Events

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ALL AGES top of events
Gaspee Days Sunday in the Park and the Burning of the Gaspee – Pawtuxet Village, Warwick
June 10, 2012 to June 10, 2012
Pawtuxet Park, Narragansett Parkway
Warwick, RI
Bring your family and a picnic feast and enjoy live music (12:30-3 p.m.) and the burning of the HMS Gaspee (4 p.m.). Information: www.gaspee.com
Time : 12:30-5 p.m.
Phone : 401-781-1772


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ARTS & CRAFTS SHOWS top of events
Gaspee Days Arts and Crafts Festival 2012– Pawtuxet Village, Warwick, RI
May 26, 2012 to May 28, 2012
Pawtuxet Park, Narragansett Parkway
Warwick, RI
The annual festival hosts 150-200 craft exhibitors, and attracts 50,000 guests! It also features a professional food court, free family music and entertainment! Free admission. All proceeds benefit the Gaspee Days Parade. Information: http://www.gaspee.com/ArtsandCrafts.htm
Time : 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Phone : 401-781-1772


Virtu Art Festival – Westerly, RI
May 26, 2012 to May 27, 2012
Wilcox Park, Broad Street
Westerly, RI
An exhibit and sale of fine works of art. More than 190 artists from New England and beyond participate in this two-day exhibition and sale of artwork and fine crafts. Information: http://westerlychamber.org
Phone : 401-596-7761


Providence Art Festival -- Providence, RI
June 2, 2012 to June 2, 2012
Wesminster Street
Providence, RI
Visit Westminster Street to see more than 100 local vendors selling everything from handmade jewelery to street performances; baby clothes to photography, and kids activities. Plenty of children's activities; handmade goods; live music; food. Entertaimend by WBRU, Providence Monthly, RIMOSA, The Silks, and the Rhode Island Kung Fu Club. Information: http://providenceartfestival.com/
Time : 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission : Free


Narragansett Art Festival 2012 – Narragansett, RI
June 23, 2012 to June 24, 2012
Veterans Memorial Park, 35 Ocean Road
Narragansett, RI
The 30th year for this non-juried fine art festival sponsored by the Rotary Club of Wakefield features 100 artists from Rhode Island, New England and the East Coast exhibiting oils and acrylics, watercolors and pastels, drawings and graphics, sculpture, photography, and other media. No crafts. Information: http://www.wakefieldrotary.com/NarragansettArtFestival.cfm
Time : 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Phone : 401-789-7713


Newport Crafts Show -- Newport, RI
July 21, 2012 to July 21, 2012
Newport Elks Lodge, 141 Pelham Street
Newport, RI
Juried craft show on the front lawn of the Elks Lodge. Hand crafted pottery, glass, jewelry,wood work and much more. Information: www.monaquievents.com
Time : 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Admission : Free
Phone : 401-835-7699


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CHILDREN & FAMILIES top of events
Animal Birthday Parties at Roger Williams Park Zoo – Providence, RI
May 5, 2012 to June 20, 2012
Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwoord Avenue
Providence , RI
Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Animal Birthday Party Club will host five fun animal birthdays from May through August. The club is offers kids who join in the celebrations at the Zoo a chance to win a Zoofari birthday party of their own, or even an up-close giraffe encounter. The first animal birthday celebration will be held on Saturday, May 5 in honor of Thunder, Phantom, and Signal, the African wild dogs. Animal birthday celebrations will be held on Saturday, May 5, for Thunder, Phantom, and Signal, African wild dogs; Saturday, June 23 for Alice, Kate, and Ginny, elephants; Monday, July 9, for the Jaffa Prince, a Masai giraffe, Monday, July 16 for Spirit and Glory, bald eagles; and Wednesday, August 8, for Amber, a Masai giraffe. Information: www.rwpzoo.org.
Time : Zoo is open daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; birthday activities are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission : Adults, $14.95; children ages 3-12, $9.95; seniors, ages 62 and older, $12.95


Let’s Go Fishing: Kids Surf Fishing Lessons -- Bristol, RI
June 29, 2012 to June 29, 2012
Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum,101 Ferry Road
Bristol, RI
Enjoy a day of learning how to surf fish Rhode Island waters with these introductory lessons on surf casting and fishing. The sessions will include a description of the tackle and gear needed for saltwater fishing, the safety measures one should take when fishing in the surf, and lessons in surf casting and knot tying. Then you can test out your new skills from Blithewold’s extensive shoreline. Lessons by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Information: www.blithewold.org/event/show/426
Time : Session 1:10am-12pm; Session 2: 1pm-3pm
Admission : $10 per person (pp) non-member, $7 pp member or families with 3 or more participants
Phone : 401-253-2707


