Rhode Island 2025 Calendar - List of Festivals and Big Events: Significance, Activities
 Amazing Facts About Rhode Island - Smallest State by Land Area in the US |
Overview of Rhode Island's 2025 Festivals and Events
Rhode Island, affectionately known as the "Ocean State," boasts a dynamic lineup of festivals and events that celebrate its deep-rooted history, artistic flair, and coastal charm. In 2025, the state offers something for everyone, from music lovers and foodies to art enthusiasts and families.
Winter kicks off with the Rhode Island Brew Fest in January, celebrating the state's burgeoning craft beer scene. February brings festive cheer with the Newport Winter Festival, packed with food and family-friendly activities. Spring ushers in cultural highlights like the Newport Saint Patrick's Day Parade and the Wickford Art Festival, showcasing Rhode Island’s creativity and community spirit.
Summer is a standout season with world-renowned gatherings like the Newport Folk Festival and the Newport Jazz Festival at Fort Adams State Park, drawing visitors from around the globe. Fall and winter wrap up the year with the Scituate Art Festival and festive celebrations like the Christmas WaterFire in Providence.
Rhode Island’s festivals provide an unmatched blend of entertainment, culture, and community engagement. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Ocean State’s events will make 2025 unforgettable.
Learn more: Full List of Festivals in the US for 2025: Music, Food, Art, Film, Street and More
List of Festivals and Big Events in Rhode Island - Calendar 2025
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| Festivals in Rhode Island 2025 |
January: Winter Warmers
Rhode Island Brew Fest
- Date: January 25, 2025
- Location: Pawtucket, RI
- Significance: A celebration of craft beer, featuring over 50 breweries and more than 200 styles of beer.
- Activities: Beer tastings, live music, and local food vendors.
- Tickets: General admission includes unlimited beer samples; VIP tickets offer early access.
- How to Attend: Tickets available online; early purchase is recommended.
Providence Restaurant Weeks
- Date: January 14–27, 2025
- Location: Providence, RI (various restaurants)
- Significance: A culinary event offering prix fixe menus at top Providence restaurants.
- Activities: Enjoy specially curated meals at discounted prices, with options for lunch and dinner.
- Tickets: No event tickets; reservations are highly recommended.
- How to Attend: Visit participating restaurants’ websites or call to book tables.
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February: Winter Festivities
Newport Winter Festival
- Date: February 14–23, 2025
- Location: Newport, RI
- Significance: "New England's Largest Winter Extravaganza," offering over 150 events.
- Activities: Ice sculpting, live music, wine tastings, and children’s activities.
- Tickets: Festival buttons provide access to most events; additional fees may apply.
- How to Attend: Purchase buttons online or at designated locations.
Providence Children’s Film Festival
- Date: February 18–25, 2025
- Location: Providence, RI (various venues)
- Significance: Showcasing films for, by, and about children.
- Activities: Film screenings, workshops, and meet-the-filmmaker sessions.
- Tickets: $5–$15 per event; festival passes available.
- How to Attend: Tickets can be purchased on the festival’s website or at venues.
March: Celebrating Heritage
Newport Saint Patrick's Day Parade
- Date: March 15, 2025
- Location: Newport, RI
- Significance: A festive parade honoring Irish heritage, featuring marching bands and community floats.
- Activities: The parade winds through downtown Newport, followed by celebrations at local pubs and restaurants.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the parade route.
Ocean State Orchid Society Show
- Date: March 22–24, 2025
- Location: North Kingstown, RI
- Significance: A floral showcase featuring exotic orchid displays and workshops.
- Activities: View award-winning orchids, shop for plants, and attend care demonstrations.
- Tickets: $10 for adults; free for children under 12.
- How to Attend: Tickets available at the venue entrance.
April: Artistic Expressions
Wickford Art Festival
- Date: April 26–27, 2025
- Location: Wickford Village, North Kingstown, RI
- Significance: One of the oldest outdoor art festivals in New England, showcasing fine art from local and national artists.
