Quahog.org

May 17, 2008: A Rhode Island True Crime Story, Providence

2:00pm-3:00pm. Providence Public Library, Central Branch, 150 Empire Street. In the early morning hours of June 9, 2000, Amy Shute and Jason Burgeson were held up at gunpoint, kidnapped, driven to a secluded golf course, and shot. Paul Lonardo (www.paullonardo.com), author of Thrill Killers, and Ray Pingitore, a detective on the case, will talk about this crime. Registration assures you a seat. Call (401) 455-8000, email lmiller@provlib.org, or visit the Providence Public Library website for more information.

May 17, 2008: Second Annual Rhode Island Wool and Fiber Festival, Bristol

9:00am-4:00pm. Sheep shearing, kids craft fiber tent, and fleece-to-shawl mayhem extravaganza! Fiber animals! Also Rhody warm blankets (your guess is as good as ours). Hosted by Coggeshall Farm Museum (www.coggeshallfarm.org).

May 17, 2008: 10th Annual Restoration Celebration, Portsmouth

Greenvale Vineyards, 582 Wapping Road. Celebrate the restoration of Greenvale Vineyards' 1860s stable turned wine tasting room. Live music, refreshments, wine tasting, tractor rides, and vineyard tours. Call (401) 847-3777, email information@greenvale.com, or visit the Greenvale Vineyards (www.greenvale.com) website for more information.

May 17, 2008: Rhode Island Scottish Highland Festival, Carolina, Richmond

9:00am-5:00pm. Washington County Fairgrounds, 80 Richmond Townhouse Road. Scottish foods, wares, genealogical information, children's activities, clan village. Competitions in Highland dancing and caber toss. Call (401) 596-5849, or visit the Rhode Island Scottish Highland Festival (www.riscot.org) website for more information.

May 17, 2008: Ocean State Follies, Harrisville, Burrillville

A talented cast of five use song, parodies, skits, and audience interaction to poke fun at and celebrate the great state of Rhode Island. Reservations required. Call (401) 353-3330, or visit the Ocean State Follies (www.oceanstatefollies.com) website for more information.

May 17, 2008: Open House at the RIHS Library!, Providence

1:00pm-4:00pm. Rhode Island Historical Society Library, 121 Hope Street. The doors of the RIHS Library will be open to one and all for a look at our newly painted Reading Room and lobby. Take the opportunity to browse the Library's broad range of materials reflecting the people and history of Rhode Island. Free. Call (401) 273-8107 x10, email lteverow@rihs.org, or visit the Rhode Island Historical Society (www.rihs.org) website for more information.

May 17, 2008: Wickford Houses of Worship Walk, North Kingstown

North Kingstown Free Library, 100 Boone Street. Join local historian Tim Cranston for a walk focusing on religious meeting places in the village of Wickford. Walk is free, but registration is required. Call (401) 294-3306 x3, or email sberman@nklibrary.org for more information.

May 17, 2008: Native Arts and Crafts Fair, Newport

St. John's Masonic Lodge, 81 Sprague Street. Native American (and some not-so-native) items for sale. Refreshments available. Entertainment by The Soaring Eagle Singers and Catfish Jim Gillen. Proceeds to support St. Joseph's Indian School and The Aquidneck Island Inertribal Indian Council. Call (401) 683-4589 for more information.

May 17, 2008: 2nd Annual Rhode Island Wool and Fiber Festival, Bristol

9:00am-4:00pm. Coggeshall Farm Museum, Poppasquash Road. Features fiber animals and displays, fleece to shawl demonstration, hand made woolen product vendors, fleece sale, sheep shearing, regional spinning and knitting suppliers, spinning bee, equipment vendors, Rhody Warm fleece collections, quilting demos, spinning, knitty noddy contests, border collie demos, hands on for kids, and fiber tools consignment booth. Adults, $8; seniors and children 6-12, $5; under 6, $3. Call (401) 245-0750, or visit the Coggeshall Farm Museum (www.coggeshallfarm.org) website for more information.

May 18, 2008: Birds and Breakfast, Middletown

6:30am-11:00am. Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Road. Enjoy a morning of guided bird walks through our 300-plus-acre wildlife refuge, followed by a delicious breakfast and fun education programs for the whole family. Bird walks every half hour beginning at 6:30am. Breakfast seatings at 8, 9, and 10am. Adults, $20 in advance, $25 at door; Children, $5; 3 years and under are free. Call (401) 846-2577 for reservations, or visit the Norman Bird Sanctuary (www.normanbirdsanctuary.org) website for more information.

May 18, 2008: Blackstone Valley Historical Society Annual Meeting, Lincoln

North Gate Toll House, 1873 Old Louisquisset Pike (Route 246). Annual meeting and election of historical society offices. Call Gail at (401) 333-5105 for more information.

May 18, 2008: Kinney Azalea Garden Tea, Kingston, South Kingstown

Kinney Azalea Garden, 2391 Kingstown Road. Come join in the decades-old tradition of the Kinney Family Azalea Garden Tea. Visitors are invited to wander around the pathways and admire the many colorful varieties of azaleas and rhododendrons. Call (401) 783-2396 for more information.

May 18, 2008: International Museum Day at Newport Art Museum, Newport

Starts at 1:00pm. Newport Art Museum, 76 Bellevue Avenue. Free admission and a complementary tour of the Museum's historic John N.A. Griswold House. Call (401) 848-8200, or visit the Newport Art Museum (www.newportartmuseum.com) website for more information.

May 19, 2008: Wonders of the Wurlitzer, Providence

12:00pm-1:00pm. Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset Street. Jim and Linda Duncan demonstrate the impressive and rich sounds of this rare and mighty instrument. Bring a lunch; complimentary beverages provided. Free, sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island. Call (401) 421-ARTS, or visit the Providence Performing Arts Center (www.ppacri.org) website for more information.

May 19, 2008: East Providence Historical Society Meeting, Rumford, East Providence

Starts at 7:00pm. John Hunt House, Hunts Mills Road. Monthly meeting open to the public. Network with local residents active in preserving city heritage. Monthly topic of historical interest to be announced. Call 401-438-1750, or visit the East Providence Historical Society (www.ephist.org) website for more information.

May 21, 2008: Rhode Island Civil War Round Table, Cranston

6:30pm-9:00pm. William Hall Library, 1825 Broad Street. Featuring the 14th Rhode Island Heavy Artillery Living History Program, which recently performed a re-enactment at Fort Pocahontas in Virginia. Join the group for lectures, discussions, and demonstations about our nation's greatest tragedy. Call (401) 781-2450, email jbucci@cranstonlibrary.org, or visit the Cranston Public Library (cranstonlibrary.org) website for more information.

May 21, 2008: Caroline Hazard: Daughter of the House, Peace Dale, South Kingstown

Starts at 7:00pm. Peace Dale Library, 1057 Kingstown Road. Historian Helen Farrell Allen will begin this event outdoors with a tour of the Hazard Memorial Garden next to the Library, the Daniel Chester French monument "The Weaver," and a look at some features of the 1891 Library building itself. A talk about Caroline Hazard will follow at 7:30 in the Meeting Room. Free. Call (401) 789-1555 x112, email jwilson@skpl.org, or visit the Peace Dale Library (www.skpl.org) website for more information.

May 22, 2008: Block Island in Photographs, Newport

Starts at 6:00pm. Redwood Library and Athenaeum, 50 Bellevue Avenue. Photographer Malcolm Greenaway (www.malcolmgreenaway.com) will talk about and sign his book Block Island. Open to the public and free of charge. Call (401) 847-0292, email jgordon@redwoodlibrary.org, or visit the Redwood Library website for more information.

