Rhode Island events calendar

Rhode Island Tours, Statewide

Various venues. Whether you want to explore Rhode Island by air, by bicycle, by foot, by road, by rail, or by water, there's a tour for you. Check out our Tours page for a comprehensive list of possibilities. For house and historic site tours, see our list of links to Museums and Historic Houses. Irregularly scheduled or one-off tours are listed below in our Events Calendar.

Blackstone Valley Culinaria Secret Ingredient Food Tour, Northern Rhode Island

6:00pm–8:00pm. Various venues. These weekly 'behind the scenes' public participation events at restaurants and food establishments in Rhode Island's historic Blackstone River Valley give residents and visitors an exciting opportunity to sample a wide variety of ethnic foods and cultural cuisine. Call (401) 724-2200, email donna@tourblackstone.com, or visit the Blackstone Culinaria website for more information.

Changing Fish Populations in Narragansett Bay, Warwick

7:00pm–8:00pm. Warwick Public Library, 600 Sandy Lane. Jump into the surprising world at our doorstep as URI doctoral student Anna Malek describes how fish populations have changed as the Bay has grown warmer. Call (401) 729-5440, x221, email wilgregersen@gmail.com, or visit the Warwick Public Library website for more information.

Gallery Night, Providence

5:00pm–9:00pm. Various venues. Hop a free Art Bus and visit more than two dozen galleries, museums, and historic sites. Free parking at select locations. Call (401) 751-2628, or visit Gallery Night Providence for more information.

Providence Ghost Tour, Providence

Begins at 8:00pm. Prospect Terrace, Congdon Street. A walking ghost and haunted history tour of the East Side of Providence, featuring ghosts, murders, suicides, fires, and unfortunate gruesome accidents! Tickets are $15 in advance, or $18 in person. Visit the Providence Ghost Tour website for tickets and more information.

Fort Adams Opening Day, Newport

10:00am–4:00pm. Fort Adams State Park. Guided tours depart from the gift shop, weather permitting, every hour on the hour. View the officers' quarters, explore the underground listening tunnels, and climb the rampart walls for breathtaking views of Newport Harbor. Tours run through Columbus Day. Call (401) 841-0707, or visit the Fort Adams website for more information

Friends of the Peace Dale Library Book Sale, Peace Dale, South Kingstown

9:00am–2:00pm. Peace Dale Library, 1057 Kingstown Road. The usual fine selection of hardcover books, paperbacks, audiobooks, and more, with great prices! Every purchase supports Library programming for children and adults at the Peace Dale Library. Call (401) 789-1555, email skiref@skpl.org, or visit the South Kingstown Public Library website for more information.

6th Annual Rhode Island Wool and Fiber Festival, Bristol

9:00am–4:00pm. Coggeshall Farm Museum, Poppasquash Road. 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 eighteenth century textile and farm work. Adults, $8; seniors and children 6-12, $3; 5 and under, free. Call (401) 245-0750, email events@coggeshallfarm.org, or visit the Coggeshall Farm Museum website for more information.

12th Annual Walk Through Historic Pawtuxet Village, Pawtuxet, Cranston

12:30pm–3:30pm. The Gazebo, Pawtuxet Park, Narragansett Parkway. Our local schoolchildren dress up in Colonial style to give tours of the historic homes and sites within Pawtuxet Village. Tours every ten minutes. Adults, $5; children, $3. Call (401) 781-1772, email historicwalkingtour@verizon.net, or visit the Gaspee Days website for more information.

WaterFire—partial lighting, Providence

Begins at dusk. Waterplace Park. Water, light, smoke, music, and street performers combine to form an elemental art experience. Free. Call (401) 272-3111, or visit the WaterFire website for more information.

Cornerstone Auction Gallery Monthly Antiques Auction, West Warwick

Begins at 2:00pm. The Ivy Garden, 272 Cowesett Avenue. Cornerstone Auction Gallery is the longest continuously run auction company in Rhode Island, with over fifty years experience. Preview at 2pm; box lots at 5pm; main auction at 6pm. Call (401) 439-0294, email cornerstoneauctiongallery@gmail.com, or visit the Cornerstone Auction Gallery website for more information.

Blackstone Valley Culinaria Secret Ingredient Food Tour, Northern Rhode Island

6:00pm–8:00pm. Various venues. These weekly 'behind the scenes' public participation events at restaurants and food establishments in Rhode Island's historic Blackstone River Valley give residents and visitors an exciting opportunity to sample a wide variety of ethnic foods and cultural cuisine. Call (401) 724-2200, email donna@tourblackstone.com, or visit the Blackstone Culinaria website for more information.

Witches, Wenches, and Wild Women of Rhode Island, Riverside, East Providence

6:30pm–8:00pm. Riverside Branch Library, 475 Bullocks Point Avenue. Join local journalist, teacher, and author M.E. Reilly-McGreen as she speaks about her book. Hear about such figures as 'Tuggie Bannock: Narragansett's Would-Be Witch,' 'Sylvia Tory: Witch of Ministerial Woods,' 'Mercy Brown: Eternally Bewitched and Bedeviled,' 'The Mad Mama of Block Island,' and 'Kate Chase Sprague: Beauty and the Beast.' Call (401) 434-2453, email mbonds@eastprovidencelibrary.org, or visit the Riverside Branch Library website for more information.

