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THINGS TO DO

Things to do in Rhode Island: September 2021

Carlos de Leon performs on Sept. 12 as part of FirstWorks Live in Providence.Photo courtesy FirstWorks Live

There are plenty of things to do in Rhode Island in September: free concerts, local festivals, and, of course, Waterfire. Be sure to confirm dates and times with event organizers before you go.

Wednesday, September 15th

Pawtucket Arts Festival: “KARMA” Mural at Shri

“KARMA” represents intentional actions. The intention with this mural is to inspire the community and fill this once blighted space with light, energy and color! This site is the future home of Shri, which currently serves more than 8,500 residents every year with yoga outreach and wellness programs; it will also house a “grab and go” cafe, market-rate lofts, and affordable housing units. 6 a.m. (Sep. 10) – 8 p.m. (Sep. 19), Corner of 390 Pine St. and Conant St., Pawtucket, 02860. Free.

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Pawtucket Arts Festival: The Wishing Tree

The Wishing Tree is a public art project being created by The Empowerment Factory (TEF) in collaboration with children from Rhode Island to be installed in Pawtucket. Over the past year, children and families have submitted their wishes for the community. Each wish will be transferred on a leaf on The Wishing Tree art installation for public viewing. 8 a.m. (Sep. 10) – 6 p.m. (Sep. 19), Newell Ave. & Barnes St., Pawtucket, 02860. Free.

Thursday, September 16th

Pawtucket Arts Festival: “KARMA” Mural at Shri

“KARMA” represents intentional actions. The intention with this mural is to inspire the community and fill this once blighted space with light, energy and color! This site is the future home of Shri, which currently serves more than 8,500 residents every year with yoga outreach and wellness programs; it will also house a “grab and go” cafe, market-rate lofts, and affordable housing units. 6 a.m. (Sep. 10) – 8 p.m. (Sep. 19), Corner of 390 Pine St. and Conant St., Pawtucket, 02860. Free.

Pawtucket Arts Festival: The Wishing Tree

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The Wishing Tree is a public art project being created by The Empowerment Factory (TEF) in collaboration with children from Rhode Island to be installed in Pawtucket. Over the past year, children and families have submitted their wishes for the community. Each wish will be transferred on a leaf on The Wishing Tree art installation for public viewing. 8 a.m. (Sep. 10) – 6 p.m. (Sep. 19), Newell Ave. & Barnes St., Pawtucket, 02860. Free.

Pawtucket Arts Festival: Peace Crane

Walk the RI Music Hall of Fame in the Hope Artist Village, enjoy live music from local artists, and see The Empowerment Factory’s beautiful art installation of 1,000 Peace Cranes, each one handmade by local volunteers. 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., 999 Main St., Pawtucket. Free.

Newport International Boat Show 2021

Walk the docks and view a spectacular display of shiny new sailboats and powerboats, some making their debut in the United States. On the land side, you’ll find hundreds of marine products, services, and accessories to enhance the boating lifestyle, as well as educational seminars, in-water boating courses, and daily giveaways. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Newport Yachting Center Marina, 20 Commercial Wharf, Newport, 02840. Tickets are available from $25 here, kids under 12 attend for free. Find more information at https://newportboatshow.com/.

Block Island Pride: Rainbow Tie Dye

Come celebrate Block Island’s first ever Pride week. 6 – 8 p.m., Traveling Seamstress, 442 Dodge St., New Shoreham, 02807. Free admission, no reservations required.

Block Island Pride: Queer Tarot and Jazz Band

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Come celebrate Block Island’s first ever Pride week. 6 – 9 p.m., Persephone’s Kitchen, 325 Dodge St., New Shoreham, 02807. Free admission, no reservations required.

Friday, September 17th

Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival

Sample wines, beers, and spirits from around the world, munch on fabulous food inspired by local and regional chefs, and take in an exquisite ocean view at Rosecliff and The Breakers Stable. In its 16th year, the festival will feature 24 seminars such as “Ca’ del Bosco and Caviar: The Art of Luxury”, “Vino de los Andes: Wines of South America”, and more, hosted by experts on a wide array of topics, with tickets still available for several top experiences. Find tickets here, and read up on the seminars here. Rosecliff & The Breakers Stable, Newport, RI. Tickets required.