Top of Events

FOOD, WINE, BEER top of events
Historic Foodways and Hearth Cooking Workshop – Bristol, RI
March 24, 2012 to June 23, 2012
Coggeshall Farm Museum, Poppasquash Road
Bristol, RI
Working from the first American cookbook, Amelia Simmons' American Cookery (1796), guests will prepare several receipts at the hearth using produce raised on the farm before sitting down to enjoy dinner by candlelight. Limited to eight participants; intended for ages 16 and up; reservations required. Dates: March 24; April 7, 21; May 5, June 23.Information: http://www.coggeshallfarm.org/
Time : 3-8 p.m.
Admission : $60
Phone : 401-253-9062


Spring 2012 Secret Ingredient Food Tour – Blackstone Valley, RI
May 16, 2012 to June 27, 2012
RI
These weekly food tours give residents and visitors an exciting opportunity to sample the wide variety of ethnic foods and cultural cuisine of the Blackstone River Valley through live demonstrations and meals. Information: http://www.blackstoneculinaria.com/. Schedule:
May 16. Basil and Peppercorns, 877 Central Avenue, Pawtucket. Greek spanikopita
May 23. Bob and Timmy’s Grilled Pizza, 621 Pound Hill Road, North Smithfield. Oven-grilled pizza
May 30. Sullivan’s Publick House, 572 Armistice Blvd., Pawtucket. Irish corned beef and sauerkraut
June 6. Andrew's Bistro, 3755 Mendon Road, Cumberland. Chicken Florentine
June 13. A & W Root Beer, 460 Putnam Pike, Greenville. How A & W Root Beer is made
June 20. Blackstone Valley Outfitters, 25 Carrington Street, Lincoln. Chicken cooked in a Dutch oven and reflector oven
June 27. Blackstone Valley Explorer Sunset Cruise, 45 Madeira Avenue, Central Falls. Clam cakes, chowder.
Time : Wednesdays, 6-8 pm.
Admission : $19.50 plus tax and gratuity per person
Phone : 401-724-2200


Great Chowder Cook-Off -- Newport, RI
June 2, 2012 to June 2, 2012
Newport Yachting Center, 4 Commercial Wharf
Newport, RI
With a wide spread from national to regional competitors, festival-goers will taste a myriad of traditional and exotic chowders from all kitchens, then vote for the best in three categories: Clam, Seafood and Creative. The largest and longest running chowder championships in the country, the event features all-you-can-eat chowda from the nation's best chefs who serve unlimited samples of their sumptuous creations to the thousands of chowder loving festival attendees who also act as judges. The competition is thick, as chefs vie for coveted titles in various categories as well as prize money and bragging rights. Live bands, cooking demonstrations and kidSTOPs are all part of the fun for all ages. Information: www.newportwaterfrontevents.com/great-chowder-cook-off
Time : 11 a.m. -6 p.m.
Admission : $20 from May 2 through June 1; $25 day of the event. Children under age 12 admitted free with an adult
Phone : 401-846-1600


Block Island Chowder Contest and Oyster Festival -- Block Island, RI
June 3, 2012 to June 3, 2012
Old Harbor ferry landing, Water Street
Block Island, RI
Vote for your favorite chowder. Come and taste Block Island’s own oysters. Part of the Taste of Block Island Festival June 1-3. Information: www.blockislandchamber.com/TasteBIEvents.htm
Time : 2-4 p.m.
Admission : $5 button to taste and vote


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GARDENS top of events
Newport Flower Show 2012 -- Newport, RI
June 22, 2012 to June 24, 2012
Rosecliff, Bellevue Avenue
Newport , RI
This major annual flower show takes place in the magnificent Rosecliff mansion and its lawns and gardens. Each day of the flower show offers opportunities to enjoy judged horticultural specimens and floral designs, special garden exhibitions, free lectures and demonstrations, as well as wonderful shopping experiences in both the Oceanside Boutiques and the Gardeners' Marketplace. Tickets are also available for special luncheons, lectures and workshops. The theme for 2012 is of Salsa, offering exotic plants and colorful designs, inspired by the fusion of Latin Music and dance. Information: www.newportmansions.org/events/newport-flower-show
Admission : Adults, $23-$25; youth age 13-17, $6