"Cliff Walk" book launch, Providence

7:00pm–8:15pm. Providence Public Library, 150 Empire Street. Award-winning Author Bruce DeSilva launches the second in his series of Rhode Island-based mystery novels. Call (401) 455-8090, email tmason@provlib.org, or visit the Providence Public Library website for more information.

Creative Placemaking: Providence, the Creative Capital—Fact or Fiction?, Providence

5:00pm–7:30pm. Pell Chafee Performance Center, 87 Empire Street. Reception from 5-6pm; panel discussion from 6-7:30pm. Call (401) 831-9327 x105, email cynthia@as220.org, or visit the AS220 website for more information.

Haven Brothers: The Movie Kickstarter Campaign Kick-Off, Providence

6:00pm–8:00pm. Johnson & Wales Culinary Arts Museum, 315 Harborside Boulevard. Come support the documentary about a Providence icon, the oldest operating American diner on wheels. The Haven Brothers food truck will be parked outside of the museum for the evening, with plenty of tasty fare available for purchase. Share your stories for the camera. Suggested donation, $10; RSVP by May 21. Call (401) 598-2805, or visit the Culinary Arts Museum website for more information.

Fortress of Nightmares Summer Ghost Hunts, Newport

9:00pm–11:59pm. Fort Adams State Park, off Harrison Avenue. Brave guests get three hours to investigate the fort with The Rhode Island Paranormal Research Group as their guides. Call (401) 841-0707, email rmccormack@fortadams.org, or visit the Fortress of Nightmares website for more information.

Providence Ghost Tour, Providence

Begins at 8:00pm. Prospect Terrace, Congdon Street. A walking ghost and haunted history tour of the East Side of Providence, featuring ghosts, murders, suicides, fires, and unfortunate gruesome accidents! Tickets are $15 in advance, or $18 in person. Visit the Providence Ghost Tour website for tickets and more information.

The Secret Life of War Memorials, Part 2, Providence

11:00am–12:30pm. Aldrich House, 110 Benevolent Street. Follow-up the May 10 film and lecture experience with a walk to see some of Rhode Island's most well-known war memorials found here in Providence, lead by RIHS Tourism Services Manager Barbara Barnes. $10; $12 for both parts. RSVP to (401) 273-7507 x62, or bbarnes@rihs.org. Visit the Rhode Island Historical Society website for more information.

WaterFire, Providence

Begins at dusk. Waterplace Park. Water, light, smoke, music, and street performers combine to form an elemental art experience. Free. Call (401) 272-3111, or visit the WaterFire website for more information.

Spring Lake Beach Summer Season Begins!, Glendale, Burrillville

Spring Lake Beach, 50 Old Hillside Drive. Spring Lake Beach is a great place to visit for families to enjoy a day of swimming, boating, arcade machines, and refreshments at the snack bar. Restroom facilities (including heated outdoor showers), slides at the water's edge, and free parking are included in your admission price. Call (401) 568-9474, or visit the Town of Burrillville website for more information.

Breakfast in the Barnyard, Bristol

9:00am–10:30am. Coggeshall Farm Museum, Poppasquash Road. Rise and shine with the fowl and swine! Participants help the museum's costumed interpreters with the morning chores while learning about farm animals in eighteenth century Rhode Island, then sit down to a breakfast of 1790s Johnnycakes. Stay throughout the day for additional hands-on eighteenth century farm work. Be prompt and be prepared to get dirty. Admission $3-$8; children 5 and under, free. Call (401) 245-0750, or visit the Coggeshall Farm Museum website for more information.

Historic Foodways and Hearth Cooking Workshop, Bristol

3:00pm–8:00pm. Coggeshall Farm Museum, Poppasquash Road. 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. Members, $50; non-members $60. Call (401) 253-9062, email info@coggeshallfarm.org, or visit the Coggeshall Farm Museum website for more information.

Gaspee Days Arts and Crafts Festival, Pawtuxet, Warwick

10:00am–5:00pm. Pawtuxet Park, Narragansett Parkway. 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. Call (401) 781-1772, or visit the Gaspee Days Committee website for more information.

Dusk Memorial Service, Cranston

Begins at 6:00pm. Pocasset Cemetery, 417 Dyer Avenue, at the flagpole. Elisha Dyer Camp no. 7, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, will conduct a Dusk Memorial Service to the honored dead buried at the cemetery. After a reading of the Roll of Honor and presentations by the Camp Commander and a local dignitary (or two!), the assemblage will proceed to the final resting places of two of the original founders of G.A.R. Arnold Post 4, Dr. William Hutchinson and Lester Seneca Hill, for individual recognition and honors. The public is welcome to attend.

Rhode Island's Earliest Days, Johnston

Begins at 7:00pm. Elijah Angell House, 101 Putnam Pike. Roger Williams National Memorial park ranger John McNiff will be our speaker. We're not sure what the topic will be yet, but Mr. McNiff is a very entertaining speaker with a deep knowledge of Roger Williams, William Blackstone, local Indian tribes, and the founding of Providence. Call (401) 231-3380, email info@johnstonhistorical.org, or visit the Johnston Historical Society website for more information.

