Event listings are free. They are put here in the hope you will find
there are many things to see and do on Aquidneck Island. The information
is submitted or compiled from promotional material distributed
for the events. Information is deemed reliable but you would be
wise to call or check the event website for the latest information.
Don't forget to say, you found them - "OnAquidneck.com"
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a map or go directly to driving directions here.
Through early July - Now open for Pick Your Own Strawberries Middletown: 8:30am-7:00pm at Sweet Berry Farm, 915 Mitchell's Lane, Middletown. For more information and their market hours see sweetberryfarmri.com Portsmouth: 8:00 am - 7:30pm at Quonset View Farm, 895 Middle Rd, Portsmouth. 683-1254 Baskets available or bring your own.
Through Oct. 29 - Middletown & Newport: The Aquidneck Grower's Market Saturdays 9am to 1pm (June 7- Oct.25 ), 909 East Main Rd (Rte 138) in Middletown. 401-848-0099 AND Wednesdays 2pm to 6pm (June 11 - Oct 29), Memorial Boulevard Parkway between Chapel St. & Edgar Court, Newport. For more information on RI's Farmer's Markets check the RI Division of Agriculture/DEM website.
Through August 21 - Newport: Sunset Music Series at the Newport Yachting Center. Check their web site for latest current information on entertainment line-up and tickets.
Fridays through August 29 - Newport: The Elms After Hours at The Elms, 367 Bellevue Avenue, Newport. Allows guests to experience a bit of the elegance of a Gilded Age summer party. The evening begins with a tour of the first floor reception rooms, followed by wine and canapés on the terrace, and then a tour of the grounds and sunken garden. Visit www.NewportMansions.org.
July 1 - Portsmouth: Take Two Storytelling Team Anne-Marie Forer and Cindy Killavey appear at Summer Reading program at Portsmouth Free Public Library at the Portsmouth Free Public Library, 2658 East Main Rd. Join “Catch the Reading Bug!” this summer at the Portsmouth Free Public Library and discover the amazing world of insects. The 2008 Summer Reading program is open to students entering kindergarten through grade five. We will have guest performers, nature explorations, story times, and special crafts to take home. Younger children may join in the fun, too, by signing up for our Little Listener program. The program kicked off on June 23 with Jackson Gillman’s spectacular bug revue at 10 am. The activities continue during the summer until August 15. Registration began on June 23. All programs are free and open to the public. For more information, call the Children’s Room at (401) 683-9457. July 1 at 10 am: Take Two Storytelling Team Anne-Marie Forer and Cindy Killavey are “Take Two” Tandem Tellers. The duo invites the audience to participate in song and story during their delightfully buggy performance. You will leave laughing as if you have ants in your pants! Children ages 4 through 12 are invited to attend. This event is part of our Summer Reading Program and is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Portsmouth Free Public Library’s Children’s Room at 683-9457.
July 2 - Newport: “Abbey Rhode” performs at the Newport Art Museum 6:30p.m. at The Newport Art Museum is located at 76 Bellevue Avenue in Newport, RI. “Abbey Rhode” brings the music of the Beatles to life. Band members deliver a high energy sound using vintage instruments and authentic vocal arrangements. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs and a picnic. Admission: free for Museum members; non-members $5; non-member families $10; children under five - free. Weather permitting. Listen to WADK 1540 AM for cancellation notices. Visit NewportArtMuseum.org or call (401) 848-8200 for general information. (No advance reservations.) The Newport Art Museum’s 2008 PM Musical Picnic series is sponsored by NewportFed.