May 22, 2008: Prepared to Do My Whole Duty: Elisha Hunt Rhodes in War and Peace, Providence

Starts at 6:00pm. Aldrich House, 110 Benevolent Street. Exhibit opening and lecture by Civil War expert and author Mark Dunkelman. The exhibit features excerpts from Rhodes' diaries and letters detailing his personal experiences, as well as objects illustrating his life of service during and after the war. Free and open to the public, but please RSVP to (401) 331-8575 x45, or email programs@rihs.org. Visit the Rhode Island Historical Society (www.rihs.org) website for more information.

May 24, 2008: Nine Men's Misery Walk and Talk, Cumberland

Cumberland Public Library, 1464 Diamond Hill Road. Nine Men's Misery, located on the monastery grounds, dates back to King Philip's War (1676) and is believed to be the oldest veteran's memorial in the United States. Join John McNiff, archeologist and National Park Ranger, who will talk about its history and be our guide for this adventure. Limit: 30, reservations recommended. All ages welcome. Call 333-2552 x2, or email reference@cumberlandlibrary.org for more information.

May 24, 2008: PirateFest, Newport

Various venues. A full day and evening of swashbuckling fun! Downtown treasure hunt, boat cruises, book signings, historical re-enactments, sea chantey singers, craft workshops, costume contests, family pirate school, Thomas Tew Thieves Market, and Cap'n Nick's Newport Pirate Walk. Call (800) 459-4922, or visit the PirateFest (www.piratefest.net) website for more information.

May 24, 2008: Spring Lake Beach Summer Season Begins!, Glendale, Burrillville

Spring Lake Beach, 50 Old Hillside Drive. Spring Lake Beach is a great place to visit for families to enjoy a day of swimming, boating, arcade machines, and refreshments at the snack bar. Restroom facilities (including heated outdoor showers), slides at the water's edge, and free parking are included in your admission price. Call (401) 568-9474, or visit the Town of Burrillville (www.burrillville.org) website for more information.

May 24, 2008: WaterFire, Providence

Begins at dusk. Waterplace Park. Water, light, smoke, music, and street performers combine to form an elemental art experience. Free. Call (401) 272-3111, or visit the WaterFire (www.waterfire.org) website for more information.

May 24-25, 2008: Butterfly Encounter Weekend, Providence

Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Avenue. Head to Roger Williams Park Zoo for the opening of our new summer long walk-through butterfly encounter! Join us as we celebrate the beauty of butterflies through activities, demonstrations, and much more. Call (401) 785-3510, or visit the Roger Williams Park Zoo (www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org) website for more information.

May 24-25, 2008: Bayou n' Boogie Fest, Smithfield

Smithfield Elks Lodge, 326 Farnum Pike. Non-stop music, dancing, and food! Can't dance? Beginner and advanced dance lessons are available. Accordion and fiddle workshops, too! Visit the Bayou n' Boogie Fest (www.bayounboogiefest.com) website for more information.

May 24-26, 2008: Gaspee Days Arts and Crafts Festival, Pawtuxet, Warwick

12:30pm-4:30pm. Pawtuxet Park, Narragansett Parkway. The annual festival hosts 150-200 craft exhibitors, and attracts 50,000 guests! It also features a professional food court, free family music, entertainment, and pony rides! All proceeds go to the Gaspee Days Parade. Call (401) 781-1772, or visit the Gaspee Days Committee (www.gaspee.com) website for more information.

May 25, 2008: Happy Birthday Little Rhody!, Providence

1:00pm-3:00pm. Providence Children's Museum, 100 South Street. Celebrate Rhode Island's 218th birthday! Cluck with some feathered friends as Rhode Island Reds visit from Casey Farm. Make a pennant, join the birthday parade, and have a piece of cake for the Ocean State! Ages 5-11. Program free with $6.50 admission. Call (401) 273-5437, or visit the Providence Children's Museum (www.childrenmuseum.org) website for more information.

May 25-26, 2008: Newport Concours d'Elegance, Newport

Various venues. Event will include an exclusive Private Auto Salon and Formal Dinner, followed by a Boutique Concours d'Elegance. Displays combine cutting-edge fashion influenced by coachwork and the design of historic and significant automobiles. Call (401) 767-7967, or visit the Newport Concours d'Elegance (www.newportconcours.org) website for more information.

May 26, 2008: Wonders of the Wurlitzer, Providence

12:00pm-1:00pm. Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset Street. Alden Mitchell demonstrates the impressive and rich sounds of this rare and mighty instrument. Bring a lunch; complimentary beverages provided. Free, sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island. Call (401) 421-ARTS, or visit the Providence Performing Arts Center (www.ppacri.org) website for more information.

May 26, 2008: Memorial Day Parade, Lincoln

Smithfield Avenue (Route 126). Annual Memorial Day parade and ceremonies honoring local and national military heroes. Call (401) 333-1100 for more information.

May 26, 2008: Memorial Day Parade, Wakefield, South Kingstown

Starts at 10:00am. Parade begins at Holly Street, goes down Main Street, and ends at High Street in Saugatucket Park. Call (401) 789-9301, or visit the Town of South Kingstown (www.southkingstownri.com) website for more information.

May 30, 2008: Ocean State Follies, Johnston

May 30, 2008: WaterFire, Providence

May 31, 2008: The Providence Grays vs. Brooklyn Atlantics, Narragansett

Sprague Field. See baseball played by 1864/1884 rules, a tribute to the 1884 world champion Providence Grays. Visit the Providence Grays (www.providencegrays.org) website for more information.

June 2, 2008: Old Barrington Road, East Providence

Weaver Library, 41 Grove Avenue. With the price of gas, does traveling by stage coach sound appealing? Riverside resident, local historian, and genealogist Jeffrey Howe shares his years of research and volumes of information on this old stage road. His slides include many old photos of the homes along the way and old drawings and maps which show the original settlers' farms. This program is free and open to all. Call (401) 434-2453, or email jmay@eplib.org for more information.

June 3, 2008: WaterFire (partial lighting), Providence

June 3-8, 2008: Newport International Film Festival, Newport

Jane Pickins Theater and Opera House Theater, Touro Street, Washington Square. Week-long film festival features documentaries, shorts, feature-length films and animation, and includes competition, themed sidebars, a retrospective, and extensive children's program. Call (401) 846-9100, or visit the Newport International Film Festival (www.newportfilmfestival.com) website for more information.

June 4, 2008: Book Signing: Inheriting the Trade, Newport

Starts at 11:00am. Redwood Library and Athenaeum, 50 Bellevue Avenue. Tom De Wolf discusses his book, Inheriting the Trade: A Northern Family confronts its Legacy as the Largest Slave-Trading Dynasty in U.S. History. Open to the public and free of charge. Call (401) 847-0292, email jgordon@redwoodlibrary.org, or visit the Redwood Library (www.redwoodlibrary.org) website for more information.

June 4, 2008: Wonders of the Wurlitzer, Providence

12:00pm-1:00pm. Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset Street. Robert Legon and Silent Film demonstrates the impressive and rich sounds of this rare and mighty instrument. Bring a lunch; complimentary beverages provided. Free, sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island. Call (401) 421-ARTS, or visit the Providence Performing Arts Center (www.ppacri.org) website for more information.

June 4, 2008: Westerly Arts Night, Westerly

Artists Cooperative Gallery, 12 High Street. Downtown galleries and studios open in unison to exhibit new works. Call (401) 596-2221, or visit the Artists Cooperative Gallery (www.westerlyarts.com) website for more information.