Blackstone Valley Culinaria Secret Ingredient Food Tour, Northern Rhode Island

6:00pm–8:00pm. Various venues. These weekly 'behind the scenes' public participation events at restaurants and food establishments in Rhode Island's historic Blackstone River Valley give residents and visitors an exciting opportunity to sample a wide variety of ethnic foods and cultural cuisine. Call (401) 724-2200, email donna@tourblackstone.com, or visit the Blackstone Culinaria website for more information.

Art Night: Gallery and Open Studio Tours, Bristol and Warren

5:00pm–8:00pm. Various locations. Think gallery stroll with a twist as 'Art Night' provides access to the inner workings of artists' studios. A free trolley runs between galleries and studios in the two towns, and local restaurants offer dining incentives. Visit the Art Night website for more information.

WaterFire—partial lighting, Providence

Begins at dusk. Waterplace Park. Water, light, smoke, music, and street performers combine to form an elemental art experience. Free. Call (401) 272-3111, or visit the WaterFire website for more information.

Providence Ghost Tour, Providence

Begins at 8:00pm. Prospect Terrace, Congdon Street. A walking ghost and haunted history tour of the East Side of Providence, featuring ghosts, murders, suicides, fires, and unfortunate gruesome accidents! Tickets are $15 in advance, or $18 in person. Visit the Providence Ghost Tour website for tickets and more information.

Open House at Clemence-Irons House, Johnston

11:00am–4:00pm. 38 George Waterman Road. Join a representative from Historic New England for a tour of this rarely-open seventeenth-century stone-ender. Tours on the hour. Free. Visit the Historic New England website for more information.

6th Annual Visitors Day at Swiss Village, Newport

9:00am–3:00pm. SVF Foundation, 152 Harrison Avenue. Visitors will take a self-guided tour through the historic site, view several endangered breeds of livestock, and learn about SVF's scientific mission. This event is free to the general public. No parking will be allowed on-site, however free parking and shuttle service will be provided from Fort Adams State Park. Call (401) 848-7229, email info@svffoundation.org, or visit the SVF Foundation website for more information.

31st Annual Great Chowder Cook-Off, Newport

12:00pm–6:00pm. Newport Yachting Center, 4 Commercial Wharf. The world's original and longest running chowder competition determines bragging rights to the world's "chowda" champion title among dozens of restaurants, divided into Clam, Seafood, and Creative chowder categories. Call (401) 846-1600, or visit the Newport Waterfront Festivals website for more information.

Vintage Baseball, Bristol

Begins at 1:00pm. Bristol Common. Bristol Blues vs. Thames Base Ball Club. Visit the Bristol Blues Base Ball Club Facebook page for more information.

BOGO at Newport Creamery, Statewide

All Locations. Buy One Get One Free Awful Awful Mondays return! Now through Labor Day. Visit the Newport Creamery website for more information.

Newport Bermuda Race 2012, Newport

Castle Hill, 590 Ocean Drive. The Newport Bermuda Race is a 635 nautical-mile ocean race, most of it out of sight of land, usually lasting three to six days. It crosses a stretch of the Atlantic Ocean known for challenging weather, especially in the Gulf Stream, where there are strong currents. View the start from Rhode Island shores. Call (401) 845-9110, email info@gonewport.com, or visit the Bermuda Race website for more information.

Federal Hill Stroll, Providence

4:30pm–7:30pm. Atwells Avenue. Stroll through one of Providence's most culturally appealing and historically inviting neighborhoods, while sampling signature cuisine and enjoying exclusive discounts at fabulous eateries and specialty boutiques. Order tickets in advance from (401) 456-0200, or online from the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau website. Tickets are limited and cannot be purchased the day of the Stroll.

Blackstone Valley Culinaria Secret Ingredient Food Tour, Northern Rhode Island

6:00pm–8:00pm. Various venues. These weekly 'behind the scenes' public participation events at restaurants and food establishments in Rhode Island's historic Blackstone River Valley give residents and visitors an exciting opportunity to sample a wide variety of ethnic foods and cultural cuisine. Call (401) 724-2200, email donna@tourblackstone.com, or visit the Blackstone Culinaria website for more information.

Exhibit Opening Lecture: The District of Bristol and Warren in the American Whaling Industry, Bristol

Begins at 7:00pm. Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street. Join author Judith Navas Lund for an examination of the role of the customs district of Bristol-Warren in the whaling industry. Members, $6; non-members, $8; registration requested. Exhibit runs through September 10Call (401) 949-5454 x3041, email programs@asri.org, or visit the Audubon Society of Rhode Island website for more information.

Providence Ghost Tour, Providence

Begins at 8:00pm. Prospect Terrace, Congdon Street. A walking ghost and haunted history tour of the East Side of Providence, featuring ghosts, murders, suicides, fires, and unfortunate gruesome accidents! Tickets are $15 in advance, or $18 in person. Visit the Providence Ghost Tour website for tickets and more information.

Gaspee Days Colonial Encampment, Pawtuxet, Warwick

6pm Friday to 4pm Sunday. Pawtuxet Park, Narragansett Parkway. Our 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, RIM. Free. Call (401) 781-1772, or visit the Gaspee Days Committee website for more information.

WaterFire, Providence

Begins at dusk. Waterplace Park. Water, light, smoke, music, and street performers combine to form an elemental art experience. Free. Call (401) 272-3111, or visit the WaterFire website for more information.

Historic Foodways and Hearth Cooking Workshop, Bristol

3:00pm–8:00pm. Coggeshall Farm Museum, Poppasquash Road. 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. Members, $50; non-members $60. Call (401) 253-9062, email info@coggeshallfarm.org, or visit the Coggeshall Farm Museum website for more information.