July 3 - 27 - Portsmouth: "Toujours l'Amour: An Exhibition of Love" at the Portsmouth Art Guild Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 1-5pm. The opening reception is July 3rd from 6-8pm at The Portsmouth Arts Guild Center For The Arts, 2679 East Main Rd, next to St. Paul's Church, Portsmouth, RI. Toujours l'Amour: An Exhibition of Love, local artists interpretation of love
July 4, 5 & 6 - Local Fireworks Displays Friday, July 4 - Newport: Annual City of Newport Fireworks
9:00pm over Newport Harbor. The fireworks can be seen all along the waterfront from King Park (Wellington Ave) to Battery Park (Washington St). Friday, July 4 - Portsmouth: Escobar's Fireworks
9:30pm Resident/farmer/July 4th celebrant Louis Escobar will have his traditional Middle Rd fireworks display over the cow pastures. Please do not clog Middle Rd with cars, there are many vantage points around Portsmouth you can witness this show. It will run about 1/2 hour. Mr. Escobar does this fireworks display for all to enjoy, donations are accepted in the box out front of the farm (133 Middle Rd) anytime in the days/weeks to come. Saturday, July 5 - Jamestown Fireworks
Begins approximately 9pm from Mackerel Cove. Sunday, July 6 - Newport: Naval Station Newport's Celebrate America Concert and Fireworks
Begins at 5pm at Dewey Field. Concessions and kids area with inflatable bouncies, games and face painting. Free and open to the public, bring lawn chairs, blankets. Items not allowed include: coolers, backpacks, glass bottles and pets. The public may enter at Gate 1 beginning at 4pm. Patrons with DoD decals may enter using all other open gates. Entertainment includes performances by...
5:00pm to 7pm Soul Power plays Motown, R&B and soul favorites
7pm to 9pm -
Navy Band Northeast playing American patriotic and popular favorites as well as tradtional big band and top 40 contemporary music
Events, Exhibits and Shows at the Newport Art Museum The Newport Art Museum is located at 76 Bellevue Avenue in Newport, RI. See their web site at NewportArtMuseum.org July 9 - PM MUSICAL PICNIC – Navy Band Northeast – Free outdoor concert. “Navy Band Northeast” performs at the Newport Art Museum beginning at 6:30 pm. This 35-piece wind ensemble concert band plays light patriotic selections, classic American and Dixieland tunes. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs and a picnic. This PM Musical Picnic is free for everyone. Weather permitting. Listen to WADK 1540 AM for cancellation notices. Visit www.NewportArtMuseum.org or call (401) 848-8200 for general information. (No advance reservations.) The Newport Art Museum’s 2008 PM Musical Picnic series is sponsored by NewportFed. July 13 – October 13 - RICHARD GROSVENOR: NEWPORT’S MUSE AND MENTOR A collection of works reflecting Richard Grosvenor’s career as a teacher, artist and mentor. The exhibition includes paintings by people with whom Grosvenor studied and artists he mentored. Grosvenor taught painting, architecture and art history at St. George’s School in Middletown, RI for forty years until he retired in 1993. He has been a major force at the Newport Art Museum and Art Association since he first joined the Council in 1954, and has been instrumental in the development of contemporary plein air painting in the Newport region, founding the Museum's popular 'Wet Paint' event in the 1990s. The Museum is honoring the artist with the gala event, "A Summer Soiree Honoring Richard Grosvenor" on Saturday, July 12, 2008. July 15 - Lunch with the Artist ~ American Folk Art: Especially Pennsylvania Dutch. Richard Tyre hosts this lunch hour discussion - a different artist, period or genre every month. Bring a lunch and meet at the Museum's John Griswold House, 76 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI. Talk begins at noon. Free for Museum members; non-members $5. Join or renew your Newport Art Museum membership at this event and receive a 10% discount on membership dues. (401) 848-8200. www.newportartmuseum.org
July 14 - Portsmouth: Children's Party, Green Animals Topiary Garden 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (rain or shine) at Green Animals Topiary Gardens, 380 Cory's Lane in Portsmouth.Children and adults of all ages are invited to join the festivities at the annual Children’s Party at Green Animals Topiary Garden. The party will feature circus acts, music, magic, clowns, puppets, pony rides, kiddie rides, refreshments and much more on this historic 7-acre estate overlooking Narragansett Bay.
Admission: Preservation Society member adults, $10, general admission adults $15; Member children 6-12 years old free, general admission children 6-12 years old $5; all children 5 and under free. No reservations required. Tickets sold at the door only. Web site
July 18 - Newport: Dinner Dance sponsored by Newport Ballroom Dancing Featuring Rick Medeiros and the Mel-Tones at the Officers’ Club, Newport. See Newport Ballroom Dancing web site for membership and more information.
