WaterFire, July-September
WaterFire is one of Providence's most beloved attractions, featuring the visual aesthetics of 100 bonfires that wind through the three rivers of downtown Providence. Live music and costumed performers add to this unique sensory experience. An award-winning art installation created by Brown University graduate Barnaby Evans, WaterFire is celebrating its 16th season. Scheduled lightings include: July 2; July 16; July 30; August 13; September 10; and September 24. For more information, visit www.waterfire.org.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch, June 24-July 31
The Perishable Theatre's Hedwig and the Angry Inch is an award-winning rock musical about gender, identity and love. Hedwig is the story of a young man from East Germany named Hansel who undergoes a botched sex change before moving to the U.S., where the newly named Hedwig is on a mission to find fame, love and herself. Tickets are $25 per person. For more information, visit www.perishable.org.
Independence Weekend Celebration & Fireworks, July 3-4
The Independence Weekend Celebration kicks off on July 1 with a patriotic performance by the United States Air Force Band of Liberty at 7:30 p.m. in the Bank of America Skating Center. The weekend festivities continue on July with the BankRI Independence Day Celebration, featuring a concert by the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra Summer Pops at 7:30 p.m. in India Point Park, followed at 9 p.m. by a spectacular fireworks display synchronized to music. For more information, visit http://cityof.providenceri.com/.
The Roger Williams Paddle, July 9
Sponsored by Rhode Island Blueways in partnership with the Roger Williams National Memorial, this soft-adventure excursion traces the path of Roger Williams' journey along the Seekonk River. For more information, visit www.exploreri.org.
Restaurant Weeks, July 10-23
In its sixth year, Providence Restaurant Weeks will feature nearly 100 of the Creative Capital's all-star restaurants, inviting diners to enjoy three-course special prix fixe lunches for $12.95 per person and prix fixe dinners for $29.95 per person during the two week-long promotion. For more information, visit www.providencerestaurantweeks.com.
Wooly Fair, July 30
Wooly Fair is a do-it-yourself art carnival taking place from 2 p.m. until 1 a.m. at the Steel Yard, a non-profit community arts space in downtown Providence. This year's theme is "To the Moon!" and participants will dress up in their most creative costumes and enjoy a variety of activities including games, music, food and interactive art exhibits. For those who aren't in the know, "The Woolies" are Providence-area artists, writers, crafters, poets, designers, engineers and entrepreneurs. For more information, visit www.thewooled.com.
"Cocktail Culture" from The Museum of Art at the Rhode Island School of Design, until July 31
The Museum of Art at The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) remembers the glamorous, bygone era when cocktail was king with its "Cocktail Culture: Ritual and Invention in American Fashion 1920-1980" exhibit. Guests explore the social ritual of drinking and entertainment as seen through the lens of fashion and design. Running until July 31, this exhibit features more than 220 fashions by icons such as Christian Dior, Chanel, Balenciaga and Halston, as well as barware, furniture and novelty items. Tickets are $10 for adults and $3 for ages five to 18. For more information, visit www.risdmuseum.org.
Rock ‘n' Roll Providence Half-Marathon, August 7
Thousands of runners, walkers and participants of all shapes and sizes compete at this inaugural half-marathon. Likened to more of a block party than a strictly-athletic event, the course takes contestants through some of the city's most beautiful sections and features live music at every mile, with a headlining concert by Sugar Ray following the race. For more information, visit www.runrocknroll.competitor.com/providence.
Flickers: Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF), August 9-14
A leading juried competition showcase for international independent filmmakers and their work, the 15th annual RIIFF is a dazzling tradition and a prestigious, Oscar-qualifying event. For more information, visit www.film-festival.org.
AS220 Foo Fest, August 13
Foo Fest, AS220's signature annual event, is an urban street party offering interactive installations and games, work from local artists, live music and performances, as well as hands-on activities such as screen printing, light shows, film screenings and panel discussions. AS220 is a non-profit community art space in downtown Providence offering an open forum for art. Foo Fest is scheduled from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m., and admission is free. For more information, visit www.as220.org/foofest/.
Zoo ARTyssey: An Odyssey through Living Art, August 19
ZooARTyssey is an odyssey through living art. Guests journey through the Roger Williams Park Zoo and interact with engaging living art characters created by Rhode Island's renowned performance artists, TEN31 Productions. The event features live music and food, and is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors/children. For more information, visit www.goprovidence.com/Zoo.
Providence Food and Wine Festival, August 25-28
Restaurants, chefs and foodies across New England are anxiously awaiting the debut of the inaugural Providence Food and Wine Festival. Restaurants and chefs throughout the Creative Capital are coming together to provide guests with three days of events, tastings and educational panels to showcase the city's abundant culinary offerings. For more information, visit www.goprovidence.com.
StyleWeek Providence, August 28-September 3
The fashionistas of the Creative Capital are counting down the days until the third annual StyleWeek Providence, a showcase of emerging and recognized designers. Making its debut is StyleNight Out, a celebration of fashion, design and commerce, in collaboration with local boutiques, restaurants and businesses. There will also be a GoRed StyleWeek Challenge, during which designers are asked to create a red dress for heart disease survivors with all proceeds from the runway show benefit the American Heart Association. For more information, visit www.styleweekprovidence.com.
Providence Latin American Film Festival (PLAFF), September 15-18
In its 19th year, PLAFF is the first Latin American film festival in the U.S. to present juried awards, and offers guests an introduction to a variety of Hispanic films. Throughout the years, PLAFF has screened more than 650 feature films, shorts, documentaries and animations, many of which have gone on to receive national awards. Tickets are $7 per person, per film. For more information, visit www.plaff.org.
The Harvest Party: Celebrating 30 Years of Plant to Plate, September 15
Southside Community Land Trust's Harvest Party: Celebrating 30 Years of Plant to Plate brings together more than 300 people who have helped change the look and taste of urban food production in Rhode Island. This year's Harvest Party will feature partner chefs who purchase produce from SCLT gardeners, a Taste of Providence bazaar, market stands and much more. Proceeds will benefit SCLT's core programs. For more information, visit www.southsideclt.org.