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For a state that spends all winter waiting for summer, Rhode Islanders are remarkably patient when May and June decides to act like late April. Fortunately, optimism remains one of our more reliable seasonal activities. While we continue waiting for the (weekend) weather to fully get on board, the June magazines are officially out, outdoor concert series are kicking off, and there's no shortage of reasons to get out and enjoy the Ocean State, umbrella optional. In other words, summer may be arriving fashionably late, but Rhode Island is carrying on as planned.
Our June Issues Are Fresh Off the Press and Ready for Summer
The June issues have officially landed, and they're packed tighter than a beach bag on the first hot weekend of the season. Providence Monthly is embracing soccer fever with a season-long guide to fun, games, and making the most of a summer that promises plenty of action, along with a look at new music from Deer Tick. If your idea of summer includes checking off beach days, road trips, and a few spontaneous detours, Hey Rhody and The Bay have you covered with our Annual Summer Guide and an Ultimate Beach Bucket List featuring more than 200 ways to make the most of the season. Meanwhile, So Rhode Island heads for the shoreline with Ocean State Living, exploring the timeless allure of life by the water and a lobster roll crawl that's reason enough to take the scenic route. Pick up a copy at newsstands around town or read online.
200+ Things to Do in Rhode Island This Summer
From beach days and seafood feasts to Pride celebrations, fireworks, and festivals, this guide rounds up more than 200 ways to make the most of summer in the Ocean State. Consider it your cheat sheet for filling every sunny day between now and Labor Day. Read more online.
A Pawtucket Distillery Raises a Glass to 50 Years of Pride
A new collaboration between Rhode Island Spirits and Rhode Island Pride is raising a glass to 50 years of LGBTQIA+ history in the Ocean State. The limited-edition vodka honors the movement that grew from a small Providence march in 1976 into today's PrideFest celebration, with proceeds supporting future events, outreach, and community initiatives. Read more online.
Rhody Recs is your weekly roundup of what’s happening across the state, a built-in excuse to rally the crew early instead of scrambling for plans at the last minute. Because let’s be real, life’s too short to leave the fun for last minute.
Date | Event |
|---|---|
Wednesday 6/3 | Arboretum Tour: Salt Marsh Explore a hidden coastal landscape from 10-11:30 AM in Newport, where the Newport Tree Conservancy leads a guided walk through Salt Marsh Arboretum, highlighting native plants, restoration efforts, and a remarkable collection of rare and unusual trees. Learn more online ⸻ Admiral Dewey Inn’s 4th Annual Spring Soirée Celebrate the season from 5-8 PM at the Admiral Dewey Inn in Matunuck, where live music, light bites, beer and wine, and a Matunuck-themed cash raffle set the scene for a festive community gathering by the coast. Learn more online ⸻ Music at Sunset 2026 Season Opening Night Pack a picnic and settle in on the lawn at Blithewold in Bristol from 6-8 PM, where Dred Buffalo brings its blend of retro and modern rock to the first Music at Sunset concert of the season, complete with bay views and bites from Red’s Kitchen. Learn more online |
Thursday 6/4 | Cane & Cask: A Rum Tasting Event Sip your way through an evening of expertly paired rums and elevated bites at Hope Events on Main in Pawtucket, where a guided multi-course tasting runs from 6:30-9:30 PM inside the historic Hope Artiste Village. Learn more online ⸻ Author Event: Meg Stone's "Don't Fight Back" Join a thought-provoking conversation from 6-7 PM at Symposium Books in Providence, where violence prevention expert Meg Stone discusses her new book Don't Fight Back and challenges common myths about crime, safety, and gender-based violence. Learn more online ⸻ Concerts in the Park 2026 Season Opening Night Head to Crescent Park in Riverside at 6 PM for a free evening of waterfront music as David Tessier's All-Star Stars perform a lively mix of classic favorites and contemporary rock hits. Learn more online |
Friday 6/5 | Project GOAL Silent and Live Auction Fundraiser Dress up for a good cause from 5:30-9 PM at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, where Project GOAL’s annual fundraiser pairs dinner, live entertainment, and exciting auction items with support for youth development through soccer. Learn more online ⸻ America's Jubilee: 250 Years of America in Sailing Capital with Fireworks Watch tall ships, classic Twelves, and world-class racing sailboats take to Narragansett Bay beginning at 10 AM in Newport, then stick around for a waterfront celebration at 5 PM and a fireworks finale at sunset honoring America’s 250th anniversary. Learn more online ⸻ Discovery Tykes at the Museum of Natural History Little explorers ages 2 to 4 can dive into a free, beach-themed morning of stories, songs, crafts, and hands-on discovery from 10-10:30 AM at the Museum of Natural History in Roger Williams Park. Learn more online |
