This Festival In Rhode Island Has Been Going Strong Since 1983

As we journey into the final full month of the summer, we have plenty to do in August – from visiting our favorite restaurants with outdoor seating to checking out the many activities and events planned throughout the month. No matter how busy your schedule is, try to carve out some time for a visit to the Black Ships Festival, a one-of-a-kind festival in Bristol, Rhode Island.

Join Rhode Islanders for three days of fun during the 40th Annual Black Ships Festival, slated for Aug. 11-13, 2023. Events will be held in Bristol and Newport.

A celebration of the friendship between Rhode Island and Japan, the three-day festival kicks off with opening ceremonies at Rockwell Park in Bristol at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 11.

The weekend will also feature a Cultural Marketplace Fair at Independence Park in Bristol. Bring the whole family along to check out such entertainment as Taiko drumming, a Koto performance, and a parade.

The parade will celebrate the culture and heritage of Japan, and all guests are invited to join in.

Explore the fair that will also feature a variety of food trucks, selling everything from BBQ to ice cream. Baba Sushi, Boru Noodles, and Yagi Noodles are among the food trucks scheduled to attend.

Bring the kiddos to the arts and crafts tent, where they can make crafts, join a sing-a-long, and learn about origami.

A collection of vendors will also be on hand.

Be sure to explore the community booths, too.

For a full list of events and sites, visit the official website of the Japan-American Society and Black Ships Festival of Rhode Island, Inc. Or, stop by the Facebook page of the Rhode Island organization. You might even want to add a bit of Japanese decor to your living space.

Have you been to this festival in Bristol, Rhode Island? What did you think? Will you go again this year? Let us know in the comments! Then find out why Bristol is one of the best hidden gems in Rhode Island.