Weekend Best Bets

The weather has been a little turbulent lately, but it’ll hold off on the rain this weekend, which is perfect for all of the awesome events taking place in South County.

Friday sees the start of the Charlestown Seafood Festival. Ninigret Park will be packed with arts and crafts displays, food vendors, amusement rides, kite flying, rock wall climbing, bungee jumping, fireworks, and more! Don’t forget about the smorgasbord of delicious seafood and shellfish available all day. The festival lasts all weekend, so you’ll have three chances to enjoy the gifts of the seas.

The Great Graffiti Contest is back this year, so get out your spray paint and prepare for some legal street art. Or don’t, because when you sign up for a spot on the wall, judges give you a kit with paints, gloves and a facemask to protect yourself while you work your masterpiece. The winning pieces in each age category will be announced after voting at 2pm. There will also be a DJ and dancing and lip sync contest for those whose talents don’t lie in the arts.

Sunday is your last chance to find your treasure at the Farmer’s Daughter Barn Sale in Wakefield. All weekend long, search through pottery, fountains, garden decorations, plants and statues to find just what your home is missing. You’ll love what you find and you’ll love the price, too.

Help raise money for our troops and our veterans this Sunday in the Texas Roadhouse Motorcycle Run in East Greenwich. Proceeds go to building adapted homes for injured vets. Registration starts at 8am, and tickets to ride include breakfast, lunch and a t-shirt. Live entertainment, raffles and prizes will be available after the run, and it starts and ends at the Texas Roadhouse on Quaker Lane.

Keep raising the funds later on Sunday at the Hanson’s Pub Summer Pig Roast. This fundraiser benefits Easter Seals – and your stomachs! The pig is roasted fresh on the premises, with a delicious rub and a host of scrumptious side dishes for the price of one ticket. There will also be live entertainment, as well as raffles and drawings.

Finally, Saturday and Sunday boast the Newport Jazz Festival in Fort Adams State Park. It's two full days of live music on three huge stages, plus food carts and vendors to keep you from starving. Jazz and music lovers, don’t even think about missing this once-a-year event. New Orleans legend Dr. John headlines a Friday night preview as well.