Saturday 6/6 | Fan The Flames! Event Watch molten glass glow after dark from 6-10 PM at the Blackstone River Glass Center in Cumberland, where live glassblowing, fire dancing, music from Take It to the Bridge, and riverfront festivities come together for an unforgettable fundraiser. Learn more online ⸻ Pride Family Day Celebrate creativity, self-expression, and community from noon to 2 PM at the Jamestown Arts Center, where hands-on art projects, storytelling, dance, yoga, and family-friendly activities bring Pride Month to life. Learn more online ⸻ Summer in the Vines Craft Fair Sip local wine, browse handcrafted goods, and enjoy live music at Langworthy Farm Winery in Westerly, where this vineyard-side craft fair blends shopping and summer vibes just minutes from the beach. Learn more online ⸻ Elliot's Ride for Everyone 2026 Enjoy a car-free morning along Newport’s iconic Ocean Drive from 9 AM to noon, where cyclists, walkers, runners, strollers, and rollers of all ages can take in the coastline at their own pace during this free community celebration. Learn more online |
Sunday 6/7 | DREADFEST 2026 Catch live music, local brews, food trucks, and community spirit from 12-5 PM at Vigilant Brewing in Bristol during this annual fundraiser benefiting the Dreadnaught Hook, Ladder & Hose Company #1. Learn more online ⸻ Cocktail Wars Mudslide Island Cocktail Competition Sip, sample, and cast your vote from 2-4 PM at Newport Harbor Island Resort, where local bartenders battle for Mudslide bragging rights and guests help crown the winning cocktail. Learn more online ⸻ Sunday afternoon Yoga with Llamas Stretch, breathe, and share your mat with a few curious llamas from 12-1 PM at Bittersweet Farm in East Greenwich, where a gentle outdoor yoga class comes with plenty of fresh air and photo-worthy farm charm. Learn more online |
Our Rhody Rec list is refreshed with every newsletter, so be sure to check back for the latest events!
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Sakonnet Vineyard Is Pouring on the Summer Fun This June
Sakonnet Vineyard is making a strong case for lingering this June with free live music, trivia nights, a classic car show, and new guided vineyard tours. Between the coastal views, award-winning wines, and a calendar packed with easygoing events, this Little Compton favorite is pouring more than just a good glass. Read more online.
Check Out Our Latest on Youtube: Summer Readiness in RI – Beaches, Parks, and Outdoor Tips
The unofficial start of summer has come and gone, which means it's time to start thinking strategically about beach days. On our latest episode of Hey Rhody Weekly, we're breaking down state beach passes, family camping, and a few insider tips to help you spend less time in line and more time enjoying Rhode Island's favorite season.
Summer Travel Tips for Pets on Planes, Trains and Road Trips
Planning a summer getaway with your pet in tow? Whether you're hitting the road, boarding a train, catching a flight, or hopping on a bus, these expert-backed pet travel tips can help keep tails wagging and stress levels low from departure to arrival. Read more online.
⭐Looking to break out of your usual restaurant rotation? African Restaurant Week returns June 1-7, inviting food lovers to explore the flavors, traditions, and stories behind African cuisine at participating restaurants across Rhode Island. From savory street food favorites to family recipes passed down through generations, it’s a delicious way to support local businesses while celebrating the RI Summer of Soccer.
⭐Ever wondered what happens when art and flowers share the same canvas? Art in Bloom returns to the Artists’ Cooperative Gallery of Westerly from June 3-28, pairing artwork from local creatives with fresh floral arrangements by the Ocean Community YMCA Garden Club. The month-long exhibition also features works by polymer clay artist Kristie Foss, potter and watercolorist Karen Piazza, and the Ninigret Quilters, with a free opening reception on June 5 from 5-8 PM.
⭐Ready to feel the energy of the world’s biggest sport without leaving Providence? From June 11 through July 19, the official FIFA-sanctioned PVD FanZone at Station Park will transform downtown into a global gathering place, complete with match-day excitement, international visitors, and celebrations that bring the spirit of the World Cup straight to the Creative Capital. As the city prepares for thousands of fans and major events, visitors are encouraged to plan ahead for road closures, RIPTA detours, security screening, and transportation options so they can focus on the fun once they arrive.
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We'd like a few more evenings exactly like this, please. 🙌
Photo by @k___elizabeth
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