38 Fun Things to Do in Rhode Island this June

Photo courtesy of Go Providence/Nick Millard

ONGOING: Al Fresco on the Hill

WHAT: Make the most of the summer breeze during the Al Fresco on the Hill extravaganza on Federal Hill. Make a stop at one or more of the twenty-five restaurants setting up outdoor dining experiences on the street. Whether you want to sip vino facing the sunset or kick back with a slice of pizza under an illuminated patio, reserve a spot at your favorite eatery to secure dinner with a view. Saturdays through Labor Day. WHERE: Federal Hill, Providence. MORE INFO: federalhillprov.com.

Photo courtesy of Justincase Media Inc.

6/16-18: Juneteenth RI Festival Weekend

WHAT: The fifth annual Juneteenth celebration commemorates June 19, 1865, and the liberation of enslaved African Americans throughout the nation with a weekend full of dancing, eating and supporting local vendors with family and friends. Visit the website for venues and event times. Saturday’s YOUth Day and Black history walking tour are free, as is the Juneteenth Festival on Sun.; the Fri. comedy show is $30. WHERE: Various locations in Providence. MORE INFO: 288-7864, juneteenthri.com.

Photo courtesy of Blackstone River Theatre

6/17: Blackstone River Theatre Summer Solstice Festival

WHAT: Celebrate the arrival of summer with performances on four stages, including artists like the Vox Hunters, Grosse Isle (at left), Hildaland, the Eastern Medicine Singers and more, while enjoying the wares of forty food and craft vendors. 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Rain date June 18. Adults $20; seniors $15; children ages six through fifteen $5; children five and younger free. WHERE: Diamond Hill Park, Cumberland. MORE INFO: 725-9272, riverfolk.org.

The Wilbury Theatre Group

THROUGH JUNE 11: Catch the world premiere of Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight, by Darcie Dennigan with music by Niki Healy. Step into the shoes of Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi, who is known for developing artwork in response to being sexually abused by a family friend at the age of seventeen. Inspired by music from girl groups from the sixties and today’s punk tunes, this new musical analyzes the experience of women and the aching desire for retaliation in the face of oppression. Thurs.–Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. $5–$55.

JUNE 17: Join the Wilbury Theatre Group at its Divine PVD Gala to celebrate thirteen years of extraordinary performances, ten years of Fringe and its new home at the WaterFire Arts Center. This fundraising gala honors Shey Ri Acú Rivera Ríos with the Kerry Callery Award for Artists, and Ronald and Heather Florence with the Arthur Richter Spirit of Giving Award. 6:30 p.m. $50–$200. WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley St., Providence, 400-7100, thewilburygroup.org

Trinity Rep

THROUGH JUNE 25: Sweeney Todd tells the story of an exiled barber and his journey to avenge the wrongdoings done to him and his family. The eight-time Tony Award-winning musical is filled with an extraordinary score and wicked humor. Run time is two hours and forty-five minutes with one intermission. Dowling Theater, Trinity Repertory Company, 201 Washington St., Providence, 351-4242, trinityrep.com

Providence Performing Arts Center

JUNE 16: Part of the Cool Summer Nights Concert series, The Rocket Man Show stars Rus Anderson performing as a young Elton John with bold piano playing, showstopping antics and iconic hits. 7:30 p.m. $10–$45. 220 Weybosset St., Providence, 421-2787, ppacri.org

PVD Flea Summer Markets

ONGOING: Obsess over vintage finds and locally sourced products from more than seventy-five vendors outdoors including indie makers, bakers, clothing vendors and more. Sun. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission. 275 South Water St., Providence, 484-7783, providenceflea.com

Food Truck Friday

ONGOING: Choose from more than fifteen local food trucks as well as beer and wine from Trinity Brewhouse during the ninth annual Food Truck Friday series at Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Carousel Village. Live music from local artists. Fri. 5–8:30 p.m. Free admission. 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, rwpzoo.org

Field of Artisans

ONGOING: Connect with dozens of makers and entrepreneurs from all over New England while learning more about their art. Shop, support and share your findings at the intimate pop-ups while encouraging others to support local as well. Visit the website for venues, dates and times. Various locations in Providence, Charlestown and South Kingstown, fieldofartisans.com

