It's the perfect season to get out and enjoy a taste of Rhode Island with food and drink events, ethnic church feasts, seafood festivals, fundraisers and more.
Some events are free to enter, but charge for food. Others have a ticket price for all-you-can-eat or all-you-can-drink. Some take place in the city of Providence, others on the coast or near the water. In New England, it's nice to be in the middle of the season, so they run from June to October, but usually in December.
Love oysters and calamari? There's no shortage of options; one weekend event even has an online countdown clock to the start. And if you love animals, don't miss the zoo fundraiser; homemade food made by women from a Rhode Island church is always a sure draw.
The Providence Journal is also hosting events with business owners as a successor to our beloved Critics' Choice Food and Drink Festival.
Check out this list of 10 events and start planning your next fun meal out.
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Zoobilly
What: Roger Williams Park Zoo's 32nd annual Zoobilee fundraiser supports conservation and education efforts for attendees 21 and older. Admission includes snacks and drinks from local restaurants. Meet animals for special experiences. Dance to Mystique. Cash bar included.
When: June 29th, 6pm to 10pm at the Providence Zoo (1000 Elmwood Ave.).
Tickets: $125 ($25 discount for Zoo members) and available online at rwpzoo.org/event/zoobilee2024/ .
Charlestown Seafood Festival
What: This festival features some of the best county fair food including calamari, lobster, clam chowder, clam cakes, fish chowder, corn on the cob, fish and chips, sausage and pepper sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, fried doughnuts, strawberry shortcake, and more. There are also amusement rides and live bands.
When: August 2nd, 12pm-11pm, August 3rd, 11am-11pm, August 4th, 11am-10pm, at Ninigret Park.
Tickets: Admission is $12 daily for adults, free for children 10 and under, and $9 for military (with ID) and seniors (65 and older). Parking is free ($2 donation requested). Rain or shine, no pets allowed. Visit charlestownseafoodfestival.com for more festival event details and a schedule.
Farm Fresh RI Local Food Festival
What: A unique fundraising event celebrating local farmers in Newport's stunning setting at Castle Hill. Dozens of local farms and producers producing everything from mushrooms to cheese will be participating, paired with chefs from some of the state's best restaurants. Signature dishes and drinks will be served.
When: Tuesday, August 14th, 4-8pm on the Chalet Patio at Castle Hill Inn
Tickets: $275, advance purchase only at farmfreshri.com. Events always sell out.
What: Pawtucket's 97th Greek Orthodox Festival of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary features three days of fun-filled events with sweet treats, meats, dancing, music and shopping. Menu items include roast lamb, pork souvlaki and chicken souvlaki dinners, moussaka and spanakopita. Homemade desserts include baklava, rice pudding, almond rolls and baklava cheesecake. The Kafenio (café) serves traditional hot and cold coffee, and the bar offers Greek beer, wine and spirits.
When: Aug. 16, 17 and 18, 97 Walcott St., Pawtucket. Hours are Friday from 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.
Tickets: Entry is free, but there's plenty of sweet and savory food available for purchase, including takeaway.
Romanian Food Festival
What: Woonsocket's Romanian Orthodox St. John the Baptist Church will hold its annual food festival as a homemade food fundraiser. Food offerings will include sarmale (stuffed cabbage), mititei (grilled minced beef and lamb mix), chicken and lamb shish kebabs, pita (spinach pie) and a variety of homemade ethnic desserts.
When: Aug. 24, 1 to 9 p.m., 501 East School St., Woonsocket.
Tickets: Free admission, food and drinks available for purchase.
What: A fun-filled urban experience on Providence's waterfront, India Point's 14th Annual Seafood Festival features some of the state's best shellfish and seafood vendors over two days. Plenty of music is included in the ticket price, but food and drink are your choice.
When: Sept. 7, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sept. 8, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 201 India St., Providence (Portugal Parkway).
Tickets: $15 admission, free for children under 12. Visit riseafoodfest.com.
Cranston Greek Festival
What: The Church of the Annunciation's annual Greek Festival is a free event featuring live music, a children's area, performances, and most importantly, Greek specialties: roast lamb, Greek chicken, souvlaki, pastitsio, spanakopita (spinach pie), tiropita (cheese pie), gyros, and handmade pastries, all prepared by members of the church.
When: The event will be held Sept. 6, 7 and 8 in a large tent at 175 Oaklawn Ave. in Cranston.
Tickets: Entry is free, but there is plenty of food and drink available for sale. For more information, see CranstonGreekFestival on Facebook.
Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival
What: This is an international event where wineries from around the world sample their finest wines at a Newport estate. Over three days, there are educational seminars, special dinners, lavish brunches, and grand wine and food tastings. If you park at Easton Beach, you can take a shuttle to the grand tastings on Saturday and Sunday.
When: Sept. 20, 21 and 22 at various residences and other locations on Bellevue Avenue. The schedule of events has yet to be announced.
Tickets: Prices vary by event and often sell out. Tickets will go on sale this summer, with early access available to Preservation Society of Newport County members. For more information, visit Newportmansions.org.
USA Today Wine and Food Experience Providence
What: The Providence Journal has hosted five Critic's Choice events, and now we're partnering with business owners to bring you an exciting new experience. It will take place on a Saturday afternoon in September under a tent in 195 District Park in Providence. What will remain the same is that great local restaurants, bakeries, breweries and local makers will be offering samples of their signature dishes and drinks. This event is for those 21 and older.
When: Saturday, September 28, from 1 to 4 PM. Early bird tickets go on sale at noon. Location: 195th District Park in Providence along the Providence River.
Tickets: Early bird tickets (enter noon) are $75, 1 p.m. tickets are $65. Save $5 if you purchase by July 14. Prices will increase the day of the event. To purchase, visit wineandfood.usatoday.com/providence/.
Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival
What: The 33rd annual event will be held at historic Bowen's Wharf in downtown Newport. Admission is free and local restaurants and fishermen will be selling seafood, desserts and kid-friendly meals.
When: October 19th and 20th, Bowen's Wharf.
Tickets: Admission is free, but there is a charge for food and drink. For a live music schedule, vendor list and more event information, visit bowenswharf.com.
