5 Weekend Musts: Blessing of the Fleet + More

If you're lucky enough to have nabbed a ticket to the outrageously popular (and sold out) Newport Folk Festival, you know where you'll be this weekend. If not, or if you need a break from the music, we've got five fantastic activities for this great summer weekend.

Blessing of the Fleet Weekend in Narragansett

Friday-Sunday  This colorful South County tradition is in its 35th consecutive year, and what had humble beginnings as a ceremony to ask for "Divine Protection" for those who go to sea has become a three-day pageant of color and fun. The events include a 10-mile road race, a seafood festival, and of course, the colorful parade of commercial and recreational vessels, large and small. Each parading vessel is blessed by clergy and judged for prizes in five different categories. The race is Friday, the Seafood Festival all weekend, and the blessing itself is Saturday. Events are at various locales in Narragansett--go here for all the details.

Newport Antiques Show

Friday-Saturday  Find over 40 of the antique industry’s finest dealers showcasing the best that the industry has to offer. The show is celebrating its sixth year and all proceeds will benefit the Newport Historical Society and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County. There is also a loan exhibit featuring scrimshaw, paintings, and glass from New Bedford Whaling Museum. St. George's School, 372 Purgatory Road, Middletown. Opens at 10am. $12 day ticket, at the door. Visit the Museum & Shop at Brick Market, 127 Thames Street, Newport, for a copy of the rack card that includes a $2 coupon. Call 846-2669 or visit the Web site for more.

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Free Reggae at the Sunset Music Series in Newport

Saturday  Listen to some free reggae from Soulshot, a band formed in 2003 and made up of veterans of the music scene. Self-described as "New England's premier reggae, ska, and rocksteady band," these musicians have had gigs in Jamaica and the U.S. Members include David "Daveydread" Turano on bass and Gregory "RAS G" Rourke on lead guitar. Newport Yachting Center, 4 Commercial Wharf, Newport. Gates open at 6pm. Soulshot 7pm-10pm. Free admission. For more information about the series, go here.

2nd Annual Celebration of the American Cowboy

Saturday  Celebrate the American cowboy in a day full of wild west activities, including Northeast Six Shooters demonstrating their skills. The day will include a roping clinic, despooking clinic, old time tractors, Western story-telling, line dancing instruction, and a Horseshoe Tournament. There will also be a chicken BBQ dinner and dance. Stepping Stone Ranch, 201 Escoheag Hill Road, West Greenwich. 1pm-10pm. $5 entrance fee, $10 full ticket with dinner, $10 children under 10 with dinner. Call 397-3725 or visit the Web site for the complete schedule.

Shakespeare in the Vineyards, Newport Vineyards

Friday-Saturday  Grab your blanket and lawn chair and get ready to enjoy the sunset as you watch "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at Newport Vineyards. The RI Shakespeare Company will be performing this Shakespeare classic. Wine by the glass will be available and Fatulli's Bakery and Deli will have Picnic Boxes ready for pickup if you order ahead of time: 401-847-5166. Grounds open at 6pm, shows start at 7pm. Tickets $20 (available at the winery), $17 with advanced reservations through July 27th. To reserve tickets, call the winery: 848-5161 ext. 0 or email [email protected].

2nd Annual Sea Star Marketplace

Saturday  Celebrate art, crafts, and antiques at this fundraising event for the Frosty Drew Nature Center and Observatory. 1,000 attendees are expected at this outdoor fair, where artists, artisans, and collectors sell art, crafts, and antiques. There will also be entertainment, food, and activities for children.   Get ready to enjoy some seafood and the beautiful Ninigret Park! Proceeds will go to fund educational programs and to keep the observatory open to the public year-round. Ninigret Park, 4870 Old Post Road, Charlestown. Rain date, July 29. 9am-4pm. Free admission. Call 364-9508 or go here for more information.

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