Rhode Island Scottish Highland Festival, Carolina, Richmond

9:00am–5:00pm. Washington County Fairgrounds, 80 Richmond Townhouse Road. Authentic Scottish Fair with competitions for solo piping, bands, solo drummers, highland dance and heavy athletics; clan village, Scottish entertainers, food, animals and merchandise. Adults, $12; children ages 6-12, $5; under 6, free. Call (401) 596-5849, or visit the Rhode Island Scottish Highland Festival website for more information.

47th Annual Gaspee Days Parade, Pawtuxet, Cranston

10:00am–1:00pm. Narragansett Parkway, Warwick, to Broad Street in Cranston through Pawtuxet Village. 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! Free. Call (401) 781-1772, or visit the Gaspee Days Committee website for more information.

Garden City Center Art Festival, Cranston

10:00am–5:00pm. Garden City Center. The festival will host over 125 contemporary American artisans, live music, and strolling entertainment for a full weekend of fun. Email jennifer@festivalfete.com, or visit the Festival Fete website for more information.

The Nature of Prudence Island Tour, Bristol

9:45am–5:45pm. Bristol Ferry Landing, Thames Street. Hike Prudence Island and explore its natural beauty while also learning about the Island's unique history. Members: $12; Non-members: $16; ferry ticket not included. Bring a lunch. Pre-registration is required. Course number: 574333-11. Call (401) 949-5454 x3041, email programs@asri.org, or visit the Audubon Society of Rhode Island website for more information.

Gaspee Days Sunday in the Park and the Burning of the Gaspee, Pawtuxet, Warwick

12:30pm–5:00pm. Pawtuxet Park, Narragansett Parkway. Bring your family and a picnic feast and enjoy live music (12:30-3pm) and the burning of the HMS Gaspee (4pm). Call (401) 781-1772, or visit the Gaspee Days Committee website for more information.

Blackstone Valley Culinaria Secret Ingredient Food Tour, Northern Rhode Island

6:00pm–8:00pm. Various venues. These weekly 'behind the scenes' public participation events at restaurants and food establishments in Rhode Island's historic Blackstone River Valley give residents and visitors an exciting opportunity to sample a wide variety of ethnic foods and cultural cuisine. Call (401) 724-2200, email donna@tourblackstone.com, or visit the Blackstone Culinaria website for more information.

Preservation Society Annual Meeting, Newport

Begins at 6:00pm. Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Avenue. Enjoy a snapshot of the past year and the year to come! Meeting will include the election of trustees, reports from the Chairman, Executive Director and Treasurer, and presentation of the annual Laurel Awards. A light reception with wine and cheese will follow. Call (401) 847-1000, or visit the Newport Mansions website for more information.

Providence Ghost Tour, Providence

Begins at 8:00pm. Prospect Terrace, Congdon Street. A walking ghost and haunted history tour of the East Side of Providence, featuring ghosts, murders, suicides, fires, and unfortunate gruesome accidents! Tickets are $15 in advance, or $18 in person. Visit the Providence Ghost Tour website for tickets and more information.

Breakfast in the Barnyard, Bristol

9:00am–10:30am. Coggeshall Farm Museum, Poppasquash Road. Rise and shine with the fowl and swine! Participants help the museum's costumed interpreters with the morning chores while learning about farm animals in eighteenth century Rhode Island, then sit down to a breakfast of 1790s Johnnycakes. Stay throughout the day for additional hands-on eighteenth century farm work. Be prompt and be prepared to get dirty. Admission $3-$8; children 5 and under, free. Call (401) 245-0750, or visit the Coggeshall Farm Museum website for more information.

22nd Anniversary Rhode Island National Guard Open House and Air Show, North Kingstown

9:00am–4:00pm. Quonset State Airport, 1 Minuteman Way. A favorite family tradition since 1991. This year's show will feature the Air Force Thunderbirds and many other first-class flight demonstrations! Donations for parking benefit local charities. Call (401) 275-4110 or (401) 886-1478, or visit the Rhode Island Air Show website for more information.

Open House at Clemence-Irons House, Johnston

11:00am–4:00pm. 38 George Waterman Road. Join a representative from Historic New England for a tour of this rarely-open seventeenth-century stone-ender. Tours on the hour. Admission charged. Visit the Historic New England website for more information.

7th Annual Rochambeau Biscuit Day Tea, Cranston

6:00pm–9:00pm. Joy Homestead, 156 Scituate Avenue. Celebrate the 1781 march of General Rochambeau through Rhode Island on his way to victory over the British at Yorktown with tea and homemade biscuits and strawberries at the Joy Homestead, located on the Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route. $5 donation. Call (401) 944-9226, email joyhomesteader@verizon.net, or visit the Cranston Historical Society website for more information.

Cornerstone Auction Gallery Monthly Antiques Auction, West Warwick

Begins at 2:00pm. The Ivy Garden, 272 Cowesett Avenue. Cornerstone Auction Gallery is the longest continuously run auction company in Rhode Island, with over fifty years experience. Preview at 2pm; box lots at 5pm; main auction at 6pm. Call (401) 439-0294, email cornerstoneauctiongallery@gmail.com, or visit the Cornerstone Auction Gallery website for more information.