Pawtucket Arts Festival: “KARMA” Mural at Shri

“KARMA” represents intentional actions. The intention with this mural is to inspire the community and fill this once blighted space with light, energy and color! This site is the future home of Shri, which currently serves more than 8,500 residents every year with yoga outreach and wellness programs; it will also house a “grab and go” cafe, market-rate lofts, and affordable housing units. 6 a.m. (Sep. 10) – 8 p.m. (Sep. 19), Corner of 390 Pine St. and Conant St., Pawtucket, 02860. Free.

Pawtucket Arts Festival: The Wishing Tree

The Wishing Tree is a public art project being created by The Empowerment Factory (TEF) in collaboration with children from Rhode Island to be installed in Pawtucket. Over the past year, children and families have submitted their wishes for the community. Each wish will be transferred on a leaf on The Wishing Tree art installation for public viewing. 8 a.m. (Sep. 10) – 6 p.m. (Sep. 19), Newell Ave. & Barnes St., Pawtucket, 02860. Free.

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Newport International Boat Show 2021

Walk the docks and view a spectacular display of shiny new sailboats and powerboats, some making their debut in the United States. On the land side, you’ll find hundreds of marine products, services, and accessories to enhance the boating lifestyle, as well as educational seminars, in-water boating courses, and daily giveaways. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Newport Yachting Center Marina, 20 Commercial Wharf, Newport, 02840. Tickets are available from $25 here, kids under 12 attend for free. Find more information at https://newportboatshow.com/.

Levitt AMP Woonsocket: Sidy Maiga with Chachi Carvalho

Head to the beautiful River Island Art Park in downtown Woonsocket for the 10th of Levitt AMP Woonsocket’s 10 FREE concerts, featuring Malian master percussionist and gifted djembefola Sidy Maiga, with Rhode Island’s own opening act, Chachi Carvalho and the International Players. Come ready to eat, dance, and have a great time! Bring a friend and something to sit on. Starts at 6 p.m., River Island Art Park, 95 Bernon St., Woonsocket. Free, no tickets required. Find more information here.

Block Island Pride: Welcome Social

Come celebrate Block Island’s first ever Pride week, starting with a Welcome Social at The National Hotel. 5 – 7 p.m., 36 Water St., New Shoreham, 02807. Free admission, no reservations required.

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Saturday, September 18th

Celebrating Educational Excellence in RI with RI Department of Education (Partial lighting)

Sunset (around 7 p.m.) – 11 p.m., 5 North Main St., Providence. Free.

Opening Night of RI Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2021-2022 Season

To launch their 77th season, Artistic Advisor and Conductor Bramwell Tovey has a fabulous program titled The Music Returns! with guest artist mezzo-soprano Susan Platts. The performance features Montgomery’s Banner, Mahler’s Rückert-Lieder, and Brahms’ Symphony No.4. The Montgomery and Mahler works will be performed by the Orchestra for the first time. 8 p.m., The VETS, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence. $15-$154; for single-ticket sales: https://tickets.riphil.org or 401-248-7000

Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival

Sample wines, beers, and spirits from around the world, munch on fabulous food inspired by local and regional chefs, and take in an exquisite ocean view at Rosecliff and The Breakers Stable. In its 16th year, the festival will feature 24 seminars such as “Ca’ del Bosco and Caviar: The Art of Luxury”, “Vino de los Andes: Wines of South America”, and more, hosted by experts on a wide array of topics, with tickets still available for several top experiences. Find tickets here, and read up on the seminars here. Rosecliff & The Breakers Stable, Newport, RI. Tickets required.

Pawtucket Arts Festival: “KARMA” Mural at Shri

“KARMA” represents intentional actions. The intention with this mural is to inspire the community and fill this once blighted space with light, energy and color! This site is the future home of Shri, which currently serves more than 8,500 residents every year with yoga outreach and wellness programs; it will also house a “grab and go” cafe, market-rate lofts, and affordable housing units. 6 a.m. (Sep. 10) – 8 p.m. (Sep. 19), Corner of 390 Pine St. and Conant St., Pawtucket, 02860. Free.

