The 7 Best Small-Town Rhode Island Festivals You’ve Never Heard Of
When it comes to festivals, Rhode Island is probably best known for the huge Jazz Festival and Folk Festival that take place in Newport every summer. But beyond the world famous, Rhode Island has a treasure trove of lesser-known festivals that happen in small towns throughout the state every year. Here are some of the best festivals that may have been off your radar.
Rhythm & Roots is a Labor Day weekend event full of incredible live Cajun, Zydeco, and Bluegrass music. You can camp all weekend at Ninigret Park in Charlestown and enjoy delicious food, unique vendors, and a whole lot of dancing.
Celebrate all things Quahog in the funky town of Warren, Rhode Island. Stuffies, Steamers, and a huge variety of fresh seafood are enjoyed along with live music and an art festival during this annual July event.
This July event combines a Seafood Festival and 10-mile road race, culminating with The Blessing of the Fleet at the Port of Galilee. Each and every colorfully decorated boat is blessed as they parade past local clergymen.
Everyone knows Bristol has the longest-running Fourth of July parade in the entire country, but did you know they make the celebrations last an entire month? There's an incredible two week long free concert series, Fourth of July Ball, Orange Crate Derby, sporting events, fireworks, and of course, the Miss Fourth of July and Little Miss Fourth of July pageants.
The Newport Winter Festival is a week-long extravaganza that takes place every February. There's a Great Chili Cook-Off, concerts, comedy, and fun stuff for the kids like a Princess Party and Children's Fair. Don't miss the Sand Sculpting Contest on First Beach, and the Ice Carving Contest with their amazing displays!
Hop on the ferry and head out to Block Island for the annual September Taste of Block Island. There's delicious food along with the splendor of Block Island's stunning beaches, charming lodging, and fun-filled activities.
At the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Pawtucket, they've been hosting this festival every August for 90 years. It's three days of incredible Greek cuisine (think 900 pounds of lamb), dancers, coffee, and a spectacular Greek marketplace.
These are just a few of the festivals just waiting to be discovered here in Rhode Island. Does your small town host a festival that people deserve to know about? Let us know in the comments!
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