Here are RI's top summer events: From parades to art festivals to Washington County Fair

The reward for making it through a cold and gray winter in Rhode Island is being able to get outside in summer. And if the siren song of the ocean isn’t tempting enough, organizations and municipalities across the state have a busy season of events to fill your warm summer days.

Narragansett Art Festival

Kick off summer at the Rotary Club of Wakefield’s event June 22-23, held in two locations this year: its traditional spot beside the Towers (25 Ocean Rd.) and also on Gazebo Field, behind the Narragansett Post Office. Fine artists offer work in the categories of oils and acrylics, watercolors and pastels, drawings and graphics, photography, sculpture and three-dimensional media. The show runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free. (wakefieldrotary.org)

Fourth of July parades

In Bristol, the nation’s oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration (fourthofjulybristolri.com/parade) steps off at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of Chestnut and Hope streets, ending on High Street between State and Bradford streets. Marchers range from bands to politicians to Scout troops. Get a completely different feel at the 97th annual Ancients & Horribles parade in Glocester (glocesterri.gov/parade.htm), which steps off at 4 p.m. Crazy costumes, political statements and outlandish floats meander from the intersection of Routes 100 and 98 to Acotes Field in Chepachet.

WaterFire

Downtown Providence has a different vibe after sundown on WaterFire nights. Lit braziers flicker on the river and musicians, artists, performers, food trucks and vendors set up at water’s edge, creating a fun, free summer experience. This year’s schedule includes: full lightings on Thursday, July 4; Saturday, Aug. 31; Saturday, Sept. 21; Saturday, Oct. 5; and Saturday, Nov. 2; and a partial lighting on Tuesday, July 30, in the Waterplace Basin. Programming and vendors open at 6:30 p.m. and torches are lit at sunset. Full lightings go until midnight and the partial lighting until 10 p.m. (waterfire.org)

Wickford Art Festival

On July 13-14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wilson Park at 211 West Main St., North Kingstown turns into a village of white tents containing moving, whimsical and captivating pieces of original artwork. More than 200 artists offer work in such mediums as drawing, glass, painting, photography, fine jewelry, sculpture and mixed media. Admission is free. (wickfordart.org)

FringePVD

Founded in 2014 by the Wilbury Theatre Group, this weeks-long event – July 14-27 – provides an opportunity to “emerging and established performing artists by presenting fun, fearless and affordable theatre,” according to its website. Events are scattered around downtown Providence. Participating artists were not yet available at press time, but more than 300 are selected each year for dance, visual arts and theatrical performances. Event prices vary. (fringepvd.org)

Blessing of the Fleet

In Galilee, home to most of the state’s commercial fishing vessels and many private craft, this three-day summer festival includes a parade of boats, a road race, food and music. This year’s events are planned for July 25-27, with the 10-mile road race on Friday and the Blessing of the Fleet on Saturday. Find summer food fare, games, rides, music by local bands and a beer and wine tent from 4 to 10 p.m. Admission to the music area is $5.  (narragansettlionsclub.org)

Washington County Fair

Country music, tractor and truck pulls, goats and bunnies to pet, delicious summer foods such as clam cakes and strawberry shortcake, and livestock exhibitions and thrills on a carnival midway are the ingredients of summer fun at the fair, which runs Aug. 14-18 at 78 Richmond Townhouse Road, Richmond. General admission is $12 but free for those age 10 and under. The fair attracts up-and-coming country stars and wholesome entertainment in its horse, oxen and pony pulls. (washingtoncountyfair-ri.com)

Black Ships Festival

Immerse yourself in Asian culture – traditional drumming, origami lessons and even a chance to meet superheroes and princesses – at this family-friendly festival that runs from Aug. 16-18. Traditional arts and crafts, including flower arranging, a cosplay costume contest, a tea ceremony and martial arts demonstrations fill the schedule. Events take place at various locations in Bristol and Newport. (jasri.org)

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Top summer 2024 events in RI, from WaterFire to Washington County Fair