Pawtucket Arts Festival: The Wishing Tree

The Wishing Tree is a public art project being created by The Empowerment Factory (TEF) in collaboration with children from Rhode Island to be installed in Pawtucket. Over the past year, children and families have submitted their wishes for the community. Each wish will be transferred on a leaf on The Wishing Tree art installation for public viewing. 8 a.m. (Sep. 10) – 6 p.m. (Sep. 19), Newell Ave. & Barnes St., Pawtucket, 02860. Free.

Pawtucket Arts Festival: Pawtucket-Central Falls Empanada Fest

The first-ever Pawtucket-Central Falls Empanada Fest promises to be an exciting day, indeed. Registered participants will receive sample empanadas/patties and a judging card to score their favorites at the event! There will be a total of 10 local restaurants participating, one of which will win based on your scores. 1 – 3 p.m., Slater Park, 401 Newport Ave., Pawtucket. $10 tickets per person, purchase yours and find more information here.

Newport International Boat Show 2021

Walk the docks and view a spectacular display of shiny new sailboats and powerboats, some making their debut in the United States. On the land side, you’ll find hundreds of marine products, services, and accessories to enhance the boating lifestyle, as well as educational seminars, in-water boating courses, and daily giveaways. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Newport Yachting Center Marina, 20 Commercial Wharf, Newport, 02840. Tickets are available from $25 here, kids under 12 attend for free. Find more information at https://newportboatshow.com/.

Super Mario Party

Special event at Fete Music Hall in Providence. 6 p.m. – 2 a.m., Fete Music Hall, 103 Dike St., Providence. Tickets are $40, find them and more information here.

Block Island Pride March

Come celebrate Block Island’s first ever Pride week with a Pride March through town. 12 p.m., Free admission, no reservations required. More information to come, check www.QueerBlockIsland.com for updates.

Block Island Pride: Life Drawing Class

Come celebrate Block Island’s first ever Pride week. 2 – 3.30 p.m., The Darius Inn, 62 Dodge St., New Shoreham, 02807. Free admission, reservations required at www.QueerBlockIsland.com.

Block Island Pride: Drag Show

Come celebrate Block Island’s first ever Pride week. 10 p.m. – 1 a.m., TigerFish, 126 Corn Neck Rd., New Shoreham, 02807. Free admission, no reservations required.

Sunday, September 19th

2021 Summer Pops in the Park Concert: A Tribute to the Human Spirit

Rhode Island Philharmonic will perform their annual concert, free and open to the public. 5.30 p.m., Pawtucket’s Slater Memorial Park. Free.

Thea Hopkins: Red Roots Americana

Thea creates a new kind of Americana, with influences ranging from classic country to contemporary folk. A member of the Aquinnah Wampanoag tribe of Martha’s Vineyard, her ancestry also includes Iroquois, African-American, Irish, and Portuguese. Her song “The Ghost of Emmett Till” won the Grand Prize in the 22nd annual Great American Song Contest in March 2021. Come hear what all the buzz is about! 5 p.m., Dalrymple Boathouse Lawn, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence. Free, find more information at http://first-works.org/events/firstworks-live-music-at-roger-williams-park/.

Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival

Sample wines, beers, and spirits from around the world, munch on fabulous food inspired by local and regional chefs, and take in an exquisite ocean view at Rosecliff and The Breakers Stable. In its 16th year, the festival will feature 24 seminars such as “Ca’ del Bosco and Caviar: The Art of Luxury”, “Vino de los Andes: Wines of South America”, and more, hosted by experts on a wide array of topics, with tickets still available for several top experiences. Find tickets here, and read up on the seminars here. Rosecliff & The Breakers Stable, Newport, RI. Tickets required.

Pawtucket Arts Festival: “KARMA” Mural at Shri

“KARMA” represents intentional actions. The intention with this mural is to inspire the community and fill this once blighted space with light, energy and color! This site is the future home of Shri, which currently serves more than 8,500 residents every year with yoga outreach and wellness programs; it will also house a “grab and go” cafe, market-rate lofts, and affordable housing units. 6 a.m. (Sep. 10) – 8 p.m. (Sep. 19), Corner of 390 Pine St. and Conant St., Pawtucket, 02860. Free.

Pawtucket Arts Festival: The Wishing Tree

The Wishing Tree is a public art project being created by The Empowerment Factory (TEF) in collaboration with children from Rhode Island to be installed in Pawtucket. Over the past year, children and families have submitted their wishes for the community. Each wish will be transferred on a leaf on The Wishing Tree art installation for public viewing. 8 a.m. (Sep. 10) – 6 p.m. (Sep. 19), Newell Ave. & Barnes St., Pawtucket, 02860. Free.

