Weekend Best Bets

54th Annual Wickford Art Festival
For art fanatics, there is no better place to be this weekend than the 54th annual Wickford Art Festival. The event will feature over 200 artists from New England and abroad. Set in the great outdoors in the historic Wickford village, this festival is packed with local food, raffles, and all types of fine art. Saturday and Sunday. Free. 36 Beach Street, Wickford. More info… 

WBRU Summer Concert Series
As the winners of the WBRU 2016 Rock Hunt, Le Roxy Pro will be kicking off the WBRU Summer Concert Series this weekend. Known for their beach songs, Le Roxy Pro is the perfect band to see in the summertime, so come out to Waterplace Park, enjoy the sun and listen to some jams. Friday. Free. Waterplace Park, 1 Financial Way, Providence. More info… 

Newport Kite Festival
What better way to enjoy a summer day than to fly some kites at the Newport Kite Festival? The festival will take place at Brenton Point State Park and will feature a fantastic view of the Atlantic and Narragansett Bay. With the wind coming in from the water, this is the perfect spot to master your kite skills. Saturday and Sunday. Free. Brenton Point State Park, Ocean Drive, Newport. More info… 

Cape Verdean Independence Day Festival
Commemorate and celebrate Cape Verdean Independence Day with the oldest celebration in the United States. A tradition since 1976, this festival will include music, dance and food. There will also be plenty of arts and crafts for the kids to enjoy, and you’ll be able to stop by the educational tents to learn more about Cape Verdean culture. Sunday. India Point Park, 201 India Street, Providence. More info… 

Ocean State Theatre Company Presents Damn Yankees
Don’t miss your chance to see Damn Yankees, performed by the Ocean State Theatre Company. Winner of 7 Tony awards, Damn Yankees is an all-American musical about our nation’s greatest pastime: baseball. Follow Joe Boyd as he sells his soul to the devil for a chance at the World Series in this sporty show packed with wicked humor. All weekend. $40-60. 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick. More info… 

Newport Music Festival
Kick off the 2016 Newport Music Festival with the Opening Night Concert, which will feature the premiere string orchestra, A Far Cry. The night will also include the world premiere of Mendelssohn’s “Double Concerto” transcribed by Sergey Antonov. The concert will take place in the gorgeous Breakers mansion, so the night will be packed with beautiful sights and sounds. Friday. $48. 44 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport. More info… 

Steel Magnolias at the Community Players
See Steel Magnolias, the classic comedy by Robert Harling, presented by the Community Players. Watch a group of Southern women navigate the trials of life and friendship as they deal with medical issues and family conflicts. With a good mix of humor and drama, this show has something for every theater-goer. All weekend. $30-65. Jenks Auditorium, Division Street, Pawtucket. More info… 

40th Annual Performance of the Rhode Island Philharmonic
The RI Philharmonic is well-known for its glorious sounds and talented members, and this Friday is your chance to hear them at the North Beach Clubhouse. There will also be a cocktail and dinner reception before the show, so you can get your fill of good food before the performance. Don’t miss out on this Rhode Island treasure. Friday. $50. 79 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett. More info…

WaterFire Providence’s Clear Currents Event
WaterFire is already famous for its spectacular full lightings, but this Saturday’s event will be even more special. The river will light up not only with burning fires, but also with 100 illuminated Japanese koi fish. The fish will be mounted on canoes and kayaks, bringing bright colors to the air and water. Saturday. South Street, Providence. More info… 

AC/DC Tribute at the Courthouse Center for the Arts
Experience the power and excitement of AC/DC with Back in Black, an authentic AC/DC tribute band. See this group of talented musicians match a classic band in both look and sound as they take you on a “Highway To Hell.” With performances of Bon Scott and Brian Johnson, this is the perfect night for any rock-lover out there. Saturday. $22. 3481 Kingstown Road, West Kingston. More info…