We Be Jammin’ With Food Trucks Family Fun Day

JUNE 3: Take a stroll through Rocky Point State Park while enjoying live music from the Mojo-Rhode Band, sampling twenty of Little Rhody’s best food and dessert trucks, and browsing through local businesses’ wares. 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Rocky Point State Park, 615 Greenwich Ave., Warwick, 527-0414, webejamminri.com

Ocean State Improv Festival

JUNE 7–11: Performers from across the country will bring the laughs to the Ocean State Improv Festival, a week full of inspiring workshops, fascinating shows and pure improv fun. Visit the website for times. $10–$125. 327 Main St., Wakefield, 218-0282, contemporarytheatercompany.com

Gaspee Days

JUNE 10–11: Celebrate Rhode Islanders’ rebellious nature with the Gaspee Days Parade, a Colonial encampment and the burning of the infamous Gaspee, and other fun and historic activities for the whole family. Visit the website for times. Free. Narragansett Parkway (parade) and Pawtuxet Park, Warwick, 781-1772, gaspee.com

Born to Rise Women’s Story Festival

JUNE 11: Be a part of a community of women by sharing, dancing and crafting together during the annual Women’s Story Festival and book launch. A festival of workshops dedicated to self-expression, creativity and conversation will be followed by an evening of storytelling from local women. Connect and soar together at this uplifting event. Registration is required for workshops. 3–7 p.m. $20–$250. RISD Auditorium, 17 Canal Walk, Providence, borntorise.live

PrideFest and Illuminated Night Parade

JUNE 17: Rhode Island Pride is hosting its forty-seventh annual PrideFest along South Water Street in Providence. The festival stretches from day to night and features more than 250 vendors, food trucks, a wine, beer and spirits garden and live shows from local entertainers and national acts. Noon. Free. Providence Innovation District Park, Providence, 467-2130, prideri.org

The 48 Hour Film Project

JUNE 23–25: This festival challenges registered teams to make their own film in two whole days, working from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Participants will have their masterpieces showcased at the Avon Cinema in Providence on July 11 for the chance to win the top prize and have their work screened at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024. $158 to register a team; $12 for showcase. Providence 48 Hour Film Project, Avon Cinema, 260 Thayer St., Providence, 48hourfilm.com

Newport Pride

JUNE 23–25: Celebrate love, acceptance, inclusivity and diversity during Newport Pride weekend. Support small shops during the market and festival at the Great Friends Meeting House, go for a four-mile bike ride during the Newport Pride Ride and more during this annual celebration. Visit the website for event times. Various locations in Newport, 248-1190, newportprideri.org

Zoobilee! Feast with the Beasts

JUNE 24: Roger Williams Park Zoo’s largest single-night fundraiser boasts delicious offerings from local restaurants, as well as live music from Mystique, meet-and-greets with the zoo’s education animals and other festivities. Tickets to this twenty-one-plus event also include exclusive access to the Dinosaurs Among Us exhibit. VIP admission 6 p.m.; regular admission 7 p.m. $150–$1,000. Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, 785-3510, rwpzoo.org

Rhode Island Red Food Tours

ONGOING: Explore your favorite Rhody neighborhoods in the capital city and the City by the Sea with a food tour. Walking tours include delicious nibbles plus alcohol (or nonalcoholic) pairings at several local restaurants. Reservations are required. Thurs.–Sun. at noon. $74–$89. Various locations in Providence and Newport, rhodeislandredfoodtours.com

Rail Explorers Tours

ONGOING: Take a bite out of brunch or check out the night sky with Rail Explorers in themed, pedal-powered tours from the Southern Circuit to Bayside Station. See website for tour times and ticket prices. 1 Alexander Rd., Portsmouth, 877-833-8588, railexplorers.net

Haunted Boat Rides

ONGOING: Brave the dark waters of the Providence Marina during a Haunted Boat Tour, where passengers can learn more about the city’s deceased and restless souls while getting a view of historic architecture, moonlit bridges and cobblestone walkways. Reserve your spot online and dress according to the weather. Wed. and Sun. 8:30 p.m. $27–$30. The Landing, 101 Dyer St., Providence, 580-2628, providenceriverboat.com