Blackstone Valley Culinaria Secret Ingredient Food Tour, Northern Rhode Island

6:00pm–8:00pm. Various venues. These weekly 'behind the scenes' public participation events at restaurants and food establishments in Rhode Island's historic Blackstone River Valley give residents and visitors an exciting opportunity to sample a wide variety of ethnic foods and cultural cuisine. Call (401) 724-2200, email donna@tourblackstone.com, or visit the Blackstone Culinaria website for more information.

The First Annual Quahogger's Jamboree, Warwick

7:00pm–8:00pm. Warwick Public Library, 600 Sandy Lane. The library will be rededicating its signature fountain, which depicts a quahogger. There will be music. Call (401) 739-5440 x126, or visit the Warwick Public Library website for more information.

Gallery Night, Providence

5:00pm–9:00pm. Various venues. Hop a free Art Bus and visit more than two dozen galleries, museums, and historic sites. Free parking at select locations. Call (401) 751-2628, or visit Gallery Night Providence for more information.

Fortress of Nightmares Summer Ghost Hunts, Newport

9:00pm–11:59pm. Fort Adams State Park, off Harrison Avenue. Brave guests get three hours to investigate the fort with The Rhode Island Paranormal Research Group as their guides. Call (401) 841-0707, email rmccormack@fortadams.org, or visit the Fortress of Nightmares website for more information.

Providence Ghost Tour, Providence

Begins at 8:00pm. Prospect Terrace, Congdon Street. A walking ghost and haunted history tour of the East Side of Providence, featuring ghosts, murders, suicides, fires, and unfortunate gruesome accidents! Tickets are $15 in advance, or $18 in person. Visit the Providence Ghost Tour website for tickets and more information.

4th Biannual Gardens By The Sea Tour, Charlestown and South Kingstown

10:00am–4:00pm. Cross Mills Public Library, 4417 Old Post Road. A self-guided tour of twelve coastal communities gardens, all new for this year. Begins at the library where you will receive a map and brochure to guide you through the private gardens. Rain or Shine. Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 day of the tour. Call (401) 364-6211, or visit the Cross Mills Public Library website for more information.

Bristol Tales of the Slave and Rum Trade Walking Tour, Bristol

Begins at 10:00am. Linden Place, 500 Hope Street. Walking tour of the Mansion and downtown Bristol, focused specifically on Bristol's DeWolf Family and their involvement in the Slave Trade. Includes a stop (and complimentary drink) at the DeWolf Tavern. Linden Place members, $10; non-members $15; space limited, reservation required. Call (401) 253-0390, or visit the Linden Place website for more information.

WaterFire, Providence

Begins at dusk. Waterplace Park. Water, light, smoke, music, and street performers combine to form an elemental art experience. Free. Call (401) 272-3111, or visit the WaterFire website for more information.

Breakfast in the Barnyard, Bristol

9:00am–10:30am. Coggeshall Farm Museum, Poppasquash Road. Rise and shine with the fowl and swine! Participants help the museum's costumed interpreters with the morning chores while learning about farm animals in eighteenth century Rhode Island, then sit down to a breakfast of 1790s Johnnycakes. Stay throughout the day for additional hands-on eighteenth century farm work. Be prompt and be prepared to get dirty. Admission $3-$8; children 5 and under, free. Call (401) 245-0750, or visit the Coggeshall Farm Museum website for more information.

Historic Foodways and Hearth Cooking Workshop, Bristol

3:00pm–8:00pm. Coggeshall Farm Museum, Poppasquash Road. 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. Members, $50; non-members $60. Call (401) 253-9062, email info@coggeshallfarm.org, or visit the Coggeshall Farm Museum website for more information.

Narragansett Art Festival, Narragansett Pier, Narragansett

9:00am–5:00pm. Veterans' Memorial Park, 35 Ocean Road. 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. Call Deedra at (401) 789-7713, email deedra110@verizon.net, or visit the Wakefield Rotary website for more information.

America's Cup World Series, Newport

Fort Adams State Park, off Harrison Avenue. Newport is the final stop in the inaugural America's Cup World Series, which will feature both fleet and match racing. See the world's top sailors compete in the state-of-the-art AC45 wing-sailed catamarans, the first time the high-tech boats will be raced on the east coast of the U.S. Call (401) 845-9110, email info@americascup.com, or visit the America's Cup website for more information.

Blackstone Valley Culinaria Secret Ingredient Food Tour, Northern Rhode Island

6:00pm–8:00pm. Various venues. These weekly 'behind the scenes' public participation events at restaurants and food establishments in Rhode Island's historic Blackstone River Valley give residents and visitors an exciting opportunity to sample a wide variety of ethnic foods and cultural cuisine. Call (401) 724-2200, email donna@tourblackstone.com, or visit the Blackstone Culinaria website for more information.

Hawk Show and Tell, Johnston

Begins at 7:00pm. Elijah Angell House, 101 Putnam Pike. Kim Calcagno, wildlife refuge manager at the Audubon Society of Rhode Island headquarters in Smithfield, will be our speaker. She'll tell us about local hawks, and will probably bring a live hawk to show off. Call (401) 231-3380, email info@johnstonhistorical.org, or visit the Johnston Historical Society website for more information.