June 5, 2008: What's That Smell? Documenting the Overturn of Narrow River in the Fall of 2007, Peace Dale, South Kingstown

Starts at 7:00pm. Peace Dale Library, 1057 Kingstown Road. Neighbors living on the north end of Narrow River noticed a peculiar smell and milky color to the water in October 2007, a natural but rare phenomenon called an "overturn." The program features a Powerpoint presentation by Dr. Veronica Berounsky and Rosemary C. Smith documenting data collection and fieldwork done to understand the event, and aerial pictures by Don Bousquet. Free. Call (401) 789-1555 x112, email jwilson@skpl.org, or visit the Peace Dale Library (www.skpl.org) website for more information.

June 7, 2008: Providence's Fox Point Neighborhood Tour, Providence

11:00am-5:00pm. Brown University, Maddock Alumni Center, 38 Brown Street. Visit some of the most noteworthy houses in Providence's Fox Point neighborhood. The tour is comprised of private residences, most dating from the nineteenth century. Various architectural styles will be showcased, including Federal and Greek Revival. Admission: $30 in advance, $35 day of tour. Call (401) 831-7440, email lgoldenberg@ppsri.org (berg@ppsri.org), or visit the Providence Preservation Society website for more information.

June 7, 2008: Ocean State Follies, Lincoln

June 7, 2008: Second Annual Visitors Day at Swiss Village, Newport

9:30am-3:00pm. SVF Foundation, 152 Harrison Avenue. Once again, the doors will open to the general public for one special day. Visitors will take a self guided tour through the historic site, view several endangered breeds of livestock, and learn about SVF's scientific mission. This event is free to the general public. No parking will be allowed on-site, however free parking and shuttle service will be provided from Fort Adams State Park. Call (401) 848-7229, or visit the SVF Foundation (www.svffoundation.org) website for more information.

June 7, 2008: Schweppes Great Chowder Cook-Off, Newport

11:00am-6:00pm. Newport Yachting Center, 4 Commercial Wharf. Restaurants from across the nation and around the globe cook up better than 3,000 gallons of chowder and compete for the titles of Best Seafood, Best Creative, and Best Clam chowders. Admission: Adults $15 ($10 in advance), children under 12 FREE with an adult. Call (401) 846-1600, or visit the Newport Waterfront Festivals (www.newportfestivals.com) website for more information.

June 7, 2008: Open House at Arnold House, Lincoln

11:00am-4:00pm. Eleazar Arnold House, 487 Great Road. Join a representative from Historic New England for a tour of this rarely-open seventeenth-century stone-ender. Visit the Historic New England (www.historicnewengland.org) website for more information.

June 7, 2008: ASRI Garden Gala, Providence

Starts at 6:30pm. Roger Williams Park Botanical Garden, Elmwood Avenue. Event will include live and silent auctions as well as sumptuous food and music. Honorary Chair is Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline. Proceeds will support the outreach efforts of the Society's environmental education programs. Tickets $100 per person. Call (401) 949-5454 x3018, email audubon@asri.org, or visit the Audubon Society of Rhode Island (www.asri.org) website for more information.

June 7, 2008: 4th Annual Fort Adams Family Day, Newport

11:00am-4:00pm. Fort Adams State Park. Fort Adams begins its summer season with activities, games, and entertainment for families of all ages. The celebrations will include clowns, face painting, a rock climbing wall, petting zoo, kite flying, live entertainment, organized walks, arts and crafts vendors, food and drink. Free admission. Rain date is Sunday, June 8. Call (401) 841-0707, or visit the Fort Adams (www.fortadams.org) website for more information

June 7, 2008: Source to Sea Paddle no. 1, Exeter

9:00am-3:00pm. Route 165 check station. WPWA leads paddlers along the first seven miles of the Wood River, from the Route 165 check station, Exeter to Wyoming Pond, Hope Valley. Members, $5; non-members, $10. Call (401) 539-9017, or visit the Wood Pawcatuck Watershed Association (www.wpwa.org) website for more information.

June 7-8, 2008: 4th Annual Newport Artisans' Fair, Newport

Elks Club Lodge, corner of Bellevue Avenue and Pelham Street. The region's most eclectic artisan event featuring choice selections of jewelry, wearable art, pottery, photography, fine crafts, fresh herbs, hanging plants, baked goods, preserves, chocolate and more. Includes a raffle to benefit the Firehouse Theater and Aquidneck Land Trust. Free Admission. Call (401) 742-5344, or visit the Newport Artisans' Fair (www.newportartisanfair.com) website for more information.

June 8, 2008: Northern Rhode Island Firemen's League 83rd Annual Memorial Service amd Parade, Harmony, Glocester

1:00pm-3:00pm. Winsor Park, Snake Hill Road. Come show your support for our hometown heroes! Parade kicks off at Winsor Park, proceeds down Saw Mill Road and ends at Harmony Fire Department, 194 Putnam Pike. Food and Refreshments will be served following the memorial service. Call (401) 949-1188, email KimBarber@GlocesterRI.org, or visit the Harmony Fire Department (www.harmonyfd.org) website for more information.

June 8, 2008: Vintage Baseball, Pawtucket

McCoy Stadium. Providence Grays vs. Rhode Island Game Hens. 1884 rules. Visit the Providence Grays (www.providencegrays.org) website for more information.

June 8, 2008: Strawberry Thanksgiving, Exeter

1:00pm-4:00pm. Tomaquag Indian Memorial Museum, 390 Summit Road. The Gift of Friendship is the Strawberry. Celebrate the harvest with storytelling, song and dance, and the Thanksgiving ceremony. Enjoy delicious strawberry foods. Call (401) 539-7213, email lorenspears@tomaquagmuseum.com, or visit the Tomaquag Museum (www.tomaquagmuseum.com) website for more information.

June 10, 2008: Federal Hill Stroll, Providence

4:30pm-7:30pm. Atwells Avenue. Stroll through one of Providence's most culturally appealing and historically inviting neighborhoods, while sampling signature cuisine and enjoying exclusive discounts at fabulous eateries and specialty boutiques. Order tickets in advance from (401) 456-0200, or online from the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau (www.federalhillstroll.com) website. Tickets are limited and cannot be purchased the day of the Stroll.

June 12, 2008: The Party of the Year: A Thirtieth Anniversary Celebration, Providence

6:00pm-10:00pm. Roger Williams Park Casino, Park Avenue. An evening of theatrical entertainment, wonderful music, a themed auction, delicious food provided by Carrabba's Italian Grill, and scrumptious desserts by the Napa Valley Grille. Proceeds benefit Kaleidoscope Theatre. Call (401) 942-3637, email kaleidoscope@kaleidoscopetheatre.com (scope@kaleidoscopetheatre.com), or visit the Kaleidoscope Children's Theatre website for more information.

June 12, 2008: Newport Gallery Night, Newport

5:00pm-8:00pm. Various venues. Art exhibits at galleries include handblown glass, woodblock prints, award-winning photography, international handcrafts, and fine arts. Many of the galleries host opening receptions, and introduce artists and new exhibits on Gallery Night. Free admission to all galleries; free parking at Newport Visitors Information Center, 23 America's Cup Avenue, or Newport Art Museum, 76 Bellevue Avenue. Call (401) 848-8200, or visit the Newport Art Galleries (www.newportgalleries.org) website for more information.

