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 executive producer, James Baumgartner.
From Free to Freedom
Through song, storytelling and movement, this performance from Mixed Magic Theatre explores the African American experience as a singular event. The theater’s cofounder, Ricardo Pitts-Wiley, says, “[It’s] about the journey that the people took from being free in Africa across the Middle Passage into enslavement in the United States, and then their struggle to find freedom again. So we began as a free people. We end as a free people.”
When: Aug. 21, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 22, 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 23, 3:00 p.m.
Where: Mixed Magic Theatre, Lorraine Mills, 560 Mineral Spring Avenue, Pawtucket, RI
Details: https://mmtri.org/tickets/
newportFILM Outdoors
More than a screening, each event includes live music beforehand, a pre-film talk, and food vendors, though you can bring your own food, too. Thursday on the Rosecliff Lawn, you can see “Give Me the Ball,” about global tennis icon Billie Jean King. And Thursday, August 28, at Fort Adams, you can catch “Mighty Mary,” about the first all-female crew in the America’s Cup.
When: Aug. 20, opens at 5:00 p.m., screening starts at 7:50 p.m.; Aug. 27, opens at 5:00 p.m., screening starts at 7:40 p.m.
Where: Aug. 20 - Rosecliff Manor; Aug. 27 - Fort Adams
Details: https://newportfilm.com/programs/outdoors-2026/
Levitt AMP Woonsocket Concert Series
Bermuda Search Party is playing - they’re a fun, high-energy pop band from Boston. One of those groups that’s like a party on the stage. Funky Submarine is the opening act - they play Beatles tunes, but in ways that you may not expect.
When: Aug. 21, 6:00 p.m.
Where: River Island Art Park, 95 Bernon Street, Woonsocket, RI
Details: Facebook events
Sunflower Family Festival
A celebration of Ukrainian culture on Ukrainian Independence Day. Among other things, there will be live music, games, displays of intricately decorated traditional Easter eggs and Polish Ukrainian food like pierogi, kielbasa and golabki.
When: Aug. 22, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: Lawn School (Watson Ave. Field), Jamestown, RI
Details: https://www.jamestownukrainereliefproject.org/festival
Gallery Night Providence
Spend an evening discovering the artists, exhibitions and creative spaces that make Providence one of New England’s most vibrant arts communities. Gallery Night is an evening of pay-what-you-can guided walking and bus tours that feature open access to galleries, museums and art spaces throughout the Creative Capital.
When: Aug 20, starting at 5:45 p.m. with later times available
Where: Departs from The Graduate Hotel, 11 Dorrance Street, Providence, RI
Details: https://www.gallerynight.org/
Art Heist!
Artists Cooperative Gallery of Westerly hosts this annual fundraiser event where admission includes music, hors d'oeuvres, dessert and one work of art for “heisting.”
When: Aug. 22, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Westerly Armory, 41 Railroad Ave. Westerly, RI
Details: https://westerlyarts.com/events/
