVDFest showcases local , national and international musical , artistic and
RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY ’ S NEWCOMERS ’ GUIDE l 2024 49