June 12, 2008: Main Street Stroll, East Greenwich

5:00pm-8:00pm. Main Street. More than forty artists and musicians display and perform on the sidewalk of Main Street. Call (401) 886-8605, or visit the East Greenwich (www.eastgreenwichri.com) website for more information.

June 13, 2008: Gaspee Days Fireworks Extravaganza, Warwick

Dusk. Salter's Grove Park, Narragansett Parkway. A recreation, of sorts, of the fireworks that went off when the ship's powder magazine blew up after we burned the Gaspee in 1772. Call (401) 781-1772, or visit the Gaspee Days Committee (www.gaspee.com) website for more information.

June 13-15, 2008: Gaspee Days Colonial Encampment, Pawtuxet, Warwick

Friday night to Sunday morning. Pawtuxet Park, Narragansett Parkway. Our encampment gives visitors a feel for colonial military life as dozens of militia camp out for the weekend in authentic Revolutionary style. Hosted by the Pawtuxet Rangers (members.aol.com/revwarman), RIM. Call (401) 781-1772, or visit the Gaspee Days Committee website for more information.

June 14, 2008: Source to Sea Paddle no. 2, Hope Valley, Richmond

9:00am-3:00pm. Hope Valley Fishing Access. WPWA leads paddlers along the next nine miles of the Wood River, from Hope Valley Fishing Access, through the village of Woodville, and on to Alton Pond, Alton. Members, $5; non-members, $10. Call (401) 539-9017, or visit the Wood Pawcatuck Watershed Association (www.wpwa.org) website for more information.

June 14, 2008: 17th Annual St. Columba's English Garden Party, Middletown

1:00pm-5:00pm. St. Columba's Chapel, 55 Vaucluse Avenue. A popular event among garden lovers, families, and Anglophiles, St. Columba's hosts a Saturday afternoon of food, flowers, and whimsy. Free admission; Devonshire cream tea with scones and tea sandwiches, $8; children's tea with puppet show, $4. Call (401) 846-5571, or visit the St. Columba's Chapel (www.stcolumbaschapel.org) website for more information.

June 14, 2008: Mystery Cookout, Exeter

10:00am-2:00pm. Ocean State Harley-Davidson Shop, 435 Nooseneck Hill Road (Route 3). Join us for a themed family barbecue. The mystery is what will be cooking on the grill! Call (401) 392-1162, or visit the Ocean State Harley-Davidson (www.oceanstatehd.com) website for more information.

June 14, 2008: A Walk on Quality Hill, North Kingstown

Starts at 10:00am. North Kingstown Free Library, 100 Boone Street. Join local historian Tim Cranston for another of his interesting walks! Walk is free, but registration is required. Call (401) 294-3306 x3, email sberman@nklibrary.org, or visit the North Kingstown Free Library (www.nklibrary.org) for more information.

June 14, 2008: 43rd Annual Gaspee Days Parade, Pawtuxet, Warwick

Starts at 10:00am. Narragansett Parkway, Warwick, into Broad Street in Cranston through Pawtuxet Village. The annual parade commemorates the Rhode Island colonists who burned the British schooner HMS Gaspee, in the first overt act leading to the American Revolutionary War! The parade features colonial fife and drum corps, Civil War era units, modern day drum and bugle corps, and more! Call (401) 781-1772, or visit the Gaspee Days Committee (www.gaspee.com) website for more information.

June 14, 2008: Garden Party Luncheon, Saunderstown, North Kingstown

Gilbert Stuart Museum, 815 Gibert Stuart Road. Reservations required. Call (401) 294-3001, or visit the Gilbert Stuart Museum (www.gilbertstuartmuseum.com) website for more information.

June 14, 2008: Breakfast on the Blackstone, Central Falls

8:30am-9:30am. Central Falls Landing, Broad Street and Madeiera Avenue. Coffee, juice, and pastry will be served aboard the Blackstone Valley Explorer as you savor a one-hour leisurely cruise along the Blackstone River. View osprey, blue heron, red-winged blackbirds, and other birds in the Valley Falls Marsh and Lonsdale Marsh. Rain or shine. ASRI members $15/adult, $8/child; non-members: $20/adult, $10/child. Course Number: 114333-195. Call (401) 949-5454 x3041, email programs@asri.org, or visit the Audubon Society of Rhode Island (www.asri.org) website for more information.

June 15, 2008: Gaspee Days Sunday in the Park and the Burning of the Gaspee, Pawtuxet, Warwick

12:00pm-3:30pm. Pawtuxet Park, Narragansett Parkway. Bring your family and a picnic feast and watch military maneuvers, a uniform fashion show, and the burning of the HMS Gaspee (4pm). Music all afternoon. Call (401) 781-1772, or visit the Gaspee Days Committee (www.gaspee.com) website for more information.

June 18, 2008: Rock Garden Soiree, Bristol

10:00am-4:00pm. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens, and Arboretum, 101 Ferry Road. Join us for wine, music, and flowers, and, as the boats race by, savor warm afternoon breezes and leisurely explore each garden at its peak. Each soire showcases wines from a different geographic region, music by local musicians, gourmet cheese, and spectacular scenery. Call (401) 253-2707, or visit the Blithewold (www.blithewold.org) website for more information.

June 18, 2008: WaterFire (partial lighting), Providence

June 18-July 12, 2008: George M!, Matunuck, South Kingstown

Theatre By The Sea, 364 Cards Pond Road. Fast-paced show follows the great Providence-born song-and-dance man, George M. Cohan, over a sixty-year period from his childhood on the vaudeville circuit to New York, where he began his twenty-five-year reign on Broadway. Call (401) 782-8587, or visit the Theatre By The Sea (www.theatrebythesea.com) website for more information.

June 19, 2008: If These Walls Could Talk: Providence's own Yankee Doodle Dandy, Providence

Starts at 6:30pm. John Brown House Museum, 52 Power Street. Music scholar Michael Fink will speak about the life and works of Providence native George M. Cohan—his connections to Wickenden Street, his place in musical history, and the film Yankee Doodle Dandy. Free, but please RSVP. Call (401) 331-8575 x45, email programs@rihs.org, or visit the Rhode Island Historical Society (www.rihs.org) website for more information.

June 19, 2008: Gallery Night, Providence

5:00pm-9:00pm. Various venues. Hop a free Art Bus and visit more than two dozen galleries, museums, and historic sites. Free parking at select locations. Call (401) 751-2628, or visit Gallery Night Providence (www.gallerynight.info) for more information.

June 20-21, 2008: Dorr Rebellion Days, Chepachet, Glocester

The Glocester Light Infantry will host a State Militia Encampment, featuring nineteenth century military re-enactments and history relating to the Dorr Rebellion of 1840 that gave Rhode Island its present State Constitution. Call (401) 568-1866, or visit the Glocester Heritage Society (www.glocesterheritagesociety.org) website for more information.

June 20-22, 2008: Secret Garden Tours, Newport

A self-guided walking and driving tour of private gardens and homes in Newport. Rain or shine. Call (401) 847-0514, email admin@secretgardentour.org, or visit the Newport Secret Garden Tours (www.secretgardentour.org) website for more information.

June 21, 2008: Source to Sea Paddle no. 3, Alton, Richmond

9:00am-4:00pm. Lower Wood River. WPWA leads paddlers along the next fourteen miles of the route, beginning on the Lower Wood River in Alton, meeting up with the Pawcatuck River, and on through Burdickville to Potter Dam in Ashaway. Members, $5; non-members, $10. Call (401) 539-9017, or visit the Wood Pawcatuck Watershed Association (www.wpwa.org) website for more information.

