Summer Bucket List: Block Island

June 2022

Posted

JUNE

June 21-25

Block Island Race Week: Launch the start of summer with a colorful spectacle of sailboats as up to 150 of them race through the waters of Block Island Sound as they circumnavigate the island. This worldwide attraction is a thrill for both sailors and landlubbers. BlockIslandRaceWeek.com

JULY

July 2

Fireworks at Dusk: Celebrate the 4th early at the Town Beach Pavilion. Fireworks will be visible all over the island, so pick your viewing spot and enjoy the show as soon as it gets dark. Town Beach Pavilion, Blockislandinfo.com

July 5

Celebrate America Parade: Join Block Island in celebrating American history, innovation, music, and traditions at this festive event. The procession of patriotic floats begins in front of The Oar on West Side Road at 11:30am. Facebook: Block Island 4th of July Celebrations

Block Island Country Fest: Pack your cowboy hat along with your swimsuit to sip cocktails and sway to big-name performers all day long at Ballard’s, the oceanfront hotel with its own private beach. BallardsRI.com 

July 11

Block Island Wedding Show: Pinterest boards spring to life during this one-stop wedding event held at Sullivan House. Peruse everything from flowers to photography to plan the big day. BlockIslandWeddingShow.com

 

July 24* 

Block Island Barbershop Quartet Festival: The 56th installment of one of the oldest barbershop festivals in the country, starring regional male and female a cappella quartets, including the beloved Narragansett Bay Chorus of Providence. *Tentative date. SingNBC.com

 

July 31

The Great Salt Pond Swim 5: Ease into open water swimming by joining many fellow adventurers in Block Island’s Great Salt Pond. Don’t be fooled – it’s a half-mile swim there and half-mile back, so focus on strength and stamina over speed. BlockIslandInfo.com

AUGUST

August 7

Block Island Triathlon: You can swim, bike, and run across the island, but why not do all three? Start with a brisk swim from Fred Benson Town Beach, dry off to bike along the western coast, and lace up your sneaks for a sprint to the finish line. BlockIslandInfo.com

5K Beach Run/Walk: People and pets are invited to walk or run along Mansion Beach to Fred Benson Beach Pavillion in this race benefiting Block Island Health Services and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Registration required. RunSignUp.com/Race/RI/BlockIsland 

August 7-9 

Block Island Arts and Artisans Festival: Peruse handmade wares including pottery, paintings, photos, jewelry, and more at this event held on the scenic grounds of the Narragansett Inn. Facebook: 2021 Block Island Arts and Artisans Festival.

August 8

ConserFest: The music festival with a strong message about arts, the environment, and sustainable initiatives continues without missing a beat virtually for year two. Don’t miss a stellar line-up of acts accessed online via portal. Proceeds benefit the conservation and preservation of BI. ConserFest.org

 

August 9 

Reggae Fest: Ready for Carribean vacay vibes, no passport needed? Leave your troubles on the mainland and enjoy live performances by touring reggae outfits on Ballard’s private beach. It all happens on Water Street. BallardsBI.com

 

August 18 

Summer Symphony: Musicians from the Eastern Connecticut Symphony make their Block Island debut. Enjoy cocktails, mocktails, and hors d’oeuvres before curtain. The performance is geared toward all ages with a special section for children encouraging participation. TheSullivanHouse.com

ALL SUMMER LONG

Block Island Art Trail: Spring Street Gallery and the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts have produced a map of inspiring galleries, studios, shops, and more of where to view and buy work from local artists. It’s always best to call locations prior to visiting for hours and updates on restrictions. Download the map online. SpringStreetGallery.com

Block Island Farmers Market: Shop for edible delights like artisan cheeses, honey, and fresh produce, plus arts and crafts as you stroll the morning marketplace, Saturdays and Wednesdays beginning June 12. Social distancing guidelines will be followed. Facebook: Block Island Farmers Market, BlockIslandInfo.com

Search for Orbs: Is there any activity more perfect for social-distancing than a scavenger hunt? Eben Horten created The Glass Float Project to give visitors a new way to experience the island. Search outdoor locations for beautiful glass balls made by Horten; finds are yours to keep but please register to help keep track, and consider making a donation to keep the ball rolling. GlassFloatProject.com

SATURDAYS

Kicking off July 13, Spring Street Gallery plans to host a series of Art Receptions in their expansive space which was once a horse barn. Discover artists whose work spans a range of mediums including textile, mixed media, painting, floral design, ceramics, and photography. BlockIslandInfo.com

SUNDAYS

Browse collections crafted by local makers who turn the Block Island Historical Society lawn into a showroom and marketplace for everything from paintings to sculpture. Select Sundays from June 30-September 22. BlockIslandInfo.com

   

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