July 19 & 20 - Portsmouth: 4-H Country Fair Sat. 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Glen Park, Glen Rd off Rt. 138. An old fashioned country fair with activities that include horse show, cow shows, games, crafters, tractor pulls, area demonstrations, pony rides, chicken BBQ, silent auction, and much more. For more info see this website
July 31 - August 31 - Portsmouth: "2nd Annual Only Photography Show" at the Portsmouth Art Guild Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 1-5pm. The opening reception is August 1st from 6-8pm at The Portsmouth Arts Guild Center For The Arts, 2679 East Main Rd, next to St. Paul's Church, Portsmouth, RI. 2nd Annual Only Photography Show, featuring work by local photographers
Previous year's events (below) that we haven't gotten current information to update yet.
Tuesdays - Newport: Schooner Aurora offers free sails Beginning June th and taking place every Tuesday throughout the summer, Aurora will offer free sails to residents of Newport County. For others the cost is $20. See more at the web site or email
Saturdays, through Sept. - Portsmouth: Newport International Polo Series Generally a 5pm start Saturdays. Glen Farm is on Rt 138 in Portsmouth. See the web site for more information.
Through October - Newport: Ghost Tours of Newport Take a lantern-led evening stroll down historic Newport, Rhode Island 's shadowy lanes and discover the ghosts, ghouls, and legends of our haunted city by the sea. Web Site
Saturdays Through Oct - Portsmouth: 8th Annual Summer Jazz Series at Greenvale Vineyards 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Tasting Room at Greenvale Vineyards, 582 Wapping Road in Portsmouth. The Jazz series was organized by Matthew Quinn who died on May 15, 2007and will be held in his honor. For further information, call (401) 847-3777 or visit online at www.greenvale.com
The concert series which Mathew Quinn called Jazz Tastings includes:
July – Phil Gentile
July – Karen Frisk
July – Mary Andrews
July – Ida Zecco
August – Jazz for Kids with Dick Lupino
August - TBA
August Ethel Lee
August - Jim Porcella
September – Kelley Lennon
September - Candida Rose
Through October - Newport: Cap'n Nick's Newport Pirate Walk Join in (ye' Scurvy Dog!) on a great, grand walkin' adventure along Newport's streets an' waterfront where pirates preened an' plotted. Our brave buccaneers have th' local scuttlebutt o' swaggerin' seafarers an' dastardly scallywags. Pay attention t' th' stories an' who knows? Ye' jest might bring home a bit o' booty in yer pocket! See the Cap'n Nick Pirate Walk web site piratewalk.com for more information.
Through Sept. - Newport: Guided Walking Tours Various tours on various days through Labor Day. see the site Newport History Tours is a collaborative program of The Newport Historical Society and The Newport Restoration Foundation.Gain an authentic understanding of Newport's dynamic history through guided walking tours, illustrated lectures, behind-the-scenes building tours, hands-on activities and more! All tours will begin at the Museum of Newport History, 127 Thames Street.
July - Portsmouth: Wreath laying at Patriots Park 9:00am The Newport Chapter of the NAACP will hold its annual wreath laying ceremony at Patriots Park ( Intersection of Rts. 114 and 24 northbound). The ceremony honors the members of the First Rhode Island Regiment which fought in the battle of Rhode Island on August 28, 1778.
July - Portsmouth: Captain Marcus Pirate Show with Marc Kohler Ahoy, mates! 2:00 p.m. at the Portsmouth Free Public Library, 2658 East Main Rd. This pirate’s stories will give clues that lead listeners on a treasure hunt. See if you can solve the riddles and clues - listen, think, imagine. Children ages 4 through 12 are invited to attend. There is no sign up required. This event is part of our Summer Reading Program and is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Portsmouth Free Public Library's Children's Room at 683-9457.