June 21, 2008: Vintage Baseball, Bristol

Bristol Common. Providence Grays vs. Bristol Blues. Visit the Providence Grays (www.providencegrays.org) website for more information.

June 21, 2008: Ocean State Follies, Johnston

June 21, 2008: National Rivers Day Celebration, Central Falls

10:00am-4:00pm. Central Falls Landing, Madeira Avenue and Broad Street. Celebrate the Blackstone River with free river tours aboard the Blackstone Valley Explorer and free kayak tours of the marsh courtesy of Blackstone Valley Outfitters. Call (401) 724-2200, email info@tourblackstone.com, or visit the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council (www.tourblackstone.com) website for more information.

June 21, 2008: River Sing 2008, Pawtucket

Starts at 6:00pm. Pawtucket Armory, 172 Exchange Street. Join in a musical celebration of National Rivers Day along the Blackstone River Valley. Mixed Magic Theatre will feature a presentation of gospel songs from talented local singers. 6pm exhibit and vendors market, 8pm concert. Tickets are $10 in adance, $12 at the door. Call (401) 305-7333, or visit the Mixed Magic Theatre (www.mixedmagictheatre.org) website for more information.

June 21, 2008: WaterFire, Providence

June 21, 2008: Strawberry Festival, Wickford, North Kingstown

12:00pm-4:00pm. Smith's Castle, 155 Richard Smith Drive (off Route 1). Savor Smith Castle's celebrated Strawberry Shortcake and pay homage to the humble wild strawberry—a favorite of the early colonists and the native Narragansett. Enjoy a day filled with family entertainment. Rain date: June 22. Call (401) 294-3521, or visit the Smith's Castle (www.smithscastle.org) website for more information.

June 21-22, 2008: Narragansett Art Festival, Narragansett

9:00am-5:00pm. Veterans Memorial Park, Ocean Road. Fine art (watercolors, oils, acrylic, pastels, drawings, photography, sculpture, and other media) by 100 artists from Rhode Island and New England displayed overlooking Narragansett Bay. Call (401) 789-7713, or visit the Rotary Club of Wakefield (www.wakefieldrotary.com) website for more information.

June 25, 2008: Prudence Island Bicycle Tour, Bristol

9:45am-4:30pm. Bristol Ferry Landing, Thames Street. Have you always wanted to explore and learn about the cultural and natural history of Prudence Island? Like to ride a bike? Then this experience is for you! Members, $15; non-members, $20; ferry ticket not included. Ages: 12+. Pre-registration is required. Course number: 574333-10. Call (401) 949-5454 x3041, email programs@asri.org, or visit the Audubon Society of Rhode Island (www.asri.org) website for more information.

June 26, 2008: Only in South County: A Pictorial Journey, Peace Dale, South Kingstown

Starts at 7:00pm. Peace Dale Library, 1057 Kingstown Road. Photographer Eric Wertheimer, whose work is familiar to many from his published photographs in the weekly South County Independent newspaper, knows South County well and shares his love of its natural beauty in his new book Only in South County. Join us for an evening of breathtaking imagery as he takes us on a photographic tour. Free. Call (401) 789-1555 x112, email jwilson@skpl.org, or visit the Peace Dale Library (www.skpl.org) website for more information.

June 26, 2008: Concert under the Elms, Providence

6:30pm-8:00pm. John Brown House, corner of Benefit and Power Streets. The Rhode Island Historical Society kicks off its summer concert series with a performance by the American Band. One of the oldest civilian concert bands in the nation, the American Band was formed in Rhode Island in 1837. Adults, $8; Society members and children under twelve, free. Refreshments available for purchase. Visit the American Band (www.ric.edu/am_band/Index.html) or RIHS websites for more information.

June 28, 2008: Zoobilee 2008: Feast with the Beasts, Providence

7:00pm-11:00pm. Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Avenue. You're invited to the Rhode Island Zoological Society's 15th annual fundraising bash for the Roger Williams Park Zoo! Partygoers can explore the zoo and sample specialties from dozens of the area's best restaurants, caterers, and bars. Plus music, a raffle, and a silent auction. Tickets $125 for non-members, $100 for members. Call (401)941-3910, or visit the Roger Williams Park Zoo (www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org) website for more information.

June 28, 2008: WaterFire, Providence

June 28, 2008: AS220 Fool's Ball, Providence

AS220, 115 Empire Street. The Fool's Ball is back as AS220's fancy and farcical fundraising event, the wildest party since Prohibition. Tickets are on a sliding scale for a night of masked marvels, curious convoluted contraptions, artistic absurdity, and delightful dancing, eating and drinking. Call (401) 831-9327, or visit the AS220 (www.as220.org) website for more information.

June 28, 2008: Source to Sea Paddle no. 8, Ashaway, Hopkinton

9:00am-3:00pm. Potter Dam. WPWA leads paddlers along the last nine miles of the Pawcatuck River, from Potter Dam in Ashaway, through White Rock, and across the Pawcatuck Estuary to Avondale. Members, $5; non-members, $10. Call (401) 539-9017, or visit the Wood Pawcatuck Watershed Association (www.wpwa.org) website for more information.

June 28-29, 2008: Rhode Island National Guard Open House and Air Show., North Kingstown

Quonset State Airport, 1 Minutman Way. A favorite family tradition since 1991. This year's show will feature the U.S. Navy "Blue Angels"; world-renowned acrobatic pilot, Sean D. Tucker; the "Shockwave" Jet Truck; unforgettable combined arms demonstration; and much more. Donations for parking benefit local charities. Call (401) 275-4110 or (401) 886-1342, or visit the Rhode Island Air Show (www.riairshow.com) website for more information.

June 29, 2008: Summer Lawn Picnic, Bristol

10:00am-4:00pm. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens, and Arboretum, 101 Ferry Road. In celebration of its Centennial year, Blithewold will hold a summer lawn picnic, a casual family event. Call (401) 253-2707, or visit the Blithewold (www.blithewold.org) website for more information.

July 2, 2008: Westerly Arts Night, Westerly

July 3, 2008: Public Clambake, Middletown

Starts at 5:00pm. Kempenaar's Clambake Club, Valley Road. You are invited to an old-fashion clambake! When the bake bell rings, we'll serve you a feast of clam chowder, steamed clams, mussels, a whole lobster, chourico, and much more. Cash bar, entertainment. Rain or shine. Advance ticket purchase required; $45 with steak or lobster, $43 with chicken, $23 for kids under 12 (1/4 chicken). Call (401) 847-1441, email c84kemp20@aol.com, or visit Kempenaar's Clambake Club (www.newportclambakes.com) website for more information.

July 4, 2008: Fourth of July Parade Picnic, Bristol

8:00am-2:00pm. Linden Place, 500 Hope Street. Located on the parade route, Linden Place offers bleacher-style seating, tables and chairs under linden trees, a continental breakfast and picnic lunch, restroom facilities, and elbow room! $50 for adults, $35 for children. Call (401) 253-0390, or visit the Linden Place (www.lindenplace.org) website for more information.

July 4, 2008: Block Island Fourth of July, Block Island

Various locations. 11am, real homespun patriotic parade along The Block's main street; 1pm, steak fry at the Firebarn; 9pm, firework on Crescent Beach. Call (800) 383-2474, or visit the Block Island Chamber of Commerce (www.blockislandchamber.com) website for more information.

July 4, 2008: July Fourth Celebraton, Wakefield, South Kingstown

Old Mountain Field, Route 108. Live bands, children's activities, barbecue, fireworks. Call (401) 789-9301, or visit the Town of South Kingstown (www.southkingstownri.com) website for more information.

