Things To Do
Beaches, events, outdoor activities, and attractions across Rhode Island.
58 articles
Halloween events in Providence RI 2026: haunted houses, corn mazes, and more
Providence and surrounding Rhode Island areas offer diverse Halloween events in 2026, including haunted houses like Fright Nights at the Providence Rink (typically $25-35), corn mazes at local farms in nearby Scituate and Foster, the Federal Hill Stroll (usually late October), and Roger Williams Park Zoo's Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular ($18-25). Events typically run from late September through early November, with peak activities during October weekends. INTRODUCTION:
Rhode Island music festivals 2026
Rhode Island hosts several notable music festivals in 2026, with the Newport Folk Festival (July 25-27) and Newport Jazz Festival (August 1-3) at Fort Adams State Park leading the lineup as internationally renowned events. Additional festivals include the Foo Fest in Providence (typically late spring), various summer concert series at venues like Bold Point Park in East Providence, and smaller community festivals throughout the state celebrating genres from indie rock to classical music.
Newport Mansions Christmas at the Breakers 2026: tickets, dates, and guide
Christmas at the Breakers 2026 typically runs from mid-November through early January at The Breakers mansion, 44 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, RI. Tickets cost approximately $32-38 for adults and $12-14 for youth (ages 6-17) based on current pricing. Purchase tickets online at NewportMansions.org or at the visitor center. The 70-room Vanderbilt mansion features elaborate holiday decorations, including a massive Christmas tree, thousands of poinsettias, and festive Victorian-era displays throughout the Gilded Age estate. INTRODUCTION:
WaterFire Providence fall 2026 schedule and guide
WaterFire Providence fall 2026 typically runs on select Saturday evenings from September through November along the downtown Providence rivers. The 2026 schedule will be announced in early spring 2026 on waterfire.org. Full lightings generally occur from sunset until 12:30 AM, featuring nearly 100 bonfires on the Providence, Woonasquatucket, and Moshassuck Rivers. Admission is free, though donations are encouraged to support this award-winning installation. INTRODUCTION:
Best Christmas tree farms in Rhode Island 2026
Rhode Island offers excellent Christmas tree farms for the 2026 season, with top choices including Schartner Farm in Exeter, Sweet Berry Farm in Middletown, and Pippin Orchard in Cranston. Most farms open the day after Thanksgiving and operate weekends through mid-December. Expect to pay $60-$90 for Fraser Firs and Balsams, with many farms offering complimentary hot cocoa, hayrides, and free tree shaking and netting services. INTRODUCTION:
Holiday markets in Rhode Island 2026: craft fairs, gift markets, and festive events
Rhode Island's 2026 holiday markets run from late November through December, featuring festive shopping at the Wintertime Farmers Markets in Providence and Pawtucket, seasonal craft fairs at the Rhode Island Convention Center, artisan markets at historic mansions in Newport, and community events throughout the state. Most markets operate weekends with free admission, though some juried craft fairs charge $5-10 entry fees. Vendors offer handmade gifts, local foods, and unique Rhode Island products. INTRODUCTION:
Rhode Island lighthouse tour guide
Rhode Island is home to 21 historic lighthouses, more per square mile than any other state, with 10 open to the public for tours or climbing. The most accessible lighthouses include Beavertail Light in Jamestown (museum open weekends May-Columbus Day), Point Judith Light in Narragansett (grounds open daily), and Rose Island Light in Newport (accessible by ferry with overnight stays available). Most lighthouses are managed by preservation societies and the U.S. Coast Guard, with visiting hours typically running from late spring through early fall.
Providence nightlife guide 2026
Providence nightlife in 2026 offers a diverse mix of entertainment across distinct neighborhoods, with the main action concentrated on Washington Street in downtown, Broadway in the West End, Thayer Street near Brown University, and Federal Hill's Atwells Avenue. The city features over 50 bars, clubs, and live music venues ranging from craft cocktail lounges and dive bars to dance clubs and comedy venues, with most establishments open until 1 AM or 2 AM depending on their license. Cover charges typically range from free to $20 for special events, while craft cocktails average $12-16 and local beers run $6-8.
Best state parks in Rhode Island 2026
Rhode Island operates 11 state parks that offer diverse outdoor experiences, from coastal beaches to forested hiking trails. The top state parks for 2026 include Colt State Park in Bristol for waterfront picnicking and cycling, Lincoln Woods State Park in Lincoln for freshwater swimming and trails, Beavertail State Park in Jamestown for dramatic ocean views and lighthouse visits, and Goddard Memorial State Park in Warwick for family activities and equestrian trails. Each park requires a seasonal parking fee ($7 weekdays/$14 weekends for out-of-state visitors, with Rhode Island residents receiving discounted rates).
Best mini golf in Rhode Island 2026
Rhode Island offers several excellent mini golf courses for 2026, with top picks including Mulligan's Island Golf & Entertainment in North Kingstown (featuring two 18-hole courses and arcade), Adventure Land in Narragansett (a classic family-run course operating since 1959), and Lazer Gate in Cranston (combining mini golf with laser tag). Most courses open seasonally from April through October, with prices typically ranging from $10-15 per round for adults and $8-12 for children.