5 Weekend Musts: Ice Cream Throwdown + More

This is a summer weekend full of celebration and we've got the best quintet of statewide activities, from historical celebrations in Newport to food contests in Providence.

Ice Cream Throwdown in Providence

Saturday  At RI Food Fights' Incredible Ice Cream Throwdown, Rhode Island foodies will compete in throwdowns to determine the champions in various culinary categories. RI Food Fights will bring ice cream shops from across the state to Wayland Square for the 1st Annual Ice Cream Throwdown. Don’t miss the prizes, awards, fun and all the ice cream you can sample. Wayland Square. 5pm-8pm. Admission: $10; Children 5 and younger $5. For more information, go here.

Enjoy Quahogs in Warren

Saturday-Sunday  Since 1984, Rhode Islanders have been celebrating at The Warren Quahog Festival by indulging in clams, chowders, stuffed quahogs, clam cakes, fried scallops, calamari, and other freshly cooked seafood at the oldest seafood festival in East Bay. Eat delicious seafood from local providers and enjoy arts & crafts and live music. Burr's Hill Park, South Water Street, Warren. Saturday 11am-8pm, Sunday 11am-6pm. For more, call 401-247-0232.

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Hot Air Balloons in South County

Friday-Sunday  Rhode Island's skies fill with brilliant color as this summer classic is back in South County for its 34th year. In addition to 3 whole days of hot air balloons, carnival rides, an airplane show, live music and much more, there's going to be the first ever RI State BBQ Championship. Plus fireworks on Saturday night at 9pm. URI Athletic Fields, Kingston. Adults $10, Kids 14 and under $5, Families (2 parents and 2 kids) $25, free parking. For more information, go here.

Admire Art in Tiverton

Saturday  Set in the beautiful Mill Pond Area of the Historic Tiverton Four Corners Village, the 25th Annual Tiverton Four Corners Arts & Artisan Festival features works of the best local and regional artists. The year’s festival will host a unique collection of homemade body care products, photography, pottery, jewelry, home accessories and even handmade dog accessories. 3948 Main Road, Tiverton. 10am-4pm. Call 533-3211. For more information, go to www.tivertonfourcorners.com.

Rick Estrin & The Nightcats in Woonsocket

Friday  Rocking blues masters Rick Estrin & The Nightcats will celebrate the release of their new CD, One Wrong Turn, with a live performance at Chan’s in Woonsocket. Don’t miss harmonica icon, vocalist and songwriter Rick Estrin, perform with The Nightcats—guitarist Chris "Kid" Andersen, singing drummer J. Hansen and multi-instrumentalist Lorenzo Farrell. Rhode Islanders will love their take on modern blues with a rock ‘n' roll twist. Chan’s, 267 Main St., Woonsocket. 8pm. Ticket price: $19. Call 765-1900. For more information go to www.chanseggrollsandjazz.com.

Black Ships Festival in Newport

Thursday-Sunday  The Black Ships Festival honors the friendship between Newport and Japan through a variety of events that celebrate Japanese and American art and culture. This year celebrates the 52nd anniversary of the Sister City relationship between Newport and Shimoda, Japan. Events include a formal Gala, Japanese arts & crafts such as origami and ikebana, martial arts, and a Japanese tea ceremony. The Taiko Drums will be a highlight! On Friday night, the formal Gala, on the grounds of Rosecliff on Bellevue Ave, honors the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa. The Gala includes music, dancing, an open bar, wines by Oyster Bay Wines USA, and a dinner with sushi from Haruki. For a calendar of events and more information, go to http://www.newportevents.com/Blackships/.

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