Things to-do in Providence, RI this summer!
Festivals & Activities
PVDfest: June 6th- 9th
This event seems to be THE kick off to summer in Providence. PVDfest is a weekend long event that combines art, music, food, vendors, and the general spirit of celebration. Since I have yet to attend, I don’t know much about the event, although I do know they have kindness stations … can’t wait to see what those are about!
There is so much to this event so I’m going to just recommend you check out the website for more info!
The Great Inflatable Race: Saturday June 8th
The perfect way to challenge yourself to a 5k if you never have before. Super low key in terms of racing but LOADS of fun! I can’t wait to bounce around obstacle courses and add some fun to getting fit!
Get the deets and enter to race here. I’ve also teamed up with the Great Inflatable Race for TWO entries to the super fun 5k! Enter my giveaway here, and hopefully see you there!
Waterfire: May-November
Waterfire is pretty much a must for a summer in Providence. In fact, it’s one of the only summer activities I was able to attend when I moved here at the end of summer 2018. What gets me excited about going this year is the possibility of gondola ride around the famous bonfires, just maybe!
Pawtucket Red Sox game: see tickets & game schedule here
Attending a baseball game is a cornerstone of summer time fun for me. I grew up watching baseball, so I’ve always been a fan of the ballpark atmosphere. The PawSox will only be in Rhode Island for a few more summers, so get a game in while you can!
The PawSox are also hosting a food truck and craft beer festival on Sept 14th, a perfect end of summer festival to attend!
RISD Museum:
I honestly can’t believe that I haven’t been yet because I’ve heard nothing but great things! The Rhode Island School of Design Museum has free admission every Sunday and on the 3rd Thursday evening of each month (5-9).
Roger Williams Park and Roger Williams Park Zoo:
As an animal lover I’m excited about visiting the zoo, but Roger Williams Park has SO much to offer all summer long! Walking paths, the botanical center, food truck Friday in the Carousel Village. I’m hoping to take multiple trips to “the people’s park” this season!
The Ale Trail
Let me preface this section of my summer bucket list by saying that I first started my Rhode Island Brewery Passport back in the fall and have only gone to 3 breweries. Now, the RI Brewery Passport includes more than just Providence locations, but here are the spots I want to hit this summer right here in PVD!
Trinity Brewhouse and Beer Garden
Long Live Beerworks, check out their events for fun food pop ups!
Providence Brewing Company (pet friendly and welcomes outside food)
Union Station Brewery
Venues
I’ve heard there are a lot of great concert venues in the Providence area, and I haven’t been to any! My actual bucket list item is to attend a concert or a show (not necessarily go to all of these!) Here are some local venues, including some of the artists playing at them that I’m excited about:
Dunkin Donuts Center:
- July 20th, John Mayer
- July 23rd, Michael Buble
- Nov 8th, Old Dominion
Columbus Theatre: July 19th, Nick Kroll
Places where you can find live music with more local artists:
- Blackstone Parks Conservancy
- Burnside Park (read: this place makes TWO appearances on our summer bucket list)
- Concert under the elms
- Fete Music Hall
Markets
Providence Flea: every Sunday May- September
Food trucks, vintage vendors, live music, and apparently lots of puppies! This flea market has it all and is located in the heart of Providence. I’ve been dying to hit up this flea since the first time I saw all the vendors and trucks lined along the river, a MUST for this summer.
Hope Street Market: every Saturday through October
I’ve been to the Hope Street Market before, but only in the fall season. I heard it’s even more active in the summer season!
Ice cream spots
Hannah N. Knighton 