Top of Events

HISTORIC top of events
Historic Horse-Drawn Carriage Exhibit at Linden Place Museum --Bristol, RI
May 10, 2012 to May 31, 2012
Linden Place Museum, 500 Hope Street
Bristol, RI
Linden Place Museum will exhibit its rare 1820s horse drawn coach beginning May 10, 2012 as well as carriage-era travel accessories loaned from Bristol Historical Preservation Society, and photographs of the Senator James DeWolf coach from the collection of Bristolian Edward Castro. Information:www.lindenplace.org/events.htm
Time : 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Admission : Adults, $8; seniors and AAA members and students, $6
Phone : 401-253-0390


Gaspee Days Colonial Encampment – Pawtuxet Village, Warwick, RI
June 8, 2012 to June 10, 2012
Pawtuxet Park, Narragansett Parkway
Warwick, RI
This encampment gives visitors a feel for colonial military life as dozens of militia camp out for the weekend in authentic Revolutionary style. Hosted by the Pawtuxet Rangers. Information: www.gaspee.com
Time : Friday, 6 p.m. to Sunday, 4 p.m.
Admission : Free.
Phone : 401-781-1772


Bristol Tales of the Slave & Rum Trade Walking Tour -- Bristol, RI
June 23, 2012 to June 23, 2012
Linden Place, 500 Hope Street
Bristol, RI
The guided tour will take place on Saturday, June 23 at 10:00am and will begin at Linden Place, the Federal-style mansion built by architect Russell Warren for George DeWolf, in downtown Bristol. The tour will then continue through the center of historic Bristol and down to the waterfront on Thames Street, pointing out significant sites tied to Bristol’s lengthy and profitable involvement in the slave trade. Information: www.lindenplace.org/events.htm
Time : 10 a.m.
Admission : $15, includes a complimentary drink at the DeWolf Tavern
Phone : 401-253-0390


Colonial Games, Crafts & Tours at Smith-Appleby House -- Smithfield, RI
June 30, 2012 to June 30, 2012
Smith-Appleby House Museum, 220 Stillwater Road
Smithfield, RI
At Colonial Games, Crafts & Tours kids are invited to learn and play colonial games and make crafts just like children of long ago. Hosted by volunteers in 18th century costume, children can spend the afternoon practicing being graceful playing Graces, running and rolling a hoop with a stick, learning Colonial dances, making stencils and other crafts — and touring the historic landmark home to experience what daily life was like in the 18th century. Information: www.smithapplebyhouse.org
Time : 1-4 p.m.
Admission : $5 donation for adults; children admitted free.


The Ocean State Tall Ships Festival -- Newport, RI
July 6, 2012 to July 9, 2012
Various Locations in Newport Waterfront
Newport, RI
In July of 2012, the Tall Ships will sail into Newport Harbor once again for the Ocean State Tall Ships Festival. As an official host port for the Tal Ships Challenge series on the Atlantic Coast, Newport will welcome hundreds of thousands of spectators and visitors. The scenic and historic waterfront of Newport is the idyllic setting to observe the splendor of the Tall Ships. Families delight in the majesty of the Parade of Sail through Newport Harbor. This event will also feature exhibits, food, music, and entertainment. Children especially enjoy boarding these remarkable vessels, and the opportunity to meet international crew members provides all visitors with insight into the many unique cultures that have helped to shape the past and future of sailing. Information: http://oceanstatetallships.com/
Time : Various; consult website
Phone : 401-847-6787


Top of Events

MUSEUMS top of events
The Victorian Wardrobe Revealed: 1840-1900 – Newport, RI
April 18, 2012 to June 15, 2012
Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI
Arranged chronologically, each garment reveals a story about fashion history and production. The exhibition also traces developments in the way clothing was manufactured and purchased. In the early 1800s women often made their own clothing or commissioned it from a seamstress. Department stores emerged by the middle of the century, offering broad inventories of fashionable ready-made clothing at affordable prices. The textiles on display encompass the full spectrum of this progression. Exhibit is on display through November 16, 2012. Information and tickets: www.NewportMansions.org. .
Time : Rosecliff is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through November 16, except during the Newport Flower Show, June 21-24


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MUSIC top of events
An Evening With Yanni -- Providence, RI
May 19, 2012 to May 19, 2012
Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset Street
Providence, RI
Fans will witness Yanni and his world class musicians as they take the stage to perform his greatest instrumental hits made famous in his shows from The Acropolis in Greece, The Taj Mahal in India, The Forbidden City in China and The Royal Albert Hall in England. Information: www.ppacri.org
Time : 8 p.m.
Admission : $99.50, $79.50, $69.50, $54.50, $34.50
Phone : 401-421-2787


Crosby, Stills & Nash -- Providence, RI
June 15, 2012 to June 15, 2012
Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset Street
Providence, RI
More than four decades since Crosby, Stills & Nash first harmonized in Laurel Canyon, and played their first-ever concert as a trio at the legendary Woodstock festival, its members continue a creative partnership that is one of the most influential and enduring in music. Information: www.ppacri.org
Time : 8 p.m.
Admission : $59, $69, $79, $89
Phone : 401- 421-2787