July 5, 2008: Vintage Baseball, Olneyville, Providence

Aldo Freda Field, Barton Street. Watch baseball played by 1884/1886 rules with the Providence Grays vs the Olneyville Temperance Cadets. Visit the Providence Grays (www.providencegrays.org) website for more information.

July 5, 2008: River Glow, Westerly

Begins at dusk. Broad Street. Floating bonfires glow on the Pawcatuck River, plus live music, food booths, fire jugglers, stilt-walkers, life-size puppets and more!. Rain date July 2. Call (401) 596-7761, or visit the Westerly Chamber of Commerce (www.westerlychamber.org) website for more information.

July 6-19, 2008: Providence Restaurant Weeks, Providence

Citywide. This popular event has been extended to two weeks and will feature special prix fixe menus from restaurants throughout Providence. Visit the Providence Restaurant Week (www.ProvidenceRestaurantWeek.com) website for more information.

July 7, 2008: Fireworks on the Beach, Misquamicut, Westerly

Westerly Town Beach, 365 Atlantic Avenue. Fireworks light the sky. Call (401) 322-1026 for more information.

July 10, 2008: Concert under the Elms, Providence

6:30pm-8:00pm. John Brown House, corner of Benefit and Power Streets. The Duke Robillard Band celebrates summer with classic blues, R&B, and swing. Adults, $8; Society members and children under twelve, free. Refreshments available for purchase. Visit the Duke Robillard Band (www.dukerobillard.com) or RIHS websites for more information.

July 10, 2008: Newport Gallery Night, Newport

July 10, 2008: Main Street Stroll, East Greenwich

5:00pm-8:00pm. Main Street. More than forty artists and musicians display and perform on the sidewalk of Main Street. Call (401) 886-8662, or visit the East Greenwich (www.eastgreenwichri.com) website for more information.

July 11-27, 2008: Newport Music Festival, Newport

Various venues. The Newport Music Festival celebrates its fortieth season, continuing the tradition of presenting unique chamber music programs, American debuts, world-class artists, and gala special events in the Gilded Age summer cottages of Newport. Call (401) 846-1133, or visit the Newport Music Festival (www.newportmusic.org) website for more information.

July 12, 2008: Open House at Arnold House, Lincoln

July 12, 2008: Mystery Cookout, Exeter

11:00am-2:00pm. Ocean State Harley-Davidson Shop, 435 Nooseneck Hill Road (Route 3). Join us for a themed family barbecue. The mystery is what will be cooking on the grill! Call (401) 392-1162, or visit the Ocean State Harley-Davidson (www.oceanstatehd.com) website for more information.

July 12-13, 2008: 46th Annual Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, North Kingstown

Route 1A. The country's oldest open-air art fair features more than 250 artists from around the country and around the world. Fine arts-paintings, sculpture, and photography. Call (401) 294-6840, or visit the Wickford Art Association (www.wickfordart.org) website for more information.

July 13, 2008: 33rd Annual Cape Verdean Independence Day Celebration, Providence

12:00pm-7:00pm. Roger Williams Park, Temple of Music. Celebration of Cape Verdean Independence. Traditional food, music, dance, arts and crafts, and children's area. Call (401) 222-4133, or visit the Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission (www.preservation.ri.gov) website for more information.

July 14, 2008: Green Animals Children's Party, Portsmouth

Green Animals Topiary Garden, 380 Cory's Lane. Children and adults alike will enjoy music, clowns, carnival rides, pony rides, magicians and other performers, crafts, food, and lots more fun on the grounds of this legendary topiary garden overlooking Narragansett Bay. Call (401) 847-1000, or visit the Newport Mansions (www.newportmansions.org) website for more information.

July 14, 2008: Fireworks on the Beach, Misquamicut, Westerly

Westerly Town Beach, 365 Atlantic Avenue. Fireworks light the sky. Call (401) 322-1026 for more information.

July 16, 2008: North Garden Soiree I, Bristol

10:00am-4:00pm. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens, and Arboretum, 101 Ferry Road. Join us for wine, music, and flowers, and, as the boats race by, savor warm afternoon breezes and leisurely explore each garden at its peak. Each soire showcases wines from a different geographic region, music by local musicians, gourmet cheese and spectacular scenery. Call (401) 253-2707, or visit the Blithewold (www.blithewold.org) website for more information.

July 17, 2008: Providence Gallery Night, Providence

July 17-20, 2008: Black Ships Festival, Newport

Various venues. Celebration of the arts and culture of Japan to commemorate the historic achievements of Commodore Matthew C. Perry, USN, of Newport, who negotiated the first treaty between Japan and the United States. Demonstrations and workshops include origami, sushi-making, martial arts, Taiko drumming, and traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Call (401) 847-7666, or visit the Newport Events (www.newportevents.com) website for more information.

July 18-20, 2008: South County Hot Air Balloon Festival, Kingston, South Kingstown

Athletic fields, University of Rhode Island, Route 138. Balloon Glow and concert Friday night; hot air balloon rides, crafts, food, artists, entertainment, car shows, Revolutionary War encampment, carnival. Call (401) 783-1770, or visit the South County Hot Air Balloon Festival (www.southcountyballoonfest.com) website for more information.

July 19, 2008: 21st Annual Tiverton Arts and Artisan Festival, Tiverton Four Corners, Tiverton

10:00am-4:00pm. Meet around the Mill Pond, just south of Tiverton Four Corners, for fine art, pottery, demonstrations, food, music, and much more. Call (401) 624-8469, or visit the Tiverton Four Corners (www.tivertonfourcorners.com) website for more information.

July 19-20, 2008: Rhode Island Indian Council Annual Powwow, Providence

10:00am-6:00pm. Temple to Music, Roger Williams Park. Call (401) 781-1098, or visit the Rhode Island Indian Council (www.rhodeislandindiancouncil.org) website for more information.

July 19-20, 2008: Eastern Rhode Island 4-H Country Fair, Portsmouth

Glen Park, Glen Road. Special events, pony rides, hay rides, children's games (daily, 1-3pm), animal shows, new amusements, milking contest, barrel train, carnival games, chicken BBQ (call in advance for tickets). Call (508) 971-2247, email hlm1373@yahoo.com, or visit the Eastern Rhode Island 4-H Country Fair (www.uri.edu/coopext/4H/erifair.html) website for more information.

July 20, 2008: Civil War Encampment, Cranston

Governor Sprague Mansion, 1351 Cranston Street. A Civil War encampment, with brief demonstrations, lectures and camp life, commemorates the first Battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861. Flag raising ceremony at 1pm. Visit the Cranston Historical Society (www.cranstonhistoricalsociety.org) website for more information.

July 21, 2008: Fireworks on the Beach, Misquamicut, Westerly

Westerly Town Beach, 365 Atlantic Avenue. Fireworks light the sky. Call (401) 322-1026 for more information.

July 24, 2008: Concert under the Elms, Providence

6:30pm-8:00pm. John Brown House, Benefit and Power Streets. The Rhode Island Historical Society presents Pendragon, part of the society's summer concert series. Pendragon's music celebrates the lives and lore of generations of New Englanders who brought traditions from Ireland, Scotland, French Canada, and other distant shores to the banks of the Blackstone River. Adults, $8; Society members and children under twelve, free. Refreshments available for purchase. Visit the Blackstone River Theatre (www.riverfolk.org) or RIHS websites for more information.