Art Night: Gallery and Open Studio Tours, Bristol and Warren

5:00pm–8:00pm. Various locations. Think gallery stroll with a twist as 'Art Night' provides access to the inner workings of artists' studios. A free trolley runs between galleries and studios in the two towns, and local restaurants offer dining incentives. Visit the Art Night website for more information.

Providence Ghost Tour, Providence

Begins at 8:00pm. Prospect Terrace, Congdon Street. A walking ghost and haunted history tour of the East Side of Providence, featuring ghosts, murders, suicides, fires, and unfortunate gruesome accidents! Tickets are $15 in advance, or $18 in person. Visit the Providence Ghost Tour website for tickets and more information.

Breakfast in the Barnyard, Bristol

9:00am–10:30am. Coggeshall Farm Museum, Poppasquash Road. Rise and shine with the fowl and swine! Participants help the museum's costumed interpreters with the morning chores while learning about farm animals in eighteenth century Rhode Island, then sit down to a breakfast of 1790s Johnnycakes. Stay throughout the day for additional hands-on eighteenth century farm work. Be prompt and be prepared to get dirty. Admission $3-$8; children 5 and under, free. Call (401) 245-0750, or visit the Coggeshall Farm Museum website for more information.

Fireworks, Statewide

For comprehensive, up-to-the-minute information on local fireworks displays, visit the Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce website.

Providence Ghost Tour, Providence

Begins at 8:00pm. Prospect Terrace, Congdon Street. A walking ghost and haunted history tour of the East Side of Providence, featuring ghosts, murders, suicides, fires, and unfortunate gruesome accidents! Tickets are $15 in advance, or $18 in person. Visit the Providence Ghost Tour website for tickets and more information.

Fireworks, Newport

Begins at 9:15pm. Launched from Fort Adams and visible all along the waterfront. Call (401) 845-9123 or (800) 976-5122 for more information.

Fourth of July Parade Picnic, Bristol

8:00am–2:00pm. Linden Place, 500 Hope Street. Located on the parade route, Linden Place offers bleacher-style seating, tables and chairs under linden trees, a continental breakfast and picnic lunch, restroom facilities, and elbow room! Adults, $65; children, $50; $15 discount for members. Call (401) 253-0390, or visit the Linden Place website for more information.

Park Concert and Fireworks, Providence

Begins at 7:30pm. India Point Park. Party with the The Rhode Island Philharmonic Pops Orchestra. Cannon fire in support of the 1812 Overture supplied by the Artillery Company of Newport. Fireworks at 9pm.

Ocean State Tall Ships Festival, Newport

Perrotti Park, Newport Waterfront. Newport will be an Official Host Port for the Tall Ships Challenge series on the Atlantic Coast. 2012 marks the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, a defining event in the national history of the United States and Canada, and Rhode Island's citizens are excited to commemorate this important bicentennial. Call (401) 847-6787, email edonovan@oceanstatetallships.com, or visit the Ocean State Tall Ships Festival website for more information.

Fireworks, Jamestown

Begins at 9:00pm. East Ferry. Two live bands in Veteran's Square, 7:30-9:30pm. Email headhog@rockethogs.com, or visit Rockethogs.com for more information.

Breakfast in the Barnyard, Bristol

9:00am–10:30am. Coggeshall Farm Museum, Poppasquash Road. Rise and shine with the fowl and swine! Participants help the museum's costumed interpreters with the morning chores while learning about farm animals in eighteenth century Rhode Island, then sit down to a breakfast of 1790s Johnnycakes. Stay throughout the day for additional hands-on eighteenth century farm work. Be prompt and be prepared to get dirty. Admission $3-$8; children 5 and under, free. Call (401) 245-0750, or visit the Coggeshall Farm Museum website for more information.

Historic Foodways and Hearth Cooking Workshop, Bristol

3:00pm–8:00pm. Coggeshall Farm Museum, Poppasquash Road. 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. Members, $50; non-members $60. Call (401) 253-9062, email info@coggeshallfarm.org, or visit the Coggeshall Farm Museum website for more information.

31st Annual Snug Harbor Shark Tournament, Wakefield, South Kingstown

Snug Harbor Marina, 410 Gooseberry Road. Anglers compete to land the largest Mako, Blue, and Thresher Sharks. Tag and release. Ladies and junior prizes also awarded. Sunday cookout concludes the weekend tournament. Call (401) 783-7766, email fishsnugharbor@hotmail.com, or visit the Snug Harbor Marina website for more information.

50th Annual Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, North Kingstown

Begins at 10:00am. Route 1A. The country's oldest open-air art fair features more than 250 artists from around the country and around the world. Fine arts-paintings, sculpture, and photography. Call (401) 294-6840, email festivaldirector@wickfordart.org, or visit the Wickford Art Association website for more information.

Green Animals Children's Party, Portsmouth

4:00pm–8:00pm. Green Animals Topiary Garden, 380 Cory's Lane. Children and adults alike will enjoy magic, clowns, refreshments, balloons, jugglers, pony rides, kiddie rides, circus acts, and lots more fun on the grounds of this legendary topiary garden overlooking Narragansett Bay. Tickets sold at the door only. Rain or shine. Call (401) 847-1000, or visit the Newport Mansions website for more information.