July - Newport: 2007 Newport Music Festival Continuing the tradition of presenting unique chamber music programs, American debuts, world-class artists and special events in the Gilded Age “summer cottages” of Newport, Rhode Island. Beginning his thirty-third season as General Director, Dr. Mark P. Malkovich, III, researches and selects works from the 19th century chamber music, vocal repertoire and the Romantic-era piano literature, to create one of the most extraordinary festivals in the world. In its thirty-eight year history, the Newport Music Festival has become celebrated for presenting over one hundred twenty artists and ensembles in their American debuts. For Full information please see (www.newportmusic.org)
July - Portsmouth: Portsmouth Rotary Club's Classic Car & Corral Show 10am to 4pm at Glen Park, Glen Farm, off Rte 138 (East Main Rd).Rain or Shine. Classic Car & Corral Show, by the Portsmouth Rotary Club, entrants in over 30 classes of cars, trucks and motorcycles. FREE Admission to the Public
Registration - $10.00 ON SITE DAY OF SHOW; Cost For Corral Vehicle - $10.00. Food and Refreshments Available (NO alcoholic beverages please) . For more information visit the Car Show web site at http://kpg.gercom.com/carshows/
July - Newport: Color your summer with KidzArt! Channing Memorial Church, 135 Pelham St. Newport. Color your Summer with KidzArt! Using materials that real artists use, enjoy creating a beach party of your very own. Drawings will focus on everything under the sun. You'll take home projects including your very own beach bag. What a great way to kickstart your summer. For more information see kidzartri.com or
. To register call 401-855-0196
July - Portsmouth: 79th Annual St. Anthony's Feast Thursday & Friday - 5pm to 11pm, Saturday noon - midnight, Sunday noon - 5pm. At the Portuguese-American Citizens Club (PPACC), 35 Power St. (across East Main Rd from St. Anthony's Church). Midway, rides, games, food, fun for the whole family!
July - Newport: Black Ships Festival - 24th Anniversary Commemorates RI native, Cmdr. Matthew C. Perry's historic expedition to Japan opening trade relations with the Far East.
The Black Ships Festival offers a variety of events that emphasize both
Japanese art and culture. Events include Origami, Martial Arts, and a
Japanese Tea Ceremony. A highlight will be the Annual Festival of
Drums, featuring the Matsuriza Taiko Group
. Events city wide - 846-2720 Link to the Web Site
July - Newport: 2007 Hellenic Fest Friday 4:00p.m. - midnight, Sat. noon til midnight and Sunday noon until 6:00p.m.at St.Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, 390 Thames St. (corner of Brewer Street) in Newport. Come enjoy Greek Food, Pastry, Music, Dancing, Ouzo, Greek Beer and Wines, and shop at the Greek Marketplace! Free Admission. See the web site for more information.
July - Middletown: 1st Aquidneck Island Paddle for charity Up to 100 water enthusiasts will paddle surfboards and kayaks the full 38 miles around Aquidneck Island to benefit 2 local charities. This event starts at Third Beach between 7am and 8am and depending on weather and tides is expected to finish there at around 4:30pm. Paddlers must submit an entry fee of at least $100 with the hope of community sponsorships rasing that amount. Proceeds will benefit Lucy's Hearth and the Aquidneck Island Land Trust. If you'd like to sponsor a paddler or team please contact Cindy Sabato ( )at the Aquidneck Island Land Trust before June 22 (849-2799)
July - Portsmouth: Old Fashioned Country Picnic with Preserve Portsmouth 12pm to 4pm at Glen Park in Portsmouth.Food * Beverages * Popcorn * Hay RidesPony Rides * Face Painting * Kids GamesPottery Lessons * Raffle * Auction Tickets are $10 each or $25 per family. We look forward to seeing you there.Please see this site for more information preserveportsmouth.org or contact via email
July - Newport: 1st Annual Molly Finn Battle of the Bands 2:00 to 8:00 pm (Rain Date: Sunday, July 29) The Molly Finn Battle of the Bands will be held in the quarry meadow of Ballard Park located off of Hazard Road in Newport. It is an all age event and musicians of all genres and ages are invited to enter their bands. Preference will be given to high school/young adult, non professional bands. Bands will be scheduled to play from 2 to 7:30 pm on Saturday July 28th. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the competition. See web site for more info
July - Portsmouth: Amica Insurance Rhode Island Open The Amica Insurance RI Open is being held at the Green Valley Country Club, 371 Union Street, Portsmouth. Both Amica Insurance and Green Valley have a lot to celebrate this year. Amica Insurance is marking its 100th anniversary, while Green Valley is celebrating its 50th year in business. Come out and support the New England golf professionals who will be hitting the links in this popular tournament. This event is free to spectators. www.rigalinks.org
July - Labor Day - Newport: Public Tours of Rose Island Lighthouse
10am to 4pm See the web site for more info
July - Newport: Island Moving Company: Flight of Steps at Fort Adams 6:30 – 8 p.m. Island Moving Company's annual outdoor, summer dance series. Works are presented on the grounds of Fort Adams in Newport, Rhode Island. Bring a picnic and enjoy the magic of dance outdoors on a summer evening. www.islandmovingco.org.