Newport Foodies Stroll

ONGOING: Rediscover Thames Street with the help of great meals on this nearly two-mile walking food tour. Wander the historic streets of the City by the Sea with tour guides Thomas and Susan Maxwell in between three-course meals and wine pairings at notable restaurants and pubs. Taste the delicious cuisine from places like Knot Norm’s and Cold Fusion Gelato. Reserve your spot online. Wed.–Sat. 11:30 a.m. and noon. Adults $88; children twelve and under $55. Meet in front of wave statue, 337 Thames St., Newport, 619-3019, newportfoodiesstroll.com

Father’s Day Boat Tours

JUNE 18: Show dad just how much you appreciate him (and his corny jokes) as you cruise by the Providence Riverwalk, Waterplace Park and Providence Harbor on a narrated, fifty-minute tour. Feel free to BYOB in a personal cooler. Sailings depart hourly between 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Adults $30; children seventeen and younger $25. The Landing, 101 Dyer St., Providence, 580-2628, providenceriverboat.com

The Newport Flower Show: The Grand Tour

JUNE 23–25: Step into a colorful and sweet-scented environment of stunning floral designs during the Newport Flower Show. Opening reception on Fri. 6–8 p.m. VIP early admission 8–9 a.m., $50; general morning admission 9 a.m.–noon, afternoon admission noon–3 p.m., $25–$225. Marble House, 596 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 847-1000, newportmansions.org

Dinosaurs Among Us

THROUGH AUG. 13: This walk-through event allows guests to travel back 65 million years in time to witness sixty roaring life-size animatronic dinosaurs. For a more immersive experience, check out the walking dinosaur rides, meet and greets with baby dinosaurs, selfie stations with the creatures and hands-on fossil dig sites. Visit the website for times and ticket prices. Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, 785-3510, rwpzoo.org

READ and ROMP

JUNE 17: Featuring some classic children’s books, READ and ROMP promises a day full of story time, craft making, games and more. Even though the event caters to children ages seven and younger, all ages are welcome to join the fun. From free books to carousel rides, there are plenty of activities to choose from at this literacy event. 10 a.m.–noon. Free. Roger Williams Park and Carousel, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, rorri.org

Music on the Hill

THROUGH JUNE 10: Start off the fifteenth annual Music on the Hill music festival with the Narragansett Brass Quintet in a casual setting on the Clouds Hill Victorian House Museum lawn. Visit the website for venues and times. $25. Various venues in East Greenwich and Cranston, musiconthehillri.org

Annual Gala Concert with Renée Fleming

JUNE 3: Leonard Slatkin conducts with Metropolitan Opera soprano Renée Fleming singing. The night features Verdi’s overture to “La Forza del Destino,” Richard Strauss’ “Four Last Songs” and more. 5 p.m. $35–$250. The Vets, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence, 248-7000, ticketsriphil.org

Newport International Polo Series

JUNE 3–SEPT. 30: Watch action-packed events every Saturday during the thirty-second season of the Newport Polo Series, including USA vs. Spain and the Independence Cup. Enjoy fan prizes, special weekly features, concessions and more. Sat. 5 p.m. $20–$125; children fifteen and younger free (lawn seating). 250 Linden Ln., Portsmouth, 846-0200, nptpolo.com

GloriDays

JUNE 9–11: The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation is hosting its “GloriDays” weekend journey — a walk to celebrate, honor, remember and support those touched by breast cancer. Participants are encouraged to take advantage of the “glamping” tents to rest between days. Join in the post-walk cookout, volleyball games or massages administered by a physical therapist. All walkers must raise a minimum of $1,500. Registration fee is $65. Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, Colt State Park, Bristol, 861-4376, gloriagemma.org

Fresco Italiano — A Night of the Arts

JUNE 24: The St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center presents Fresco Italiano, an evening of food, music and art with a delicious buffet of Italian favorites like shells with sauce, meatballs, sausage, chicken Parmesan and more. Look for the private collection of rare sketches by Guido Nincheri, the Italian artist who painted the center’s ornate ceiling. Proceeds benefit the arts and cultural center. 5–9 p.m. $25 in advance; $30 at the door. St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center, 84 Cumberland St., Woonsocket, 356-0713, stannartsandculturalcenter.org