July 25-27, 2008: Blessing of the Fleet, Galilee, Narragansett

Great Island Road. A colorful parade of commercial and recreational watercraft is blessed by the Bishop with a group of distinguished clergymen and judged by state and local officials in five categories. Road race Friday at 6pm; Blessing of the Fleet Saturday at Noon; festival and rides throughout at Veterans Memorial Park. Call (401) 413-9801, or visit the Narragansett Lion's Club (www.narragansettri.com/lions) website for more information.

July 26, 2008: 4th Annual Misquamicut Music Festival and Fireworks, Misquamicut, Westerly

Starts at 6:00pm. Misquamicut State Beach, Atlantic Avenue. Rain date July 27. Call (401) 322-1026, or visit the Misquamicut Business Association (www.misquamicut.org) website for more information.

July 26, 2008: Aquidneck Land Trust's Fiesta Verde 2008, Middletown

7:00pm-11:59pm. Newport Vineyards, 909 East Main Road. An Evening at the Farmer's Market; dinner, dancing and silent auction celebrating our island's local growers on an ALT conserved property. Call (401) 849-2799, or visit the Newport Vineyards (www.newportvineyards.com) website for more information.

July 26-27, 2008: Welcome Weekend at Smith-Appleby, Smithfield

10:00am-4:00pm. Smith-Appleby House Museum, 220 Stillwater Road. Tour one of the oldest houses still standing in Rhode Island. $4 per adult; members free. Call (401) 231-7363, or visit the Smith-Applebee House Museum (www.smithapplebyhouse.org) website for more information.

July 26-27, 2008: Cultural Survival Bazaar, Tiverton Four Corners, Tiverton

10:00am-5:00pm. 3852 Main Road. A sensory celebration of the music, food, art, and crafts of indigenous groups from around the world. Free admission. Held rain or shine! Call (617) 441-5400 x21, or visit the Cultural Survival (www.cs.org) website for more information.

August 1-3, 2008: Dunkin Donuts Newport Folk Festival, Newport

Fort Adams State Park, Ocean Drive. Enjoy the best in folk musical performances! Founded in 1959, the Newport Folk Festival is legendary for presenting well-known folk stars alongside the best new talents of the day. Call (401) 847-3700, or visit the Newport Folk Festival (www.newportfolk.com) website for more information.

August 1-3, 2008: 24th Annual Charlestown Chamber Seafood Festival, Charlestown

Ninigret Park, 4470 Old Post Road (Route 1A). A gastronomic extravaganza of Rhode Island's best seafood—lobster, steamers, chowder, fish and chips, clam cakes, corn on the cob, a raw bar, and more. Plus arts and crafts, amusement rides, rock climbing wall, children's shows, and classic car show. Call (401) 364-4031, or visit the Charlestown Chamber of Commerce (www.charlestownrichamber.com) website for more information.

August 2, 2008: WaterFire, Providence

August 2-3, 2008: 75th Annual American Indian Federation Intertribal Powwow, Lafayette, North Kingstown

A.I.F. Hall and Grounds, 1 Indian Street. Call (401) 921-0507, email walkingturtle@hotmail.com, or visit the American Indian Federation (www.myspace.com/americanindianfederation) website for more information.

August 5-10, 2008: Rhode Island International Film Festival, Providence

Various venues. Cited as one of the "Best International Film Festivals in the US," the Rhode Island International Film Festival is also the largest film festival in New England. Features film screenings, forums, a lifetime achievement award ceremony, and special events. Call (401) 861-4445, or visit the Rhode Island International Film Festival (www.rifilmfest.org) website for more information.

August 6, 2008: Westerly Arts Night, Westerly

August 7-11, 2008: 2008 Providence Italian Festival, Providence

Waterplace Park. Celebrate Rhode Island's proud Itialian ethnic heritage with cultural arts, crafts, food, and entertainment, including special guest Al Martino in concert for two special shows. Call (401) 421-7740, or visit the City of Providence (www.Providenceri.com) website for more information.

August 8-11, 2008: JVC Jazz Festival, Newport

Fort Adams State Park, Ocean Drive. Enjoy the very latest tunes by Jazz musicians! Call (401) 847-3700, or visit the Festival Productions (www.festivalproductions.net) website for more information.

August 9-10, 2008: 333rd Annual August Meeting/Green Corn Thanksgiving, Charlestown

Narragansett Church, Old Mill Road, (off Route 2). Cultural/traditional tribal activities. Call (401) 364-1100, (800) 287-4225, or visit the Narragansett Indian Tribe (www.narragansett-tribe.org) website for more information.

August 9-10, 2008: Block Island Arts Festival, Block Island

10:00am-5:00pm. Narragansett Inn, Ocean Avenue. Local and regional artists display and sell arts and crafts overlooking Great Salt Pond. Call (203) 878-2623, email catherinehamill@yahoo.com, or visit the Block Island Chamber of Commerce (www.blockislandchamber.com) website for more information.

August 9-10, 2008: Newport Antiques Show, Middletown

10:00am-6:00pm. St. George's School, 372 Purgatory Road. A benefit for the Newport Historical Society and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Newport County, the glamorous annual Newport Antiques Show has something for everyone. Featuring an exclusive group of American and international dealers, and plenty of parking, this show is not to be missed! Call (401) 846-2669, or visit the Newport Antiques Show (www.newportantiquesshow.com) website for more information.

August 13, 2008: Block Island Historical Society Annual House and Garden Tour, Block Island

9:00am-1:00pm. Block Island Historical Society, Old Town Road. Take an inside peek at some of the island's charming seaside homes and gardens. Call (401) 466-2481, or visit the Block Island Chamber of Commerce (www.blockislandchamber.com) website for more information.

August 13-17, 2008: 42nd Annual Washington County Fair, Carolina, Richmond

Washington County Fairgrounds, 78 Richmond Townhouse Road (Route 112). Rhode Island's largest agricultural fair! Country music concerts, a giant midway, animal shows, Grange and 4-H exhibits, crafts, children's games, and more. Call (401) 782-8139, or visit the Washington County Fair (www.washingtoncountyfair-ri.com) website for more information.

August 14, 2008: Newport Gallery Night, Newport

August 16, 2008: WaterFire, Providence

August 16, 2008: Clambake at the Rose Island Lighthouse, Rose Island, Newport

11:00am-3:30pm. The world's most trashless, bring-your-own-blanket-and-sit-on-the-ground clambake feast! Island fun for the whole family! Includes boat ride; tours of the lighthouse, fort, and wildlife refuge; plus games and prizes. Attendance limited; reservations required. Rain or shine. Call (401) 847-4242, email charlotte@roseisland.org, or visit the Rose Island Lighthouse (www.roseisland.org) website for more information.

August 16, 2008: Blithewold 2008 Gala: The Celebration of a Century, Bristol

10:00am-4:00pm. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens, and Arboretum, 101 Ferry Road. The Blithewold 2008 Gala will commemorate our Centennial year, and celebrate the rich history and uniqueness of Rhode Island's oldest arboretum. Call (401) 253-2707, or visit the Blithewold (www.blithewold.org) website for more information.

August 16, 2008: 2nd Annual Summerfest Providence, Providence

Providence Piers, Allens Avenue. Family festival celebrates the culturally diverse music, art, and food of Rhode Island and the world. Call (401) 846-1600, or visit the Summerfest Providence (www.summerfestprovidence.com) website for more information.

August 16-17, 2008: Urkupina Festival, Providence

St. Patrick's Church, Smith Street. A Catholic mass is followed by a parade of dancers making their way to the Bank of America skating rink, all to honor the patron saint of Cochabamba, Bolivia.

