Looking for some tips on what to do this weekend and beyond? We’ve got you covered. Here are a few recommendations from Ocean State Media’s afternoon host, Mareva Lindo and producer, James Baumgartner.
Free May Bird Walks
The Spring bird migration is happening right now as migratory species pass through Rhode Island on their way to nesting grounds in Canada. While you can see some birds in your backyard or your neighborhood parks, the Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s network of wildlife refuges are maintained specifically as habitats for birds and may have a greater biodiversity.
ASRI hosts free May bird walks with experienced birders to help guide you. Novice birders are welcome. Bring binoculars if you have them and definitely bring bug spray. Lauren Parmelee, Audubon Senior Director of Education, says that listening for the different songs is a highlight of the walks. “They all have a unique sound, and they all have unique color patterns. It’s just kind of like a treasure hunt. You never know what you’re going to see.” There are three events left in the series:
- Fisherville Wildlife Refuge - Friday, May 29, 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
- Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge - Saturday, May 30, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
- Caratunk Wildlife Refuge - Sunday, May 31, 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Providence Porchfest
It’s the fourth annual year for the sprawling festival, which happens on the front porches of dozens of homes across the city’s East Side. The free, volunteer-run event has gotten bigger every year, this time featuring over 200 artists across genres – from punk and hip hop to freak folk and sci-fi space rock. Some of the acts include rapper Chachi Cavalho, ghost folk artist Allysen Callery, and the Rhode Island Gay Men’s Chorus. You never know what’s going to be around the corner.
When: Saturday, May 30, Noon - 6:00 p.m.
Where: Various porches, driveways and yards on the East Side of Providence
Details: https://providenceporchfest.com/
RISD Craft Show & Sale
This outdoor event features handmade fine art and design works from more than 120 RISD alums. It’s a great place to browse and see some of the ceramics, glass and jewelry, as well as fine art from people who have gone to RISD over the years. And you get to buy directly from the artist.
When: Saturday, May 30, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Where: Benefit Street in Providence between Waterman and Hopkins
Details: https://risdcraft.com/
Cemetery Tour
The Casey Family Farm is hosting a tour of their family’s historic cemetery. You can see stones from six generations of the farm in Saunderstown, dating from the mid-18th century to the mid-20th century, and learn about ties to local and national history – including the Casey family’s involvement in the American Revolution.
When: Saturday, May 30, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Where: Casey Farm, 2325 Boston Neck Road, Saunderstown, RI
Details: my.historicnewengland.com
WaterFire’s 500th Lighting
Since the first lighting in 1994, and now, 32 years and 500 lightings later, WaterFire still draws crowds to downtown Providence to bask in the warm glow of the braziers floating in the Providence River.
When: Saturday, May 30. On-shore program from 7:00 p.m. - midnight. Lighting at sunset, 8:12 p.m.
Where: Between Waterplace Park and the Van Leesten Pedestrian Bridge, Providence.
Details: https://waterfire.org/events/saturday-may-30-2026-waterfires-500th-lighting/
