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 afternoon host Mareva Lindo and executive producer James Baumgartner.
A free festival for all the folks
Saturday is the 10th annual Warren Folks Festival. Michael Camara is one of the organizers of the festival. He says that “it's a wonderful day that brings in the community to enjoy live music, a lot of local food, and there's over 30 art vendors that come in and sell a variety of different crafts and art and jewelry. And, honestly, it's just a beautiful day for enjoying the arts.” Parking is limited in the area, and they recommend that people walk or bike to the festival. It’s very close to the East Bay Bike Path, and they have secure bike valet parking provided by Recycle-A-Bike.
Where: Cutler Mill, 30 Cutler Street, Warren, RI
When: August 15, 1:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Details: https://www.thecollaborative02885.org/warren-folks-fest-9
“Rhode Island’s largest midway & agricultural event”
That’s how the Washington County Fair bills itself. It’s got all the events you’d expect from a county fair: livestock and vegetable exhibitions, midway amusement rides, live music and food that includes an enormous variety of Rhode Island delicacies. Plus: tractor pulls, a motorcycle rodeo and lawn mower racing!
Where: 78 Richmond Townhouse Rd, Richmond, RI
When: August 12 - 16
Details: https://www.washingtoncountyfair-ri.com/
A free classical concert for the kids
Inspire a love of classical music with the Frisson Wind Ensemble as they play selections from favorites like “Peter and the Wolf, “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.” Bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the outdoor concert in a casual setting. And come a little early for a close look at the instruments in the "instrument petting zoo.”
Where: Newport County YMCA, 792 Valley Rd, Middletown, RI
When: August 15, 4:00 p.m.
Details: newportclassical.org
The Rhode Island - Japan connection
Commodore Matthew C. Perry was born in Newport in 1794, and he led an American naval expedition to Japan in 1852 to establish diplomatic and trade relations. The Japan-America Society of Rhode Island commemorates the ties between the two nations with the Black Ships Festival, with music and cultural performances.
Where: Independence Park, Bristol, RI
When: August 14-16, various times
Details: DiscoverNewport.org
Bless this fleet
The Bristol Harbor Festival and Blessing of the Fleet is part of an age-old maritime tradition of blessing commercial fishing and recreational boats. Besides the main event, there is live music, a stuffie competition, a raw bar, chowder, and a traditional littleneck boil.
Where: Rockwell Park, Bristol, RI
When: August 15, 1:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Details: bristolharborfest.com
Stompbox Showcase
Empire Guitars is hosting “Providence Pedal Thing” - a showcase of guitar effects pedals. There will be more than a dozen pedal companies there with demos for all types of effects. Pedal companies include: Earthquaker Devices, Old Blood Noise Endeavors, and Providence’s own Palomar Sound. Full disclosure: Palomar Sound is our Ocean State Media colleague, Nate Halda (the voice of many of the promos you hear on-air).
Where: Empire Guitars, 1283 N Main St, Providence, RI
When: Saturday, August 15, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Details: Empireguitars.com
Visit the artists of the South Coast
The South Coast Artists are hosting their Open Studio tour this weekend. Up to 75 artists are showing off their works in the towns of Dartmouth and Westport, MA and Tiverton and Little Compton, RI. You can see work in oils, acrylics, watercolors, photography, sculpture, basketry, fiber arts, ceramics, glass, wood, metal, jewelry, paper and mixed media.
Where: Various locations
When: August 15 & 16
Details: Southcoastartists.org
Apply for an artist residency on a boat
The Bristol Art Museum invites artists to apply for a one-day Art Residency aboard the Wilco: a 1946 converted steel US Army Support Tug, and now New England's first Art Boat. The residency will take place during the Huckins Rendezvous & Herreshoff Classic Yacht Regatta when the Wilco will travel on Narragansett Bay, and the selected artists will experience the regatta from the water while observing the vintage yachts, coastline, atmosphere, and maritime traditions that define this celebrated event.
Where: Bristol Art Museum
When: Application deadline is August 15
Details: bristolartmuseum.org
Ilana Glazer at the Vets
You may know comedian Ilana Glazer from her role as the incomparable Ilana Wexler from the 2010s TV comedy “Broad City.” Since the show ended, she’s been focusing on stand-up. Now she’s bringing her dank blend of comedy to Providence. Check out Mareva Lindo’s interview with Glazer from earlier this week, and then head to the Vets.
Where: The Vets, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence, RI
When: Tuesday, August 18, 7:00 p.m.
Details: thevetsri.com
Southcoast Artists Association is an underwriter of Ocean State Media. Editorial and coverage decisions are made independently of business support.
