Half the summer has already sailed away, but if you haven’t gotten out for that mini-vaca or day trip, there are plenty great August events all over the Ocean State.
"Rockus" Festivals
AS220's Foo Fest, the arts nonprofit's annual block rocking party, returns to Empire Street in downtown Providence on August 11. The 12-hour music and art binge begins at 1pm on two stages (one indoor and one outdoor). In typical Foo Fest fashion, there will be interactive art exhibits and a wide range of performers. Tickets are only $7.
Circle the wagons at the annual Washington County Fair for live country music and a whole farm full of animal events. Offering children's games, crafts, food, and more, this five-day hoedown begins on August 15 at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Call 401-782-8139 for more info.
On the 19th, the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon is runnin' through Providence. The race begins at Gaspee Street and ends on Francis Street; stage-shows play on every block with vendors every step of the way. Whether you're running or spectating, it is an experience, and for a good cause.
The Celtic Rock Festival (formerly known as the Waterfront Irish Music Festival) is debuting at the Newport Yachting Center. What's different? This year the festival will focus on the sounds of contemporary Celtic rock. Come and have a pint, enjoy the view and the music. The music begins on August 25.
Closing out the month on August 31 is the annual Rhythm and Roots Festival. Swing, blues, Cajun, New Orleans R&B, and zydeco come together for three days on four stages at Ninigret Park. There's a kid's tent with storytellers and musicians, dance lessons and more at this three day event. Tickets range from $125-145.
Music Nights at the Garden City Shopping Center
Spend an evening dining and shopping on the walkways of Garden City Center in Cranston. Every wednesday in August, a different live show is set to take place, starting with the hits of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin by Frank & Dino with the Vegas Big Band on the first of the month. Find the schedule on the web or call 401-942-2800 for more info.
Jazz and Folk Festival
The Newport Jazz Festival opens up at the Tennis Hall of Fame on August 3, then moves to Fort Adams for two days of music, including legends like Dr. John, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Pat Metheny and Bill Frisell. Tickets are $40-100.
Charlestown Seafood Festival
The Charlestown Seafood Festival returns to Ninigret Park on the 3rd. It’s a blowout of Rhode Island's best seafood, spiced with art and amusement rides. Tickets are only $8.
Gatsby by the Sea
On the night of August 3, Gatsby by the Sea begins at 6pm. This is an event geared toward appreciators of the roaring 1920s highlife. Attendees will enjoy dinner stations, complimentary beer, wine, custom cocktails and a silent auction. Tickets are $125, proceeds benefit victims of domestic abuse. Click here to find out more about the DVRCSC or call 401-741-7742 for more info.
Pig Roast
On August 5th there's a pig roast at Hanson's Pub in Wakefield. Tickets are $50 for beer or wine, with all the trimmings of cole slaw, baked beans, potato salad, cornbread, cake and, of course, the pig roasted with sea salt, black pepper, garlic, dill seeds, other spices, a hint of RI coffee syrup and 100% real maple. Call Judy Fortier for more info at 401-284-1000x24.
Rhode Island International Film Festival
Rhode Island's own bit of Hollywood, the RIIFF is set for its 16th year of prestigious competition. This five-day event begins on August 7 and includes workshops, screenings, socials and seminars for festival attendees. Screenings can be found throughout Providence. Click here for a complete schedule. Tickets range from $15-200.
Broadway on the Lawn
Savor Broadway on the Lawn at Ocean House, overlooking the sea. The showing takes place on August 17 at 7:30pm. A Broadway show, gourmet boxed dinners, lawn chairs and a cocktail reception are the very essence of sophistication. Tickets range from $30-50. Call 860-535-3456 for more info.
Blithewold Boat Races
Classic Hereshoff boats gather for the two-day Herreshoff Classic Regatta Weekend at the Blithewold Mansions. Spectators will be able to watch the boats, tour the gardens, taste wines, and enjoy a Mediterranian picnic. Festivities commence on August 25-26.
Chanteuse
Chanteuse is a bi-monthly music series that spotlights some of the best female musical talent from around New England. This month's showcase includes Brooklyn's Il Abanico, Boston's Sara Azriel, Maine's Arborea, and series curator, Providence's own Jess Powers. The show is August 4 at Fete.
RISD Museum
Need to get inside and escape the heat? For the first time in three years, the RISD Museum is open in August. Exhibits on display include The Dorothy and Herbert Vogel Collection: Fifty Works for Rhode Island, Dan Walsh: UnCommon Ground and Wendy Richmond: Navigating the Personal Bubble. Don't forget, admission is pay-what-you-can every Sunday from 10am-1pm, and free on the last Saturday of the month.
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