Outdoors in RI: Farmers Markets, Fishing, Polo, Sand Sculpting, Skin Cancer Screening

In loving memory of Wendy Northup, this July 25 & 26, 2026, an Expanded Tournament.

Nine species are now included in this Tournament; bonito, false albacore, bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna and mahi in addition to fluke, black sea bass, bluefish and striped bass.

We have expanded the geographic area to include waters south of the Jamestown and Newport Bridges out to about fifteen miles off the coast of Block Island (see tournament map). This includes the southern coastal shores of  Westerly, South County, Newport to the Sakonnet River and much of the Cox Ledge area.

This tournament has been expanded to include more species and a larger fish-able area. A photo of the fish with the regulation measuring device will be uploaded to the GotOne app.  Real time results will be available. Fish must be entered immediately after capture with the location logged when photo is taken. Striped Bass, Bluefish, and False Albacore are ‘catch & release only’,all other species may be kept.

Over $13,000 in Tournament prizes​

• YOUTH DIVISION:   

  • 1st Place Youth Shore – Striped bass, bluefish  $100 ea

  • 1st Place Youth Boat – Striped bass boat, bluefish boat, fluke boat, black sea bass boat  $200 ea
    (NO Youth prizes for pelagic species)

• ADULT DIVISION:

  • Adult 1st Place Shore –  Striped Bass & Bluefish $250 ea

  • Adult 1st Place Boat 1st – Striped bass, Bluefish, Fluke and Black Sea Bass  $500

• PELAGIC DIVISION (Bluefin, Yellowfin, Mahi, Bonito, False Albacore)
  Adult & Youth compete for same prizes

  • 1st Place Bluefin, Yellowfin, Mahi, Bonito, False Albacore  $500 ea

• WIND FARM PHOTO DIVISION

  • Three photo prizes all taken in wind farm area with the wind turbines in photo…
    most scenic, best fish, and best team photo  $200 ea

• TEAM PRIZE

  •   The team that gets the most tournament prizes (including youth, adult and photo divisions)  $500

More information, HERE!

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Explore a Revolutionary War fort

Park Ranger Walk at Butts Hill Fort
Saturday, July 18, 10–11:30 a.m.
120 Education Lane, Portsmouth

A Rhode Island State Parks ranger will lead a free walk through the remains of Butts Hill Fort, headquarters for General John Sullivan and American forces during the 1778 Battle of Rhode Island. It also includes the memorial to the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, recognized as the first integrated regiment of the American Revolution.

It is outdoors, free, timely for America’s 250th, historically substantial—and not something everyone already knows about. The walk is rain or shine; sturdy shoes, water and sunscreen are recommended. Leashed dogs are welcome. Official RI State Parks information

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Other Outdoors in RI opportunities through Thursday, July 23:

Field of Artisans at the Beach — Saturday, July 18, at South Kingstown Town Beach; an outdoor artisan market by the ocean.

Newport Dance Festival — nightly through Sunday, July 19, on the outdoor stage and lawn at Great Friends Meeting House. Discover Newport

Newport International Polo — Saturday, July 18; part of the series’ 150th-anniversary season.

 

The stage is set for one of Newport’s signature summer traditions, the Newport International Polo Series.

Since welcoming just 99 spectators to its inaugural match in 1992, Newport Polo has grown into one of the nation’s premier spectator polo destinations, attracting tens of thousands of guests annually across its 17- to 18-match summer season.

Held every Saturday from June through September, the Newport International Polo Series continues the legacy of America’s First Polo Club, founded in Newport in 1876, welcoming international teams to compete before one of the sport’s largest and most enthusiastic audiences.

For tickets, match information, and the complete summer schedule, visit newportpolo.com.

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Lavender Waves Farm — farm visits Saturday and Sunday in South Kingstown, during peak lavender season.

WaterFire Basin Lighting — Saturday evening, July 18, at Waterplace Park, accompanied by an outdoor RI Night Market at Track 15. Providence weekend roundup

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St. Mary’s Feast – outdoors nightly through Sunday in Cranston, although you have already given that substantial coverage.

St. Mary’s Feast is celebrating its 121st year, running from July 15 through 19 in Cranston’s Knightsville neighborhood.

The beloved tradition features nightly music, Italian food throughout the day and evening, and rides and games for children and families – and, of course, the best fireworks event on Sunday night.

As a Cranston-based organization, we want to emphasize two important points for those attending this year’s Feast.

First: the weather. Smoky, humid and unhealthy conditions could make the outdoor celebration especially challenging. Stay hydrated, take breaks when needed and come prepared for the heat and poor air quality.

Second: security. We reached out to Cranston Police Chief Colonel Michael J. Winquist about the extensive measures being put in place to help keep the Feast safe and enjoyable for families and visitors.

With people arriving from throughout New England, large outdoor crowds and oppressive weather, everyone should remain alert. Stay aware of your surroundings, and remember: if you see something, say something.

Colonel Winquist provided the following statement:

“We are confident in the comprehensive security measures implemented for the event. These measures include K-9 teams, real-time crowd monitoring through a variety of technologies, strategically placed vehicle barriers to prevent unauthorized access into the secured event area, rapid-response tactical assets, and uniformed/plainclothes officers deployed throughout the venue.

In addition, the Cranston Police Department works closely with the Rhode Island Fusion Center to continuously monitor social media and other publicly available platforms for discussions that may indicate potential threats or planned disruptions, enabling us to proactively address concerns before they affect public safety.

Finally, at the request of the Mayor and the Cranston Police Department, the City’s Safety Services Committee approved an earlier conclusion to the evening’s activities by requiring all outdoor entertainment to end by 11:00 p.m. and all bar service to cease by 11:30 p.m. These measures are intended to facilitate a safe and orderly conclusion to the event while minimizing the potential for late-night disturbances.”

• Colonel Michael J. Winquist, Chief of Police, Cranston Police Department

Saying all of this – have a wonderful time – check social media for any changes along the way.  Note the new close by time for end-of-evening ride meeting.

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Free skin-cancer screenings at Roger Wheeler State Beach

Saturday, July 18, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.; useful, but probably more of a public-service brief than an Outdoors feature.

Free Skin Cancer Screenings offered at Rhode Island Beaches, Park this Summer

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Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival 2026

The Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival is a renowned annual event that transforms the shores of Revere Beach into an awe-inspiring boardwalk and open-air festival. This festival gathers world-class sand sculptors who showcase their incredible talents to hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Where:
Revere Beach, 350 Revere Beach Blvd, Revere, MA 02151

Admission: FREE

Drawing people from all over the world, the festival is a vibrant celebration of artistry, culture, and community. Beyond the sand sculptures, the event features over 75 food vendors, food trucks and exhibitors, interactive activities, amusement rides, fireworks, and a vibrant atmosphere, creating a memorable experience for attendees of all ages.

As a beloved tradition, the festival serves as a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for the arts along the picturesque coastline of Revere Beach.

More: https://www.internationalsandsculptingfestival.com/

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Coming Soon!  The 12 annual Rhode Island Folk Festival – Crescent Park in East Providence on August 30, 2026

The award-winning Rhode Island Folk Festival returns to Crescent Park in East Providence, RI on Sunday, August 30 from Noon to 6 PM. The free music festival includes some of the finest folk, rock, acoustic, and Americana acts based in Rhode Island and beyond.

The 2026 festival features nationally recognized performers John Cowsill (The Beach Boys, The Smithereens, The Cowsills) & Vicki Peterson (The Bangles), Tracy Bonham (known for her hit “Mother, