10 Popular Festivals In Rhode Island, The USA

festivals in rhode island
Nicole
Nicole 
Updated
| 5 min read

Nestled in New England in the US, Rhode Island is a captivating state that boasts gorgeous natural landscapes. Also, it is home to breathtaking pristine beaches that are popular destinations during the summer. As you explore this side of the US, you will come across charming colonial towns that seem frozen back in time. Rhode Island also has major cities with thriving economies, upscale attractions, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. Here, you’ll find the city of Newport which is acknowledged for its remarkable mansions. If you are a wandering soul with an inner social butterfly, here is a list of popular festivals in Rhode Island, the USA that you might want to check out when you visit the city. Feel free to browse below.

1. Newport International Boat Show


If you are planning a quick vacation getaway in the stunning city of Newport in September, be sure to catch the wonderful Newport International Boat Show that happens in the city, annually. If you are interested in boating, this event will be extra special to you. Held in the vibrant Bellevue Avenue Suite, this festival dominates the city’s waterscape. Lots of programs are prepared for participants, including a presentation of modern aquatic vessels, marine products exhibits, seminars, and food and drinks are sold from every corner of downtown Newport.

Newport International Boat Show

Address: 130 Bellevue Ave Suite 204, Newport, RI 02840, United States

Website: Newport International Boat Show

Takes place: September

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2. Gaspee Days

gaspeeparade-13
Source: Photo by user U. S. Army Old Gu... used under CC BY 2.0

One of the many efforts of the government of Rhode Island to preserve the city’s fascinating history and rich culture, Gaspee Days features a series of fun-filled events and activities for locals and tourists alike. It is a fantastic annual event that has been recurring since 1965. Some of the highlights of Gaspee Days are the military parade called Gaspee Days Parade and the burning of the ship which locals fondly call Burning of the Gaspee. Aside from those, there are trade fairs that sell local crafts at the festival.

Gaspee Days

Address: Narragansett Parkway (8,507.83 mi), Warwick, Rhode Island 02888

Website: Gaspee Days

Takes place: Usually held in June

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3. Rhode Island International Film Festival


A wonderful event that will surely pique the interest of movie junkies and film enthusiasts, the Rhode Island International Film Festival is surely an unmissable celebration. It is held in Providence and Newport annually. Spearheaded by Flickers - Newport Film/Video Society & Arts Collaborative, the RIIFF is an intimate event that features movie screenings, an awards night, lectures from experts in the industry, and a delightful after-party for the attendees.

Rhode Island International Film Festival

Address: The Vets, 83 Park Street, Suite 5 (8,503.03 mi), Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Website: Rhode Island International Film Festival

Takes place: August

Price: From 15 USD

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4. Newport Winter Festival [Last event in 2020]


Experience warmth during the winter season as the Newport Winter Festival takes place in Pelham Street. This exciting event welcomes families, couples, groups of friends, and even solo wanderers for 10 days of music, entertainment, and delicious culinary delights. Newport Winter Festival bills itself as New England’s Largest Winter Extravaganza. Expect a fascinating chili cook-off, Princess Party, Mac & Cheese Smackdown, and other well-curated activities for all types of visitors. Plus, a live band will grace the stage at the festival to provide lovely entertainment for all.

Newport Winter Festival

Address: 28 Pelham St, Newport, RI 02840, United States

Website: Newport Winter Festival

Takes place: February

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Rhode Island Tour Guide

Naim Benmayor

Naim Benmayor

As a Boston tour guide, I have the added experience of being a world traveler. For many years, I frequently visited Europe, Asia, and Latin America on business. During this time, I also organized tours of the USA, Europe and Asia for my business clients. I now bring this passion, excitement and expertise to the Boston area.By exploring the globe, I was exposed to various cultures, and this unique perspective has taught me what appeals to people when visiting a new part of the country or a new part of the world. My fluency in English and Turkish, and my advanced skills in Spanish and intermediate skills in French, also help me to service a wider range of tourists and business people.I moved to Boston, Massachusetts several years ago, and I now reside in Brookline. I have three children, so I develop my tours to accommodate families with kids, couples, and individuals who want to visit and learn about the rich history and culture of Boston. As a parent, I know that Boston is a great place for higher education, and I have knowledge of the colleges and universities in the area.I customize tours to suit the needs and preferences of my customers. Whether you want a walking tour, a riding tour, or a little of both, I can create an itinerary that showcases the best of what Boston has to offer.My one day tours are educational and entertaining, and include the history, culture, personalities, architecture and, even the shopping areas of this renowned city. At the end of the tour you will be happy and satisfied when you realize you've seen so much in just a short time.I am here to share my knowledge of Boston, Cambridge and all of New England with you, and help you to enjoy your visit so you can explore the must-see parts of this great city. I look forward to meeting you and guiding you around the city, so please send me a message if you have any questions.Thank you for reading.

