RHODE ISLAND

This three-day event showcases the many different events and activities of Block Island. The featured event is the Block Island Chowder Contest and Oyster festival. Also, a sand castle-building contest on the Town Beach; and arts festival at the ferry landing; a Baggo Tournament, tours of the Historical Society, animal farms and fiber mill, night-sky viewing; paddle-boarding; kayaking; shopping. Cost: Taste of Block Island Buttons, $5 per button. Information and schedules: http://www.blockislandchamber.com/TasteBI.htm

Join fiber and textile enthusiasts from across the Northeast at Rhode Island's only Wool and Fiber Festival. See craftspeople demonstrate traditional and contemporary fiber arts; purchase your own textile supplies, equipment, and gifts to take home; watch the hand shearing of sheep, and help with 18th century textile and farm work. Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: Adults, $8; seniors and children age 6 to 12, $5. Information: http://coggeshallfarm.org.

For the first time, America’s Cup racing will be held inside Narragansett Bay, off the shore of Newport, with excellent spectator views of the race course from beautiful Fort Adams. 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. Newport is the final stop in the inaugural America’s Cup World Series, which will feature both fleet and match racing. The highlight of each AC World Series stop is the spectacular, winner-takes-all, fleet race on final Sunday. The public may view all the action from Fort Adams State Park on Newport’s waterfront. Information: http://www.americascup.com/en/Events/2011-2012-world-series

The Black Ships Festival offers a variety of events that emphasize Japanese art and culture. Events include a formal Gala on July 20, Japanese arts and crafts like origami and ikebana; Martial arts, and a Japanese Tea Ceremony. A highlight will be the Taiko Drums. Information and schedule of events: www.newportevents.com/Blackships/main.shtml

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

Legendary folk music festival brings a vast lineup of music. Information and schedules: www.newportfolkfest.net/.

Dr. John & The Lower 911; Jonathan Batiste; Preservation Hall Jazz Band; Darcy James Argue's Secret Society; John Ellis & Double-Wide; James Carter Organ Trio; 3 Clarinets: Ken Peplowski - Evan Christopher - Anat Cohen; Dianne Reeves; Pat Metheny Unity Band; Christian McBride's Inside Straight; Jack DeJohnette Group; The Bad Plus with Bill Frisell; Dafnis Prieto Sextet; Bill Frisell-John Lennon Songbook; Jack DeJohnette All-Stars; Joe Lovano and Dave Douglas Quintet; Pedrito Martinez Group; Berklee Global Jazz Institute Sextet; John Hollenbeck's Claudia Quintet + 1; Maria Schneider Orchestra; Gretchen Parlato & Lionel Loueke; Jenny Scheinman & Bill Frisell; Jason Moran and the Bandwagon; Lewis Nash Quintet; Miguel Zenón & Laurent Coq's Rayuela; Kurt Elling; Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks; Ambrose Akinmusire Quintet; Tedeschi Trucks Band; Rudresh Mahanthappa's Samdhi; 3 Cohens: Yuval, Anat & Avishai Cohen; Ryan Truesdell's Gil Evans Centennial Project.
Information and schedules: www.newportjazzfest.net/

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/ or call 401-847-6787

This fun, family-friendly day starts with the Cherry Tree Running Festival beginning at Pawtucket City Hall. Then stroll up to 555 Roosevelt Avenue, where you'll find a chocolate tasting, music, kid friendly activities, a rubber duck race down the Blackstone River, and a cherry blossom bike tour. Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Cost: free. Schedule and Information: visit www.richerryblossomfestival.com. Contact: Blackstone Valley Tourism Council 401-724-2200 bvtourism@aol.com Annual event celebrating RI Asian culture and heritage and the ongoing revitalization of Roosevelt Avenue mill district in cities of Central Falls & Pawtucket. Highlights of the festival include family carnival, tree plantings, special events and more. Information: www.richerryblossomfestival.com.

Come and enjoy 126 contemporary American artisans, festive food, live music and strolling entertainment to include The Toe Jam Band and The Big Nazo. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: www.festivalfete.com

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. Time 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Information: www.gaspee.com/ArtsandCrafts.htm

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. Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: http://www.wakefieldrotary.com/NarragansettArtFestival.cfm