- Activities: Art exhibits, live music, and interactive art demos.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Parking available in designated areas; shuttles provided.
PVD Pulp Fiction Fest
- Date: April 18–20, 2025
- Location: Providence, RI
- Significance: A literary festival celebrating pulp fiction, sci-fi, and fantasy genres.
- Activities: Author panels, book signings, and themed parties.
- Tickets: Free for general events; workshop fees vary.
- How to Attend: Visit the festival’s website for event locations and registration.
May: Spring Celebrations
Rhode Island PrideFest
- Date: May 17, 2025
- Location: Providence, RI
- Significance: A celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, featuring a festival and illuminated night parade.
- Activities: Live performances, vendor booths, a family fun area, and a nighttime parade.
- Tickets: Free admission; donations encouraged.
- How to Attend: Public transportation recommended for downtown events.
Narragansett Calamari Festival
- Date: May 24, 2025
- Location: Narragansett, RI
- Significance: A culinary event celebrating Rhode Island's iconic seafood dish, calamari.
- Activities: Cooking demos, food vendors, live music, and a calamari-eating contest.
- Tickets: $10 for adults; children under 12 free.
- How to Attend: Tickets available on-site or online.
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June: Early Summer Events
PVDFest
- Date: June 6–8, 2025
- Location: Downtown Providence, RI
- Significance: A dynamic arts festival that transforms the streets of Providence into a vibrant celebration of music, art, and performance.
- Activities: Street performances, interactive art exhibits, live music on multiple stages, food trucks, and family-friendly activities.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: The festival spans multiple downtown locations; public transportation is recommended as parking can be limited.
Gaspee Days Parade
- Date: June 14, 2025
- Location: Warwick, RI
- Significance: Commemorating the 1772 burning of the British ship HMS Gaspee, an event leading to the American Revolution.
- Activities: A grand parade featuring historical reenactments, marching bands, floats, and local food vendors.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Arrive early to secure parking and a good viewing spot along the parade route.
July: Summer Highlights
Newport Folk Festival
- Date: July 25–27, 2025
- Location: Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI
- Significance: A globally renowned music festival that brings together legendary and emerging artists in a picturesque coastal setting.
- Activities: Multiple stages of performances, local food vendors, artisan markets, and scenic views of Newport Harbor.
- Tickets: Highly sought-after; advanced purchase required. Prices start at $100/day.
- How to Attend: Shuttle services and ferries are available from downtown Newport to Fort Adams.
Bristol Fourth of July Celebration
- Date: July 4, 2025
- Location: Bristol, RI
- Significance: Known as “America’s Oldest Fourth of July Celebration,” this event dates back to 1785.
- Activities: Patriotic parades, fireworks, concerts, and a carnival atmosphere with local vendors.
- Tickets: Free admission; some events may have additional costs.
- How to Attend: Downtown Bristol becomes very busy, so plan to arrive early for parking or use shuttles from nearby lots.
August: Musical Extravaganza
Newport Jazz Festival
- Date: August 1–3, 2025
- Location: Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI
- Significance: One of the world’s premier jazz festivals, celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2025.
- Activities: World-class jazz performances, scenic waterfront views, local food vendors, and interactive workshops.
- Tickets: Starting at $75/day; weekend passes available. Advance purchase highly recommended.
- How to Attend: Shuttles and ferries run from Newport to Fort Adams.
Charlestown Seafood Festival
- Date: August 9–11, 2025
- Location: Ninigret Park, Charlestown, RI
- Significance: A seafood lover’s dream, showcasing Rhode Island’s culinary excellence.
- Activities: Lobster and clam dishes, carnival rides, live music, and craft booths.
- Tickets: $10 for adults; children under 12 free.
- How to Attend: Parking is available at Ninigret Park, but arrive early for the best spots.
September: Fall Beginnings
Rhode Island Seafood Festival
- Date: September 14–15, 2025
- Location: India Point Park, Providence, RI
- Significance: A celebration of the state’s thriving seafood industry, set against the backdrop of Narragansett Bay.