Pawtucket Arts Festival: UKUNAMI BAND!

11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Slater Park Main Stage, 401 Newport Ave., Pawtucket. Free. Find more information here.

Pawtucket Arts Festival: 5th Annual Healthy Living Community Event

Join a Scavenger Walk along the Baldwin Loop Walking Path featuring artwork by local youth and earn prizes along the way. Get creative and compete in a Sidewalk Chalk Drawing Competition. 12 – 3 p.m., Elizabeth Baldwin Elementary School, 50 Whitman St., Pawtucket. Free.

Pawtucket Arts Festival: Daybreak!

An exhilarating Aurea/Festival Ballet first collaboration, celebrating the return to live performance and the rich spirit of our nation. 12 – 1.15 p.m., Slater Park Main Stage, 401 Newport Ave., Pawtucket. Free.

Rambudikon Presents: Knocked Loose/Gatecreeper/Magnitude/Kharma

6 – 11 p.m., Alchemy, 171 Chestnut St., Providence. First 150 tickets are $25, and $27 thereafter, get yours here.

Newport International Boat Show 2021

Walk the docks and view a spectacular display of shiny new sailboats and powerboats, some making their debut in the United States. On the land side, you’ll find hundreds of marine products, services, and accessories to enhance the boating lifestyle, as well as educational seminars, in-water boating courses, and daily giveaways. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Newport Yachting Center Marina, 20 Commercial Wharf, Newport, 02840. Tickets are available from $25 here, kids under 12 attend for free. Find more information at https://newportboatshow.com/.

Grant Maloy Smith at the Indie Collaborative

Grant Maloy Smith is the emcee and a performer at the Indie Collaborative’s first ever showcase in Newport, Rhode Island. More than 20 world-class IC artists will be performing in this magical evening. Food and drink are available throughout the show, and a good time will be had by everyone! 7 – 10.30 p.m., Newport Playhouse & Cabaret Restaurant, 102 O., JT Connell Hwy., Newport, 02840. Tickets are $25 and available here.

The Empire Revue presents ‘The Big City Show’

Against the beautiful backdrop of Prospect Park, The Empire Revue presents ‘Providence’s premier sketch showcase’. All the funny stuff you love, out in the wilds of Providence. 4 p.m., Prospect Terrace Park, 60 Congden St., Providence. Purchase tickets ahead of time here for $12, or $15 day-of-show.

Block Island Pride: Queer Nature Walk

Come celebrate Block Island’s first ever Pride week on this Queer Nature Walk from The Nature Conservancy with Kim Gaffett from Andy’s Way to Beane Point. From 2 p.m., Andy’s Way, New Shoreham, 02807. Free admission, reservations required at www.QueerBlockIsland.com.

Block Island Pride: ‘Pride’ Film

Come celebrate Block Island’s first ever Pride week, closing with a screening of the film ‘Pride’ from Soundwaves at the State Beach. 8 – 10 p.m., Block Island State Beach, New Shoreham, 02807. Free admission, no reservations required.

Tuesday, September 21st

Rambudikon Presents: Combichrist/King 810/Heartsick/Reign of Z

Rock concert at Alchemy in Providence. 6.30 – 11.30 p.m., Alchemy, 171 Chestnut St., Providence. Tickets are $25 Presale, $28 day of – find more information here.

Thursday, September 23rd

Food Truck Concert Nights at Diamond Hill

Join the third season at Diamond Hill Park for a variety of food trucks, beer & wine, and live music! Eat from some of the best food trucks RI has to offer, free to attend (just pay for what you eat and drink), 5 – 8 p.m., Diamond Hill Park, 4097 Diamond Hill Rd., Cumberland, 02864. Tickets not necessary, find more information here.

Divas of Drag

Order up a double dose of glitz and glamour, sass and class with Rhode Island’s premier drag stars, Haley Star and LaDiva Jonz! Be prepared for aching cheeks as you laugh the night away. Haley and LaDiva will dazzle you with a host of surprises hidden up their sequined sleeves. 7.30 – 9.30 p.m., Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Centre, Seating is limited and tickets are $26, book yours here.