August 17, 2008: Open House at Arnold House, Lincoln

August 20, 2008: North Garden Soiree II, Bristol

10:00am-4:00pm. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens, and Arboretum, 101 Ferry Road. Join us for wine, music, and flowers, and, as the boats race by, savor warm afternoon breezes and leisurely explore each garden at its peak. Each soire showcases wines from a different geographic region, music by local musicians, gourmet cheese and spectacular scenery. Call (401) 253-2707, or visit the Blithewold (www.blithewold.org) website for more information.

August 21, 2008: Gallery Night Providence, Providence

August 21, 2008: 14th Annual Wine Tasting by the Sea, Westerly

6:00pm-8:00pm. Location TBA. Over one-hundred wines from all over the world will be showcased amongst cheese, fruit, and appetizers. Call (401) 596-7761, or visit the Westerly Chamber of Commerce (www.westerlychamber.org) website for more information.

August 23, 2008: Mystery Cookout and Demo Days, Exeter

11:00am-2:00pm. Ocean State Harley-Davidson Shop, 435 Nooseneck Hill Road (Route 3). Join us for a themed family barbecue and, while you're at it, test-drive a 2008 hog! The mystery is what will be cooking on the grill! Call (401) 392-1162, or visit the Ocean State Harley-Davidson (www.oceanstatehd.com) website for more information.

August 23-24, 2008: Militia Days, Smithfield

10:00am-4:00pm. Smith-Appleby House Museum, 220 Stillwater Road. Before the Revolutionary War, colonists met regularly to practice their military skill and socialize with their friends and neighbors. Witness a tug-o-war and militia drill. Classic food favorites such as corn-on-the-cob, watermelon, and other light fare will be served at a nominal fee. Event is free; museum tours are $4 per adult for non-members. Call (401) 231-7363, or visit the Smith-Applebee House Museum (www.smithapplebyhouse.org) website for more information.

August 23-24, 2008: Aquidneck Island Arts Festival, Newport

Newport Yachting Center, 4 Commercial Wharf. An exciting marketplace of fine and functional art, this juried show features a broad range of categories including pottery, woodworking, painting, photography, fiber arts, glasswork, jewelry, and much more. Live music, demonstrations, children's activities, food. All proceeds benefit non-profit agency Looking Upwards. Call (401) 847-0960 x25, or visit the Looking Upwards (www.lookingupwards.org) website for more information.

August 23-24, 2008: 11th Annual Rhode Island Abenaki Four Winds Inter-Tribal Powwow, Bristol

Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm. Colt State Park, Route 114. Call (401) 943-7752, or visit the PowwowSchedule (www.powwowschedule.com) website for more information.

August 29-31, 2008: 11th Annual Rhythm and Roots Festival, Charlestown

Ninigret Park, 4813 Old Post Road (Route 1A). Annual roots musical festival with blues, New Orleans R&B, Cajun, Zydeco, Swing, etc. Features two huge dance floors, four music stages, dance lessons, food vendors, kids activities, evening dances, instrument instruction, and more. Named one of the top one hundred events in North America for 2007 by the American Bus Association! Call (888) 855-6940, email office@rhythmandroots.com, or visit the Rhythm and Roots Festival (www.rhythmandroots.com) website for tickets and more information.

August 30, 2008: WaterFire, Providence

August 30-September 1, 2008: 11th Annual Newport Waterfront Irish Festival, Newport

11:00am-6:00pm. Newport Yachting Center, 4 Commercial Wharf. Experience the Emerald Isle in the City by the Sea. This three-day community event celebrates Irish music, culture, cuisine and crafts. Call (401) 846-1600, or visit the Newport Waterfront Festivals (www.newportfestivals.com) website for more information.

September 5-21, 2008: 2008 Pawtucket Arts Festival, Pawtucket

Citywide. Showcase of visual and performing arts includes Chinese dragon boat races, Slater Mill Fun Fest, Slater Park Festival, Festival Gala, Downtown Festival, Stone Soup music, artist studios, interactive workshops, music, theater and dance performances, and more! Call (401) 724-5200, email diane@pawtucketartsfestival.org, or visit the Pawtucket Arts Festival (www.pawtucketartsfestival.org) website for more information.

September 11, 2008: Newport Gallery Night, Newport

September 11, 2008: Clambake and Cocktail Party, Tiverton

Pardon Gray Preserve, Main Road (Route 117). Call (401) 625-1300, email info@tivertonlandtrust.org, or visit the Tiverton Land Trust (www.tivertonlandtrust.org) website for more information.

September 13, 2008: Lincoln and Sprague, Cranston

Sprague Mansion, 1351 Cranston Street. Join the Cranston Historical Society in celebrating two historical events: Lincoln's 1830 visit to Rhode Island, and Governor Sprague's 1830 birthday. A highlight of the day will be our special guest Mackenzie Melemed, who will honor the Governor by playing the "Governor Sprague March" on the mansion's Grand Centennial Piano. Visit the Cranston Historical Society (www.cranstonhistoricalsociety.org) website for more information.

September 13, 2008: Pardon Gray Day, Tiverton

10:00am-4:00pm. Pardon Gray Preserve, Main Road (Route 117). Call (401) 625-1300, email info@tivertonlandtrust.org, or visit the Tiverton Land Trust (www.tivertonlandtrust.org) website for more information.

September 17, 2008: Gallery Night Providence, Providence

September 20, 2008: Open House at Arnold House, Lincoln

September 20, 2008: 31st Annual Rhode Island Heritage Festival, Providence

12:00pm-6:00pm. State House, South Lawn. Celebrate our state's multi-cultural diversity with live ethnic entertainment on stage, food, educational booths, and parade of nations. Free. Rain date August 26. Call (401) 222-4133 or (401) 222-4137, or visit the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission (www.preservation.ri.gov) website for more information.

September 26-28, 2008: Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival, Newport

Rosecliff and Marble House, Belleve Avenue. This three-day celebration of food and wine includes a Grand Tasting, restaurant wine dinners, seminars, cooking demonstration, auctions, and a special evening of wine, food, and dancing at Rosecliff. Call (401) 847-1000, or visit the Newport Mansions (www.newportmansions.org) website for more information.

September 27-28, 2008: 20th Annual Taste of Rhode Island, Newport

Newport Yachting Center, 4 Commercial Wharf. Fine Food, Fine Wine, and Living Well—this phrase sums up what it means to be from Rhode Island. The Taste of Rhode Island offers the best Rhode Island has to offer with some of the state's finest cuisine, arts, and culture. Call (401) 846-1600, or visit the Newport Waterfront Festivals (www.newportfestivals.com) website for more information.

December 6-21, 2008: 2008 Pawtucket Winter Wonderland, Pawtucket

4:00pm-8:00pm. Slater Memorial Park, Newport Avenue and Armistice Boulevard. See 400 decorated Christmas trees, twenty Victorian buildings, and a talking snowman, and enjoy free visits and photos with Santa, train rides, hay rides, carousel rides, food court, and entertainment. Free admission and parking. Call (401) 726-3185, email santa1@localnet.com, or visit the Pawtucket Winter Wonderland (www.pawtucketwinterwonderland.org) website for more information.

February 2, 2009: Block Island Census, Block Island

Albion Pub, Ocean Avenue. Everyone on-island overnight will be counted! Call (401) 466-2747, or visit the Block Island Chamber of Commerce (www.blockislandchamber.com) website for more information.