RISD Museum

ONGOING: Check out exhibitions including “Eating in Edo,” “Passive Pollination” and “Sensing Fashion.” Tues., Wed., Sat., Sun. 10 a.m.­–5 p.m.; Thurs. and Fri. noon–7 p.m. Adults $17; seniors $12; youth eighteen and younger free. Free admission Thurs. and Fri. after 5 p.m. and all-day Sun. 20 North Main St., Providence, 454-6500, risdmuseum.org

Newport Art Museum

ONGOING: View thought-provoking works within exhibits such as “DISCOlour: The Light Paintings,” “Pride: In Retrospect” and “Bob Dilworth: Backyard.” Tues.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m. Adults $15; seniors $10; college students and military $8; museum members and children seventeen and younger free. 76 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 848-8200, newportartmuseum.org

ETCETERA

Fireside After Dark

THROUGH JUNE 24: Visit Providence G’s rooftop bar for an evening of surprises, unexpected entertainment and, of course, craft cocktails. At Fireside After Dark, you might see aerialists, stilt walkers, street artists, magicians, snake charmers and more. The entertainment begins Fridays and Saturdays at 9:30 p.m. and the rooftop is open until 1:30 a.m. Rooftop at the Providence G, 100 Dorrance St., Providence, 632-4904, rooftopattheg.com

Roller Disco

JUNE 1–OCT. 27: Show off your grooviest moves and seventies-inspired outfits as you glide through the Providence Rink. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, skate through the warm weather alongside other determined skaters. Music, courtesy of local deejays and live acts, starts at 6 p.m., and the Trinity Beer Garden provides beverages to skaters and spectators as well. Thurs., Fri. and select Sat. 5–10 p.m. Adults $7; children and seniors $4. BankNewport City Center, 2 Kennedy Plaza, Providence, 680-7390, theprovidencerink.com

Sand Bar, Bites and Bubbles

JUNE 9 AND 23: Arrive at a remote area on Quonnie Pond via boat and settle on the beach bar to enjoy canapes and drinks. 5–7 p.m. $85. Weekapaug Inn, 25 Spray Rock Rd., Westerly, 888-565-5023, weekapauginn.com

British Motorcars in Bristol

JUNE 9–10: Admire exotic British motorcars cruising down the neighborhoods of Bristol’s waterside streets. On Friday morning, take a scenic tour of Bristol before the public car show and evening block party. Proceeds from the weekend event support the Alzheimer’s Association of Rhode Island chapter. Admission and public parking free; visit website for times and car registration prices. Various locations in Bristol, britsinbristol.com

Under the Gold-Plating: Everyday Americans in the Gilded Age

JUNE 15: To learn more about the lives of everyday Americans during the Gilded Age, a time of great industrialization and urbanization, attend “Under the Gold-Plating,” a live lecture in the Great Hall at the Breakers. This richly illustrated talk details the lives of all whose labor made this period of innovation and wealth possible. View the lecture from 6–7 p.m. in person or via Zoom. $10–$20. The Great Hall in the Breakers, 44 Ochre Point Ave., Newport, 874-1000, newportmansions.org

Summer Bounty Party

JUNE 20: Kick off the season with the annual Summer Bounty Party for a night of food sampling, beverage tasting, live tunes from Lois Vaughan Music and more. The event supports the Aquidneck Community Table’s programs and its goal to deliver a healthy and accessible food network for everyone. 6–9 p.m. $100. Stoneacre Garden, 151 Swinburne Row, Newport, 256-6627, aquidneckcommunitytable.org

JULY 9–22: Providence Restaurant Weeks, Providence, goprovidence.com

JULY 12: Newport Classical Music Festival, Newport, newportclassical.org

JULY 13: Narragansett Beer Brews Cruise, Providence, providenceriverboat.com

JULY 16–29: FringePVD, Providence, fringepvd.org

JULY 18–23: Newport Dance Festival, Newport, newportcontemporaryballet.org