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OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES top of events
WaterFire – Providence, RI
May 21, 2012 to September 29, 2012
WaterPlace Park at Finance Way / Francis Street / Memorial Blvd
Providence, RI
WaterFire is a public, outdoor, nighttime art event that takes place on selected dates in spring, summer, and fall at WaterPlace Park, on the three rivers that meet in Providence downtown. Wood-fueled bonfires are lit in as many as 80 raised braziers that are situated in the center of the rivers. Recorded instrumental music is broadcast throughout the park. The fragrant scent of wood smoke, the flickering firelight on the arched bridges, the silhouettes of the fire tenders passing by the flames, the torch-lit vessels traveling down the river, and the enchanting music from around the world engage all the senses and emotions of people strolling the paths of Waterplace Park. Check Waterfire website for start times, which shift with sunset. Information: www.waterfire.org
WaterFire dates in 2012:
Basin Waterfire lightings on May 21 and June 1;
Full WaterFire lightings on May 26, June 9, June 23, July 21, August 18, September 15, and September 29.


America's Cup World Series – Newport, RI
June 23, 2012 to July 1, 2012
Fort Adams State Park
Newport, RI
Newport is the final stop in the inaugural America’s Cup World Series, which will feature both fleet and match racing. The regatta will give the public an opportunity to watch the world’s top sailors compete in the state-of-the-art AC45 wing-sailed catamarans, which will be the first time the high-tech boats will be raced on the east coast of the United States. The highlight of each AC World Series stop is the spectacular, winner-takes-all, fleet race on final Sunday, where teams put points on the board to take the overall title.
Information: 401-845-9110 or visit www.americascup.com/en/events


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PARADES & FIREWORKS top of events
Memorial Day Parade – Lincoln, RI
May 28, 2012 to May 28, 2012
Smithfield Avenue
Lincoln, RI
Annual military and civic parade to honor local war heroes. Parade marches along Smithfield Avenue.
Time : 10 a.m.
Phone : 401-333-1100


Gaspee Days Parade 2012 – Pawtuxet Village, Warwick, RI
June 9, 2012 to June 9, 2012
Narragansett Parkway
Warwick to Cranston through Pawtuxet Village, RI
The annual parade commemorates the Rhode Island colonists who burned the British schooner HMS Gaspee, in the first overt act leading to the American Revolutionary War! The parade features colonial fife and drum corps, Civil War era units, modern day drum and bugle corps, and much more. Information: www.gaspee.com
Time : 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Admission : Free
Phone : 401-781-1772


Top of Events

PERFORMING ARTS, THEATER, DANCE top of events
WaterFire at the WaterPlace Park Basin – Providence, RI
April 21, 2012 to June 1, 2012
WaterPlace Park, Francis Street and Memorial Blvd.
Providence, RI
Three basin WaterFire lightings will kick off the 2012 WaterFire event season. All three lightings will light up the circle of 20 braziers in the Waterplace Park basin and the five braziers leading up to Providence Place. Dates are Saturday, April 21, starting at 8 p.m.; Monday, May 21, starting at 8:30 p.m.; Friday, June 1, starting at 8:30 p.m. Information: www.waterfire.org


“1984” – Pawtucket, RI
April 26, 2012 to May 27, 2012
The Gamm, 172 Exchange Street
Pawtucket, RI
War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength. The Gamm breathes fresh life into George Orwell’s landmark novel with a bold retelling of the political satirist’s hauntingly prophetic story. In a totalitarian world at war, with Big Brother watching and the Thought Police on his heels, Winston Smith clings stubbornly to his vision of a different future. What starts as an act of rebellion and hope rapidly unravels in a nightmare of doomed love, personal betrayal and the terrors of Room 101. Information: www.gammtheatre.org
Time : Times vary by performance. Please see website for dates and times of all performances.
Phone : 401-723-4266


Theatre Works presents “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” – Woonsocket, RI
May 11, 2012 to May 20, 2012
Masonic Temple, 142 Clinton Street
Woonsocket, RI
The play revolves in the time of 1904. The place is the Lapin Agile in Paris. Two men walk into a bar. One man is Albert Einstein and the other, Pablo Picasso. Written by Steve Martin, this comedy takes art, science, love, lust and philosophy puts them in a great big bag, gives them a shake and waits for the other shoe to drop. It's time to forget the rules and shake things up a bit. Dates: May 11-12 and May 18-20. Information: www.twri.org
Time : May 11-12 at 8 p.m.; May 18-19 at 8 p.m.; May 20 at 2 p.m.
Admission : Adults, $18; children and seniors, $15
Phone : 401-766-1898


