Top 10 Rhode Island Events of 2016 | Spring and Summer Fun

Looking for fun things to do in Rhode Island this summer? Our list of the top 10 Rhode Island events for spring and summer 2016 is here to help!

From flowers and kilted Scotsmen to seafood and hot air balloons, our list of the Top 10 Rhode Island events of 2016 has something for everyone. Read on to see our picks, then share any we missed in the comments!

MAY 13–15: WESTERLY, Misquamicut Springfest. “Pondfire” is the centerpiece, with firepits in and around the water, creating the perfect setting to enjoy an outdoor food court, beer from crafters and commercial vendors, a Ferris wheel and other rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, and more, all at Misquamicut State Beach. 401-322-1026; misquamicutfestival.org

MAY 21: BRISTOL, 9th Annual Rhode Island Fiber Festival & Craft Fair. Craftspeople demonstrate and exhibit traditional and contemporary fiber arts on the grounds of the Cogges-hall Farm living-history museum. Purchase supplies, equipment, and gifts, watch the shearing of the sheep, and perhaps even try your hand at some 18th-century-style work, if you please. 401-253-9062; coggeshallfarm.org

MAY 28–30: WARWICK, Gaspée Days Arts & Crafts Festival. A Warwick fixture since 1965, this outdoor event brings together more than 100 artisans, community groups, and nonprofits at Pawtuxet Park. Live music, good food, amusements, and games round out the event, which draws about 50,000 people each year. 401-781-1772; gaspee.com/arts

JUNE 11: RICHMOND, Rhode Island Scottish Highland Festival. Scotland comes to the Ocean State at Washington County Fairgrounds. Enjoy traditional music and dance, Scottish food, sheepdog demonstrations, Highland sports competitions, children’s activities, and more.riscot.org

JUNE 18: WESTERLY, Chorus of Westerly Summer Pops Concert. In this much-anticipated annual performance, the Chorus of Westerly teams with the Boston Festival Orchestra under the stars in lovely Wilcox Park. Fireworks, cannons, and the pealing bells of Christ Church will all play a role in the breathtaking finale. 401-596-8663; chorusofwesterly.org

JUNE 24–26: NEWPORT, Newport Flower Show. Visit historic Rosecliff mansion, birthplace of the ‘American Beauty’ rose, and celebrate the artful living of the Gilded Age through colorful floral designs, exhibits, and garden displays. Plus unique shopping opportunities, a champagne and jazz brunch, an authors’ afternoon tea, children’s activities, and more. 401-847-1000; newportflowershow.org

JULY 4: BRISTOL, Annual Bristol Fourth of July Parade. The country’s longest-running annual Independence Day celebration draws a crowd to the historic downtown, so arrive early to get a good spot along the route.july4thbristolri.com

JULY 22–24: KINGSTON, 38th South County Hot Air Balloon Fest. An annual gathering of community, music, and more than a dozen hot-air balloons at the University of Rhode Island athletic fields, plus kids’ events, food, and fun for all ages. southcountyballoonfest.com

AUGUST 5–7: CHARLESTOWN, 32nd Annual Seafood Festival. A gastronomic extravaganza at Ninigret Park highlights the state’s best seafood—lobsters, steamers, chowder, fish and chips, clam cakes, and a raw bar—plus a bevy of other foods to suit all tastes. Plus amusement rides, a car show, a petting zoo, raffles, music, and more. 401-364-4031; charlestownrichamber.com/seafoodfestival.html

AUG. 20: JAMESTOWN, 39th Fools’ Rules Regatta. As the cannon fires over the town beach at East Ferry, participants have two hours to build their sailing vessels from non-marine items. Imagination and ingenuity must prevail to stay afloat and cross the finish line, though “Worst Example of Naval Architecture” secures an award as well. jyc.org