Top Picks for Your Summer Weekend

Even though there may be storms coming, it’s still a great weekend to explore Rhode Island. We’ve picked nine fun indoor and outdoor activities just for you – so no matter the weather, you can enjoy what a great Rhode Island summer weekend has to offer.

 

 

CULTURE Top Pick

Indigenous Storyteller Thawn Sherente Harris

Learn about the culture of one of Rhode Island’s most beautiful towns, Narragansett, through song, dance and legends from a native storyteller. Following in the traditions of his ancestors, Thawn plays the cedar flute and hand-drum, as well as being a former world champion of the Eastern War Dance. Greenville Public Library, 573 Putnam Pike, Smithfield, 10:30-11:15am, 4 and up; registration requested, call 949-3630 x1, or visit the Greenville Public Library Web site for more information.

 

SUPERNATURAL Top Pick

Summer Ghost Hunt at Fort Adams

Go on an actual ghost hunt! The Rhode Island Paranormal Research Group will take you through officers’ quarters, restored barracks, and the casemates of the historic Fort Adams. If you dare, of course. Fort Adams, Harrison Ave, Newport, 9pm-12am, $30, visit the Web site to purchase tickets.

 

 

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HOME & GARDEN Top Pick

Mad Hatter's Tea and Teapot Arrangement

Get your Alice In Wonderland on and wear your most outrageous mad hatter hat to this workshop and receive a discount! Participants will choose an old teapot (or bring one from home) and Master Gardener Ruth Pacheco will discuss, demonstrate, and assist each participant on how to use fresh garden flowers and herbs to create a delightful arrangement. Hi-On-A-Hill Herb Farm and Gardens, 836 Old Smithfield Rd, North Smithfield, 10am-12pm, $25, call 766-1408, or visit the Hi-On-A-Hill Farm and Gardens Web site for more information.

 

NATURE Top Pick

Gardens of the Pettaquamscutt Plantations

Visitors will enjoy self-guided tours of 10 private South Kingstown gardens and historic sites, a professional garden-side talk, and the first public viewing of restored interiors at the historic Edward Everett Hale House in Matunuck RI. 2625 Commodore Perry Highway, South Kingstown, 11am-5pm, $20 per person, $50 per carload up to 4, call 783-1328 or visit the Web site for more information.

 

KIDS Top Pick

Creative Constructions

Bring your kids to the Children’s Museum to create artful Climber-inspired structures using a variety of recycled materials and take on new adventures as they navigate an obstacle course. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St, Providence, 1-3pm, free, ages 5-11, 273-5437.

 

MUSIC Top Pick

13th Annual Nantucket Nectars Sunset Music Series: The Blind Boys of Alabama

Don’t miss your chance to see this group of legendary gospel musicians performing on the beautiful Newport waterfront. The Blind Boys of Alabama are winners of a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award and are entering into their seventh decade of performing music. 4 Commercial Wharf, Newport, headliner 8pm, $40 preferred seating, $25 standard, 846-1600.

 

 

DANCE Top Pick

Improvisational Tribal Belly Dance with Neylan

Come experience a whole new level of dance at the Perishable Theatre - Tribal Belly Dance is a dance of connection between dancers as they 
move together in group improvisation. It incorporates flavors of traditional belly dance, as well as Indian, Flamenco, and North African dance. Perishable Theatre, 95 Empire St, Providence, 10am-12pm, $13 to drop in, $60 for 6 class cards that never expire, 331-2695 ext. 102 to sign up or visit the Web site for more information.

 

HISTORY Top Pick

Oliver Watson House Festival

If you love history, food, and fun, come to the Oliver Watson House Festival this weekend. The event includes free clam chowder and johnnycakes, a silent auction, textile demonstrations, live music, vintage clothing sales, and an antique automobile show (best in show awarded!). The house is not always open, so take the opportunity to come to South County and see it. University of Rhode Island Kingston Campus, 10am-3pm, free, call 783-5483 for more information.