Friday, September 24th

WaterFire (partial lighting)

Supported by University of Rhode Island: URI Foundation & Alumni Engagement. 6.30 – 11 p.m., 5 North Main St., Providence. Free.

Ala Jaza en Concierto!

A club event hosted by ‘Chocolate Radio’ and held at the International Club and Billiard. Doors at 7 p.m., International Club & Billiard, 327 Barton St., Pawtucket. Tickets are $50 for general entrance, and $75 for VIP entry. Find them, and more information, here.

Saturday, September 25th

Family Friendly Gallery Night Walking Tours of Downcity Public Art

The tours will feature public art and highlight significant architecture in the down city and lower Eastside of Providence, with special note of BIPOC artworks. Leaves at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm from URI Providence Campus, 80 Washington St., Providence. Free.

Save the Bay Lighthouse Tours

View up to 20 active and inactive Rhode Island lighthouse sites in Narragansett Bay on this 7-hour boat tour that takes visitors from Providence to Newport and back once more. Save the Bay educators provide expert narration, and a stop at Rose Island for lunch will provide an exclusive opportunity to explore the grounds of the Rose Island Lighthouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Save the Bay Center, 100 Save the Bay Drive, Providence. Tickets are available here.

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest will be returning to the German American Cultural Society of RI in 2021! Each September, GACSRI welcomes guests to their Pawtucket grounds to celebrate Oktoberfest, and attempt to reproduce a sense of Bavarian Gemütlichkeit (coziness) with live music, dancing, German Festbier, and traditional food offerings, held across an outdoor Biergarten, Ratskeller bar, and larger indoor Bierhalle. 12 – 11 p.m., 78 Carter Ave., Pawtucket. More event and ticket information to come.

Mark Normand

Don’t miss out on this extremely prolific stand-up comedian. Doors at 6 p.m., Show at 7 p.m., Comedy Connection Rhode Island, 39 Warren Ave., East Providence, 02914. Tickets are $25 and available here.

Sunday, September 26th

Pawtucket Arts Festival: City of Pawtucket 23rd Annual Photo Contest

12 winning photos will be selected by a panel of local professional photographers and placed in the 2022 City Calendar. This annual contest provides an opportunity to bring awareness to the daily life, historic locations, and the ever-changing landscape of Pawtucket through the lens of a camera. 4 – 5 p.m., 137 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket. Free.

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest will be returning to the German American Cultural Society of RI in 2021! Each September, GACSRI welcomes guests to their Pawtucket grounds to celebrate Oktoberfest, and attempt to reproduce a sense of Bavarian Gemütlichkeit (coziness) with live music, dancing, German Festbier, and traditional food offerings, held across an outdoor Biergarten, Ratskeller bar, and larger indoor Bierhalle. 12 – 11 p.m., 78 Carter Ave., Pawtucket. More event and ticket information to come.

Justin Hayward – Nights

Having chalked up nearly fifty years at the peak of the music and entertainment industry, Justin Hayward’s voice has been heard the world over. Known principally as the vocalist, lead guitarist and composer for the Moody Blues, his is an enduring talent that has helped to define the times in which he worked. Doors at 7 p.m., Show at 8 p.m., Greenwich Odeum, 59 Main St., East Greenwich, 02818. Tickets are going from $76 and are available here.

Rock n Rhode Fest

LIVE music, bar, and grill – all proceeds to benefit OSDRI. 1 – 10 p.m., Tavern on the Hill, 809 Nooseneck Hill, West Greenwich. Tickets are $20 at the door, find more information here.

Thursday, September 30th

Audrain’s Newport Concours Motor Week

A celebration of all things history, luxury, and sport. Spend your days enjoying fine dining pop-ups, exhibitions of rare and exciting automobiles, seminars, shopping, tennis, golf and sailing along the Newport coast. Then, once the sun goes down, experience exclusive cocktail hours, dinners, our annual gala and various VIP parties hosted in the Gatsby-esque mansions that populate America’s original luxury capital. The four-day program concludes with a centerpiece event, the Audrain Newport Concours d’Elegance, which will feature a world-class collection of over a billion dollars worth of rare and vintage cars. Audrain Automobile Museum, 222 Bellevue Ave., Newport 02840. Tickets and information at https://www.audrainconcours.com/.