Breakfast in the Barnyard, Bristol

9:00am–10:30am. Coggeshall Farm Museum, Poppasquash Road. Rise and shine with the fowl and swine! Participants help the museum's costumed interpreters with the morning chores while learning about farm animals in eighteenth century Rhode Island, then sit down to a breakfast of 1790s Johnnycakes. Stay throughout the day for additional hands-on eighteenth century farm work. Be prompt and be prepared to get dirty. Admission $3-$8; children 5 and under, free. Call (401) 245-0750, or visit the Coggeshall Farm Museum website for more information.

Civil War Living History Weekend, Newport

Begins at 10:00am. Fort Adams State Park, off Harrison Avenue. Soldiers in authentic Civil War uniforms of both the Union and Confederate armies will re-create camp life, from cooking and family life to artillery and troop drills, medical demonstrations, battles, and a nineteenth-century religious service. Adults, $10; children 6-17, $5. Call (401) 841-0707, email info@fortadams.org, or visit the Fort Adams website for more information.

Open House at Clemence-Irons House, Johnston

11:00am–4:00pm. 38 George Waterman Road. Join a representative from Historic New England for a tour of this rarely-open seventeenth-century stone-ender. Tours on the hour. Admission charged. Visit the Historic New England website for more information.

Cornerstone Auction Gallery Monthly Antiques Auction, West Warwick

Begins at 2:00pm. The Ivy Garden, 272 Cowesett Avenue. Cornerstone Auction Gallery is the longest continuously run auction company in Rhode Island, with over fifty years experience. Preview at 2pm; box lots at 5pm; main auction at 6pm. Call (401) 439-0294, email cornerstoneauctiongallery@gmail.com, or visit the Cornerstone Auction Gallery website for more information.

106th Annual St. Mary's Feast, Knightsville, Cranston

15 Phenix Avenue. Come to Cranston's Knightsville community to be a part of this Italian festival. Italian food and music, a parade, amusement rides and games, a strolling Italian accordionist, procession, and fireworks are all part of the festivities. 100 vendors will be in attendance. Visit the Society of San Gennaro Feast website for more information.

27th Annual Apponaug Old Timer's Dinner, East Greenwich

Begins at 6:45pm. East Greenwich Veterans Fireman's Hall, Queen Street. Long-time Apponaug residents share their recollections of village life in days gone by. The event also features a sit down meal, annual gift and optional raffle. Admisson: $20; seating limited; reservations required; deadline, July 15. Note: This is a men only event; see September 9th for a similar event for women only. Call Dick at (401) 737-3878, or email dickcoutu@verizon.net for tickets and information.

Gallery Night, Providence

5:00pm–9:00pm. Various venues. Hop a free Art Bus and visit more than two dozen galleries, museums, and historic sites. Free parking at select locations. Call (401) 751-2628, or visit Gallery Night Providence for more information.

Black Ships Festival, Newport

Various venues. A celebration of the arts and culture of Japan, commemorating the historic achievements of Commodore Matthew C. Perry, USN, of Newport, who negotiated the first treaty between Japan and the United States. Demonstrations and workshops include origami, sushi-making, martial arts, Taiko drumming, and traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Call (401) 847-7666, email candace@newportevents.com, or visit the Newport Events website for more information.

Historic Foodways and Hearth Cooking Workshop, Bristol

3:00pm–8:00pm. Coggeshall Farm Museum, Poppasquash Road. 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. Members, $50; non-members $60. Call (401) 253-9062, email info@coggeshallfarm.org, or visit the Coggeshall Farm Museum website for more information.

WaterFire, Providence

Begins at dusk. Waterplace Park. Water, light, smoke, music, and street performers combine to form an elemental art experience. Free. Call (401) 272-3111, or visit the WaterFire website for more information.

Breakfast in the Barnyard, Bristol

9:00am–10:30am. Coggeshall Farm Museum, Poppasquash Road. Rise and shine with the fowl and swine! Participants help the museum's costumed interpreters with the morning chores while learning about farm animals in eighteenth century Rhode Island, then sit down to a breakfast of 1790s Johnnycakes. Stay throughout the day for additional hands-on eighteenth century farm work. Be prompt and be prepared to get dirty. Admission $3-$8; children 5 and under, free. Call (401) 245-0750, or visit the Coggeshall Farm Museum website for more information.

Rhode Island Indian Council Annual Powwow, Providence

10:00am–6:00pm. Temple to Music, Roger Williams Park. Call (401) 781-1098, or visit the Rhode Island Indian Council website for more information.

Art Night: Gallery and Open Studio Tours, Bristol and Warren

5:00pm–8:00pm. Various locations. Think gallery stroll with a twist as 'Art Night' provides access to the inner workings of artists' studios. A free trolley runs between galleries and studios in the two towns, and local restaurants offer dining incentives. Visit the Art Night website for more information.

Fortress of Nightmares Summer Ghost Hunts, Newport

9:00pm–11:59pm. Fort Adams State Park, off Harrison Avenue. Brave guests get three hours to investigate the fort with The Rhode Island Paranormal Research Group as their guides. Call (401) 841-0707, email rmccormack@fortadams.org, or visit the Fortress of Nightmares website for more information.

36th Annual Save The Bay Swim, Newport and Jamestown

Begins at 8:00am. The Swim begins at the Naval Station in Newport and ends at Potter Cove in Jamestown (1.7 miles). Pledge dollars raised by swimmers help support Save the Bay advocacy, education, and habitat restoration. Call (401) 272-3540 x119, or visit the Save the Bay website to register or for more information.