- Activities: Sample fresh seafood from local vendors, enjoy live music, and explore craft beer pairings.
- Tickets: $10 for general admission; food priced individually.
- How to Attend: Parking is limited; public transportation or rideshares are encouraged.
Scituate Art Festival
- Date: September 20–22, 2025
- Location: Scituate, RI
- Significance: A cherished annual event featuring local artists and craftsmen.
- Activities: Browse art exhibits, shop for unique handmade items, enjoy live music, and sample local cuisine.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Ample parking is available in designated lots near the festival grounds.
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October: Autumn Highlights
Roger Williams Park Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
- Date: October 1–31, 2025
- Location: Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, RI
- Significance: A stunning display of intricately carved pumpkins, illuminating the park’s trails with creative designs.
- Activities: Guided trails, themed displays, and food vendors selling seasonal treats.
- Tickets: $20 for adults; $15 for children. Advanced booking recommended.
- How to Attend: Parking is available at the zoo, but arrive early as it gets busy.
Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival
- Date: October 12–13, 2025
- Location: Newport, RI
- Significance: Celebrating Newport’s maritime heritage with a weekend of fresh seafood and waterfront fun.
- Activities: Clambakes, chowder tastings, live entertainment, and local craft booths.
- Tickets: Free admission; food priced individually.
- How to Attend: Located in downtown Newport; parking is limited, so plan accordingly.
November: Holiday Preparations
Christmas WaterFire
- Date: November 30, 2025
- Location: Downtown Providence, RI
- Significance: A holiday version of the iconic WaterFire art installation, illuminating the rivers of Providence with festive lights and music.
- Activities: Enjoy the glowing braziers, caroling, and hot chocolate from nearby vendors.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Public transportation or rideshares are recommended due to limited parking.
Warren Holiday Festival
- Date: November 23, 2025
- Location: Warren, RI
- Significance: A cozy community festival marking the start of the holiday season.
- Activities: Tree lighting, artisan markets, and live holiday music.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Downtown Warren offers ample parking.
December: Holiday Cheer
Festival of Lights
- Date: December 1–7, 2025
- Location: Bristol, RI
- Significance: A week-long holiday celebration with tree lighting ceremonies, caroling, and festive markets.
- Activities: Holiday parades, craft fairs, and horse-drawn carriage rides.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Parking is available in downtown Bristol, but arrive early for events.
Holiday Lantern Walk
- Date: December 15, 2025
- Location: Wickford Village, North Kingstown, RI
- Significance: A magical evening stroll through historic Wickford, illuminated by lanterns and holiday lights.
- Activities: Guided walks, storytelling, and live music. Shops and cafes stay open late for the event.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Parking is available in designated lots with shuttles to the event area.
Conclusion
Rhode Island’s 2025 festival calendar is packed with events that celebrate its coastal beauty, vibrant culture, and historic charm. From the iconic Newport Folk Festival to the cozy Holiday Lantern Walk, every season offers unique opportunities to experience the Ocean State’s community spirit. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Rhode Island’s festivals are sure to leave lasting memories.
FAQs
1. What is the best time to visit Rhode Island for festivals?
Summer (June–August) is the busiest festival season, with major events like the Newport Folk Festival and PVDFest. Fall (September–October) offers stunning foliage and festive celebrations.
2. Are Rhode Island’s festivals family-friendly?
Yes, many events, such as the Newport Winter Festival and Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, are designed for all ages.
3. Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?
For popular events like the Newport Folk Festival and Roger Williams Park Zoo Spectacular, advance tickets are highly recommended.
4. What’s the best way to get around during festivals?
Public transportation, shuttles, and rideshares are recommended for downtown events due to limited parking.
5. Are pets allowed at Rhode Island festivals?
Policies vary by event. Outdoor festivals like the Scituate Art Festival may allow pets, while indoor or food-focused events may not.
Plan your trip and enjoy the best of Rhode Island in 2025!
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