Folk, fireworks and front porches: A Rhode Island summer festival guide

Rhode Island and the Southcoast are full of festivals this summer. Ocean State Media afternoon host Mareva Lindo and audio producer James Baumgartner have a few recommendations for the top festivals of the summer.

Courtesy Lemonade Stand

It’s not just one festival, it’s four, one-day festivals of art and music at the 195 District Park in Providence. This Saturday, May 16, is the first day of the free festival with performances from musicians Hawk in the Nest, Brooke Annibale, Margeaux Lynn and Corey Wrinn. There will be arts and craft vendors, food and more from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.

• Where: 195 District Park, Providence
• When: May 16, June 12, July 18, August 29
• Details: https://www.pvdlemonadestand.com/

The waterfront block party kicks off the Memorial Day weekend with live music, food and drinks. Please note that this is a 21+ event.

• Where: Pawtuxet Park, Warwick
• When: May 22, 6:00 - 11:00 p.m.
• Details: https://www.gaspee.com/events/block-party

The fourth annual Providence Porchfest is an afternoon of music performances at neighborhood locations all across the East Side. It’s a great way to wander around the neighborhood and hear dozens of acts playing from the front porch.

• Where: Various front porches on the East Side of Providence
• When: May 30, 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
• Details: https://providenceporchfest.com/

Mareva Lindo/The Public’s Radio

Why wait until July? This 30-minute fireworks display is set above the picturesque horizon of Narragansett Bay just off the coast of Salter’s Grove in Warwick.

• Where: Salter’s Grove, Warwick
• When: June 6, 9:00 - 10:00 p.m.
• Details: https://www.gaspee.com/events/fireworks

For 57 years, Newport Classical has turned the “City by the Sea” into a summer destination for music lovers. With 30 concerts across 11 venues, from cliffside lawns to gilded mansions, audiences experience the sights and sounds of Newport like never before. Newport Classical showcases classical music as a living art form, presenting artists and programs that are diverse and ever-evolving in intimate and iconic venues, making every performance one-of-a-kind.

• Where: Various venues in Newport
• When: July 2 - 19
• Details: https://newportclassical.org/music-festival/

Music, dancing, food and over 50 years of history, the Rhode Island Cape Verdean Independence Day Festival is back Sunday, July 5. The longest-running Cape Verdean celebration in the U.S. brings traditional culture to life alongside local artists, kids’ activities and cultural, health and educational tents. Don’t sleep on this one.

• Where: India Point Park, Providence
• When: July 5, 2:00 - 7:00 p.m.
• Details: https://www.facebook.com/share/14dKdhn4FGx/

Pawtucket’s new soccer stadium will become a concert venue for this two-day festival of “island music,” that is to say, Reggae and its many spin-offs. Acts include Sublime, Grateful Dub and The Original Wailers. Also, The Roots, who aren’t exactly Reggae, but they are a great band.

• Where: Centreville Bank Stadium, Pawtucket
• When: Aug. 15 - 16
• Details: https://islandrhodes.com/

A free music festival featuring some of the finest folk, acoustic and Americana singer-songwriter acts in the Rhode Island area.

• Where: Crescent Park, East Providence
• When: Aug. 30, 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
• Details: https://rhodeislandfolkfestival.com/