Cultural and recreational activities in Rhode Island: WaterFire art installation in Providence. Newport Jazz Festival. Providence Performing Arts Center. International Tennis Hall of Fame. Cliff Walk in Newport. Rhode Island School of Design Museum. Roger Williams Park Zoo. Block Island beaches. Narragansett Bay sailing. Historic Slater Mill tours.
WaterFire art installation in Providence
WaterFire Providence is an award-winning fire sculpture installation created by local artist Barnaby Evans, illuminating nearly two-thirds of a mile of urban public spaces and rivers in Downtown Providence. The event, which runs from sunset to midnight, engages all senses with crackling flames, aromatic wood smoke, and a sophisticated soundtrack, attracting over a million visitors annually and generating significant economic and cultural impact on the city. For more information, you can visit the official website of WaterFire Providence.
Newport Jazz Festival
The Newport Jazz Festival, held annually at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island, is a multi-day jazz music festival that has been a cultural staple since 1954. It features world-class musicians, food, crafts, and offers panoramic views of the Newport Harbor. The festival supports musicians and music education programs and is set to take place from August 1-3, 2025. For more details, visit the official Newport Jazz Festival website.
Providence Performing Arts Center
The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) is a historic theater in Providence, Rhode Island, known for hosting touring Broadway productions, comedy shows, and concerts. With a seating capacity of 3100, it is the second largest theater of its kind in New England and has been consistently ranked as one of the top ten entertainment venues in the United States. The Providence Performing Arts Center offers a variety of performances and educational outreach programs.
International Tennis Hall of Fame
The International Tennis Hall of Fame, located in Newport, Rhode Island, is a non-profit organization that honors players and contributors to tennis. It features a museum, multiple tennis courts, a court tennis facility, and hosts the Infosys Hall of Fame Open, a prominent ATP grass court tournament, along with the annual induction of new Hall of Fame members.
Cliff Walk in Newport
The Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island, is a 3.5-mile public access walkway designated as a National Recreation Trail, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, Gilded Age mansions, and the natural beauty of the Newport shoreline. With various entry points, public restrooms, and cautionary areas due to rocky terrain and steep cliffs, it serves as an intriguing exploration route. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, The Cliff Walk is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists, making it a must-visit destination for anyone in the area.
Rhode Island School of Design Museum
The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum, founded in 1877, is a prominent cultural institution in Providence, Rhode Island, featuring a collection of over 100,000 works of art and design from ancient times to the present. The museum serves both as a public art museum and a teaching facility for RISD students, offering exhibitions, educational programs, and digital access to its extensive collection.
Roger Williams Park Zoo
Roger Williams Park Zoo offers a variety of cultural and recreational activities, including the Holiday Lights Spectacular, animal encounters, interactive play spaces like Hasbro's Our Big Backyard, and exhibits such as the Alex and Ani Farmyard and the World of Adaptations. The zoo also features a zip ride, train excursions, and insider tours, all set within the 40-acre naturalistic surroundings of Roger Williams Park.
Block Island beaches
Block Island boasts 17 miles of pristine beaches, including Crescent Beach, which stretches along the east coast, and various other beaches such as Surf Beach, Baby Beach, and the rocky beaches on the west side. These beautiful spots offer a myriad of activities like swimming, surfing, and sunset watching, with many areas accessible by walking, biking, or moped. For those looking to explore all the island has to offer, check out the plethora of activities available on the Block Island Website.
Narragansett Bay sailing
Experience the thrill of Narragansett Bay sailing with a 2-hour ticketed sail aboard historic America's Cup winners. Enjoy daily harbor and Narragansett Bay sails, or opt for an exhilarating 3-hour racing experience. For those seeking a more personalized adventure, consider the private charters and gift certificates available, perfect for creating unforgettable memories. Discover this unique outdoor adventure in Newport, Rhode Island by visiting the America's Cup Charters website.
Historic Slater Mill tours
Historic Slater Mill offers 30-minute guided tours, led by Park Rangers, exploring the mill's historical significance and its role in the American Industrial Revolution. Throughout the year, visitors have the opportunity to delve into the past and understand how this mill contributed to transformative changes in industry and society. Tours are available Thursdays through Sundays at 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 2:30 PM from May 9 to December 14, 2024. For more details and to plan your visit, check out the Slater Mill Guided Tours on the official Visit Rhode Island website.