5. Providence Folk Festival


Another fantastic event that happens in Providence every year is the Providence Folk Festival. Held in Bullocks Point Avenue with the views of the picturesque river as the backdrop of the festival, this event will surely bring so much joy to its attendees. Lots of local and international bands are features to showcase their talents and provide entertainment for the people. Additionally, food and drink vendors are present to serve delicious snacks to satisfy some hungry tummies. This is an excellent celebration to close the summer season.

Providence Folk Festival

Address: 701 Bullocks Point Avenue (8,504.29 mi), Riverside, Rhode Island 02915

Website: Providence Folk Festival

Takes place: August

Price: Free

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6. Providence Boat Show


If Newport boasts their Newport International Boat Show every September, Providence is not left behind. This captivating city has its own version which they call the Providence Boat Show, and it happens in January of each year. Whether you are a boat owner or a frustrated sailor who wants to learn the ropes of boating, the Providence Boat Show is an event that you should not miss. Here you can browse through the exhibits of various marine vehicles and equipment and the show can help you plan the things you need to buy to start your adventures in the sea. Also, trade fairs are positioned in Sabin Street, where guests can purchase quality local items and gorge on palatable snacks.

Providence Boat Show

Address: 1 Sabin St, Providence, RI 02903, United States

Website: Providence Boat Show

Takes place: January

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7. Newport Folk Festival

Newport Folk Festival
Source: Photo by user digboston used under CC BY 2.0

Just like Providence, Newport celebrates a folk festival, which is called the Newport Folk Festival. It happens every year, sometimes in July and August, and it brings so much entertainment and lasting memories for festival-goers. Same with Providence Folk Festival, the Newport Folk Festival invites international and local bands, to give high-energy, folk-oriented musical performances that will amp up the party vibes in Fort Adams Drive. It started in 1959 and has continuously grown bigger and grander each year. Tasty snacks and alcoholic drinks can be bought in the area for a complete festival experience.

Newport Folk Festival

Address: 80 Fort Adams Dr, Newport, RI 02840, United States

Website: Newport Folk Festival

Takes place: Usually held in July

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8. Rhode Island Seafood Festival


An event that will excite foodie travelers, Rhode Island hosts an exciting Rhode Island Seafood Festival, and it takes place in Providence. In 2020, it is scheduled on the 12th and 13th of September, labor day weekend, at India Street. Presented by numerous local restaurants and food businesses, this festival will take you to a delicious culinary escapade that you will never forget. It started not long ago in 2011, but since then, it has cemented its place in the social scene of Providence and a lot of people are excited about it every year, including tourists.

Rhode Island Seafood Festival

Address: 263 India St (8,504.24 mi), Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Website: Rhode Island Seafood Festival

Takes place: September (every weekend after Labor Day)

Price: 10 USD

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9. Newport Jazz Festival

Newport Jazz Festival 2010
Source: Photo by user Lee Wright used under CC BY 2.0

Make the most of your summer vacation by traveling to Newport to attend the fun-filled and exciting New Port Jazz Festival. Immerse in the city’s jazz heritage, unleash your inner social butterfly, and listen to the country’s top bands as they play their music in one big festival ground. This huge party happens in Fort Adams Drive with Newport’s waterscape as the backdrop. It’s been recurring since 1954 and its attendees grow in number as the years go by. In 2020, the Newport Jazz Festival will take place on August 7, falling on a Friday.

Newport Jazz Festival

Address: 80 Fort Adams Dr, Newport, RI 02840, United States

Website: Newport Jazz Festival

Takes place: Usually held in August

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10. Rhode Island Spring Flower and Garden Show

Newport Flower Show 2011 IMG 1776
Source: Photo by user Captain-tucker used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Whether you are someone with a green thumb or someone who just has a deep appreciation for Mother Nature, you are welcome to experience the activities and offerings of Rhode Island Spring Flower and Garden Show. During the festival, guests can wander around 10,000 square feet (929 square meters) of breathtaking gardens and marvel at the beauty of nature. Also, you can join or be a spectator in an interesting Floral Competition that serves as one of the highlights of the event. Additionally, a home tour and furniture exhibit is part of the Rhode Island Spring Flower and Garden Show. Guests can also bag some lovely souvenir items and local crafts at the festival.

Rhode Island Spring Flower and Garden Show

Address: 1 Sabin Street, Providence, RI 02903, United States

Website: Rhode Island Spring Flower and Garden Show

Takes place: April

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Discover the fascinating festivals in Rhode Island

Home to stunning major cities and charming colonial towns, Rhode Island is a captivating state in the US that is worth visiting. It has lots of attractions that draw tourists from all over the country, including gorgeous sandy beaches. Also, it boasts a vibrant party scene and the list of festivals that are held in it are testaments to its fascinating culture.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Nicole, a writer and traveler, also identifies herself as a free spirit with a wild heart. She is dedicated to telling authentic stories in a relatable manner. Nicole also enjoys exploring new,...Read more

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