July - Portsmouth: Free outdoor pops concert at Glen Manor House 6:30p.m. - 8:00p.m.on the lawn of the Glen Manor House, 3 Frank Coelho Drive.The Glen Manor House Authority will host a free outdoor concert featuring "The American Band". This annual family event welcomes you to bring blankets or folding chairs and picnics... rain or shine. Some chairs will be provided for senior citizens and handicapped. In the event of rain, the concert will be held on the covered rear patio overlooking the Sakonnet River. The American Band was founded in 1837 and is one of the nation’s oldest continuing adult community bands. For more information, call (401) 683-4177.
July - Newport: St. John's Annual Parish Fair from 10 AM to 2 PM, rain or shine. Lots of good food, silent auction, children's booths, clothing tag sale, baked goods, white elephant and book sale. Fun for all ages. Corner of Washington and Poplar Street on "The Point" in Newport.
July - Tiverton: Cultural Survival: Indigenous Art and Crafts Annual Bazaar 10am - 5pm, indigenous rights group and non-profit organization, Cultural Survival, will celebrate its 27th year of bringing indigenous art and crafts at its 6th annual bazaar at the Four Corners Arts Center, 3852 Main Road in Tiverton Four Corners, RI. The Cultural Survival Bazaar is the only place where you can experience indigenous cultures from around the globe under a single tent. Rain or shine, Cultural Survival will host more than 30 vendors of indigenous food, music, art, and crafts. A percentage of the proceeds of each sale will support Cultural Survival’s work with indigenous peoples worldwide. “The Cultural Survival Bazaar brings together the work of dozens of skilled artisans and craftspeople from around the world in one place. With each step you take, the sights, smells and sounds will transport you to a time and place in another land. Our members and friends come back year after year for this colorful event,” said Pia Maybury-Lewis, Bazaar organizer and co-founder of Cultural Survival. Enjoy Thai, Tanzanian, and Wampanoag food, listen to live music from Ecuador, Peru, and Zimbabwe. Highlights of this year’s Bazaar will include large varieties of jewelry, clothing, textiles, decorative pieces, and much more. Examples include Batik fabric from Bali, hand-blown Guatemalan glass, African carvings, Maasai and Navajo jewelry, Thai silk, a large selection of quality hand-knotted rugs from the Middle East, Indian textiles, and beautiful Ecuadorian paintings. While you’re there, be sure not to miss the live musical performances and cultural demonstrations, including traditional Native American songs. Admission and parking is free. A map and directions are available on the Cultural Survival website at www.cs.org.
May through October - Newport: Ghost Tours of Newport Take a lantern-led evening stroll down historic Newport, Rhode Island 's shadowy lanes and discover the ghosts, ghouls, and legends of our haunted city by the sea. Web Site
July - Aug - Newport: Newport Art Museum's Summer Evening Picnic Series Concerts on the lawn of the Newport Art Museum start at 6:30 p.m. and last about an hour. Audience members are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets and a picnic supper. In case of rain, concerts are held in the Museum’s Ilgenfritz Gallery. (Seating indoors is limited.) This summer’s series of eight evening Picnics include:
- Off the Curb - A Hip Hop review
Sponsored by NewportFed, the concerts are free to members. Admission: adults $5, families $10. No charge for children 5 and under.The Navy concert is free for everyone. The Newport Art Museum is located at 76 Bellevue Avenue across from Touro Park in Newport, Rhode Island. Limited parking is available in its two lots. For more information call (401) 848-8200 or visit newportartmuseum.com.
July & July - Newport: Trinity Church Summer Concert Series at Trinity's Honyman Hall, Queen Anne Square. The Trinity Church Summer Concert Series presents various artists and musical selections. Cost: $10 suggested donation to benefit Music at Trinity, seating is limited, reservations recommended 846-0660 www.trinitynewport.org
July - Newport: Newport Gallery Night 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. -Visit more than 20 galleries all over the city, see the web site for more info www.newportgalleries.org