Breakfast in the Barnyard, Bristol

9:00am–10:30am. Coggeshall Farm Museum, Poppasquash Road. Rise and shine with the fowl and swine! Participants help the museum's costumed interpreters with the morning chores while learning about farm animals in eighteenth century Rhode Island, then sit down to a breakfast of 1790s Johnnycakes. Stay throughout the day for additional hands-on eighteenth century farm work. Be prompt and be prepared to get dirty. Admission $3-$8; children 5 and under, free. Call (401) 245-0750, or visit the Coggeshall Farm Museum website for more information.

53rd Annual Newport Folk Festival, Newport

10:00am–7:00pm. Fort Adams State Park, Ocean Drive. Celebrate more than five decades of folk music in Newport with the best and brightest of the folk pantheon. Call (401) 848-5055, email newporttickets@gmail.com, or visit the Newport Folk Festival website for more information.

Providence Ghost Tour, Providence

Begins at 8:00pm. Prospect Terrace, Congdon Street. A walking ghost and haunted history tour of the East Side of Providence, featuring ghosts, murders, suicides, fires, and unfortunate gruesome accidents! Tickets are $15 in advance, or $18 in person. Visit the Providence Ghost Tour website for tickets and more information.

Newport Jazz Festival, Newport

10:00am–7:00pm. Fort Adams State Park, Ocean Drive. Enjoy the very latest tunes from some of the giants of jazz! Call (401) 848-5055, email jazz@newportjazzfest.net, or visit the Newport Jazz Festival website for more information.

FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival, Providence and Newport

Various venues. Cited as one of the "Best International and Short Film Festivals in the United States," the Rhode Island International Film Festival is also the largest film festival in New England. Features film screenings, forums, a lifetime achievement award ceremony, and special events. Call (401) 861-4445, or visit the Rhode Island International Film Festival website for more information.

3rd Annual Ladies of Apponaug Luncheon, Warwick

12:00pm–4:00pm. Chelo's, 2225 Post Road. Long-time Apponaug residents share their recollections of village life in days gone by. The event also features a sit down meal and optional raffle. Luncheon: $28; seating limited; reservations required. Raffle proceeds benefit a non-profit organization TBD. Note: This is a ladies only event; see July 19, 2012, for a similar event for men only. Call Denise at (401) 265-6395, or email dpsmine1@cox.net for tickets and information.

7th Annual Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival, Newport

Rosecliff and Marble House, Bellevue Avenue. Restaurant wine dinners, seminars, auctions, a grand tasting and much more bring together food and wine experts and connoisseurs from around the world. Call (401) 846-1600, or visit the Newport Mansions website for more information.

Annual Block Island Census, Block Island

Begins at 5:00pm. Poor People's Pub, 33 Ocean Avenue. It very simple: If you're on-island overnight, you will be counted! Call (401) 466-8533, or visit the Block Island Chamber of Commerce website for more information.

57th Annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Newport

Begins at 11:00am. Parade begins at City Hall, 43 Broadway, and continues through Washington Square to Thames Street and ends at Augustine's Church. Find your best green attire, keep your eyes open for leprechauns, and join in the revelry to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Newport! Rain, snow, or shine. Call (401) 845-9123 or (800) 976-5122, email JBailey@GoNewport.com, or visit Newport St. Patricks Day Parade website for more information.

Rhode Island Independence Day, Statewide

'The fourth day of May... is established, in this state, as a day for celebration of Rhode Island independence, being a just tribute to the memory of the members of our general assembly, who, on the fourth day of May, 1776... passed an act renouncing allegiance of the colony to the British crown and by the provisions of that act declared Rhode Island sovereign and independent, the first official act of its kind by any of the thirteen American colonies.'

58th Annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Newport

Begins at 11:00am. Parade begins at City Hall, 43 Broadway, and continues through Washington Square to Thames Street and ends at Augustine's Church. Find your best green attire, keep your eyes open for leprechauns, and join in the revelry to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Newport! Rain, snow, or shine. Call (401) 845-9123 or (800) 976-5122, email JBailey@GoNewport.com, or visit Newport St. Patricks Day Parade website for more information.

Rhode Island Independence Day, Statewide

'The fourth day of May... is established, in this state, as a day for celebration of Rhode Island independence, being a just tribute to the memory of the members of our general assembly, who, on the fourth day of May, 1776... passed an act renouncing allegiance of the colony to the British crown and by the provisions of that act declared Rhode Island sovereign and independent, the first official act of its kind by any of the thirteen American colonies.'

59th Annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Newport

Begins at 11:00am. Parade begins at City Hall, 43 Broadway, and continues through Washington Square to Thames Street and ends at Augustine's Church. Find your best green attire, keep your eyes open for leprechauns, and join in the revelry to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Newport! Rain, snow, or shine. Call (401) 845-9123 or (800) 976-5122, email JBailey@GoNewport.com, or visit Newport St. Patricks Day Parade website for more information.

Rhode Island Independence Day, Statewide

'The fourth day of May... is established, in this state, as a day for celebration of Rhode Island independence, being a just tribute to the memory of the members of our general assembly, who, on the fourth day of May, 1776... passed an act renouncing allegiance of the colony to the British crown and by the provisions of that act declared Rhode Island sovereign and independent, the first official act of its kind by any of the thirteen American colonies.'