ALL SUMMER
The Block Island Farmers’ Market is in full gear this summer. Check out locally produced goods, ranging from honey to fresh-squeezed juices to fresh pastas, or peruse the variety of crafts. 9-11:30am. Every Wednesday at Manisses parking lot and every Saturday on Ocean Avenue near the Fire Barn. www.blockislandfarmersmarket.com
Looking to catch some waves this summer, but, well, don’t know how to catch waves? Jeffrey Smith, owner of Ocean Adventures, offers surfing lessons for all ages, something he has done for three decades. If riding a wave isn’t your thing, Jeffrey also offers stand-up paddling classes. 368-2611. www.oceanadventuresbi.com
Find your Zen without missing ocean time by signing up for one of Elevation Studio’s refreshing stand-up paddleboard yoga classes or harbor tours. Other classes offered include yoga and Pilates for all levels, and be sure to refuel afterwards at their in-house Elevation Café, which serves healthy breakfast and lunch food including a super-food smoothie and vegan and vegetarian options. 466-9642. www.elevationbi.com
What better way to enjoy the freedom of summer than to ride a horse on the beach? Rustic Rides Farm offers slow and fast paced guided horseback rides across Block Island’s beaches and nature preserves. There are many beaches to choose from and you can even make it romantic by taking a ride at sunset. 466-5060. www.blockislandguide.com
If you are new to Block Island or call it your summer home, you may have never been exposed to a true local’s perspective of the island. Mig’s Rig Taxi, a taxi service owned and operated by year-round residents, is here to help with their taxi tours. They’ll show you their overview of the entire island in one hour including Mohegan Bluffs and various lighthouses and harbors. 480-0493. www.migsrigtaxi.com
Every Tuesday night, local artists convene at Captain Nick’s for Drafts and Crafts to show and sell their works, which range from photography, baked goods, knitted items, jewelry and more. Come by to check out the variety of arts, meet the artists and enjoy a drink. 34 Ocean Avenue. 466-5670. www.captainnicksbi.com
Looking to learn this summer? Stop by the Block Island Historical Society for a tour of their new exhibit: “Surrounded by the Sea: The Block Island Story.” You can also explore last season’s exhibit, “Pirates, Shipwrecks, & Tales of the Sea,” continued due to popular demand, or take a look at artifacts that date back to early Native American times. 466-2481. www.blockislandhistorical.org
JULY
JULY 3: If you just can’t, can’t, can’t wait for the 4th of July for fireworks, Block Island has you covered. The fireworks are launched at the beginning of nightfall from the Town Beach Pavilion, and they can be seen from nearly all points on the island. www.blockislandinfo.com
July 4: Gather the family and head to the scenic Block Island for the Annual Block Island 4th of July Parade. The parade kicks off at 11am at the Legion Hall and features Don Littlefield, the owner of Belle Isle B&B, will be dressed up as Uncle Sam! It’s truly a spectacle event, so bring your lawn chair, spray on the sunscreen, and enjoy the floats, bands, and others as they make their way across the island. The parade will start at New Harbor and end at Old Harbor. www.blockislandchamber.com
July 5 & 26, August 3 & 23: Check out the Artist Guild Fairs, where dozens of vendors sell their works, ranging from jewelry to crafts to paintings, on the lawn of the Historical Society. There are plenty of hand-made goods to check out. Old Town Road. www.blockislandinfo.com
July 8 & 29, August 9: After nasty weather ruined last year’s event, Blues on the Block is back. Make sure you wear your dancing shoes to this free event, which is sponsored by the Block Island Tourism Council. www.blockislandinfo.com
July 12: Have you always dreamed of that magical Block Island wedding? The 6th annual Wedding Show is an ideal opportunity to learn about all the vendors at the Sullivan House. 12-3pm. Box 416, Corn Neck Road. www.blockislandweddingshow.com
July 16-18: Whether you love to deep-sea fish or admire those brave enough, the Block Island Giant Shark Tournament is an event you don’t want to miss. The event is run by fishermen, for fishermen and applications are live for those looking to catch the largest shark and win up to $3,000 in prize money. For those who would prefer to stay on land, spectators are welcome at weigh-ins on the 17th and 18th to enjoy shark-viewing along with food, drinks, and tournament T-shirts. 860-209-4056. www.blockislandgiantshark.com
AUGUST
AUGUST 1: If you’re an extreme athlete, or if you just enjoy a recreational challenge, the 32nd annual Block Island Triathlon is for you. The race begins with a 1⁄4-mile swim, followed by a 12-mile bike, ending with a 4-mile race on Block Island’s beaches. Fred Benson Town Beach, 7 Corn Neck Road. 466-3223, www.blockislandchamber.com
August 6: Although we all love summering in Little Rhody it doesn’t hurt to pretend we are somewhere else once in a while. Poor People’s Pub offers the ideal getaway without, well, having to go away with its Jamaican Independence Day Party. Oh yah mon! 33 Ocean Avenue. 401-466-8533. www.pppbi.com
August 11: Block Island is full of breathtakingly gorgeous houses, and now is your chance to see inside them. Take the House and Garden Tour to see all the beauties of these houses and their accompanying immaculate gardens. 466-2481. www.blockislandinfo.com
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER 5: Block Island’s Lion Club will hold its 17th Annual Clambake on lawn of the Narragansett Hotel. Enjoy delicious seafood as summer winds down, and we need to start thinking about grabbing our shovels from the basement. 1 Ocean Avenue. www.blockislandinfo.com
September 11-13: As the summer season comes to a close, show off your fishing prowess at the Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament. Proceeds from this tournament benefit the National Children’s Cancer Society. 466-5392. www.sandypointco.com
September 12: Finish your summer with fitness at Block Island’s 40th annual Run Around the Block, a 15k race that attracts runners from all over the area. The 9.3-mile race goes from Fresh Pond to Champlin’s Marina and transportation for runners is provided to and from Point Judith and New London ferries. www.active.com
SEPTEMBER 25-27: The Taste of Block Island returns to wrap up the summer. As always, a $5 button gets you delicious food samples and exclusive shopping discounts. 800-383-2474, www.tasteofbi.com
Music Al Fresco
Nothing beats outdoor live music on a relaxing summer evening. At the 2015 Block Island Summer Concert Series, all shows are free and begin at 7:30pm. Check out the Block Island Summer Concert Series Facebook page for further details.
•July 22: pianist Martin Soderbeg
•August 5: classical/modern voice Megan Bisceglia
•August 19: singer/songwriter Kevin Briody
•September 2: pianist Ronée Boyce, piano and cellist Jonathan Tortolano
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