“Motherhood the Musical” -- Providence, RI
May 25, 2012 to July 1, 2012
Trinity Repertory Company, 201 Washington Street
Providence , RI
A baby is just the beginning. Motherhood is for life! It’s the joyous journey and loving look at the blessings and perils of being a mom. It’s climbing the emotional mountain only to find that there’s laundry at the top. It’s discovering how powerful your love can be and how quickly your children grow up. It’s helping them find their way and not losing yours. This hysterical and poignant four-woman musical is a must see for anyone who is, has, or knows a mom.
Information: 401-351-4242 or visit or visit www.trinityrep.com/
Time : Various; consult theater website
Admission : $44


The Second City’s Laugh Out Loud Tour – Providence, RI
June 7, 2012 to June 9, 2012
Trinity Repertory Company, 201 Washington Street Providence
Providence, RI
The Second City, Chicago’s legendary sketch comedy theater, brings their Laugh Out Loud Tour to Providence for five shows. The Laugh Out Loud Tour features some of the best sketches, songs, and improvisations from The Second City's fifty-two year history. Information: www.trinityrep.com or http://bit.ly/Ij67oY
Time : Consult theater website for show times and ticket prices
Phone : 401-351-4242


"The Merry Widow" with Opera Providence – Cranston, RI
June 15, 2012 to June 16, 2012
RI Center for Performing Arts, 848 Park Avenue
Cranston, RI
Does saying "I love you" really mean "I love your money?" By Franz Lehár. "The most popular operetta of the twentieth century!" Information: www.operaprovidence.org
Admission : $35 and $60
Phone : 401-331-6060


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SCIENCE & NATURE top of events
Monhegan Island Birding Trip with Rhode Island Audubon
May 18, 2012 to May 21, 2012
Departs from Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road
Smithfield , RI
Located off the coast of Maine, Monhegan Island has become one of the premiere destinations for spring migration in the northeast. Warblers, flycatchers, vireos and thrushes are all just part of the attraction. When conditions are ideal, the concentration of migrants can be staggering. Audubon guides have experienced this trip under all conditions and participants have never been disappointed. Also included is a cruise around Eastern Egg Rock, the southern most breeding colony for Atlantic Puffins. The trip is for three nights; 4:45 a.m.-8 p.m. For adults.
Admission : $925; fee includes transportation, accommodations, meals, (except lunches), the puffin tour and guided walks
Phone : 401-949-5454, ext. 3041


Free Family Fun Day at the Audubon Environmental Education Center – Bristol, CT
June 2, 2012 to June 2, 2012
1401 Hope Street
Bristol, RI
Families can explore environmental exhibits of Rhode Island’s diverse habitats, from upland meadow and cornfields to wetlands, salt marshes and the Narragansett Bay shoreline. Visitors can enjoy beautiful nature trails. Adopt a Plant, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Make a pot out of recycled materials and plant a seed to take home; Nature Craft, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Nature Story, 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Admission is free on the first Saturday of the month, courtesy of Citizens Bank. Information: www.asri.org/environmental-education-center/environmental-education-center.html
Time : 9 a.m.-5 p.m.


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SPORTS top of events
Colonial Theatre Golf Invitational -- Watch Hill, RI
May 23, 2012 to May 23, 2012
The Misquamicut Club in Watch Hill, 60 Ocean View Highway
Watch Hill, RI
Registration is at 11:00 a.m. A grill-buffet lunch will be served at noon. Tee time is 1 p.m. A cocktail hour with heavy hors d’oeuvres will be held at the end of the tournament. Event benefirts the Colonial Theater in Westerly, Rhode Island. Information: http://thecolonialtheater.org.
Time : 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Admission : $275 per person


Campbell's Hall of Fame Tennis Championships Finals -- Newport, RI
July 9, 2012 to July 15, 2012
194 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI
Direct from Wimbledon, some of the world’s best tennis players head to Newport, a stop on the ATP World Tour,the only men’s pro tennis tournament in the Northeast, and the only event played on grass courts outside of Europe. Early committed players include world No. 1 doubles team The Bryan Brothers; world No.17 John Isner; and Canadian star Milos Raonic. Tennis clinics will be available for all ages on July 9 and 10. The Angela Moore Fashion Show returns on July 12.
Information: www.tennisfame.com or call 401-849-6053
Time : Gates open at 10 a.m.
Admission : $20-$75


Top of Events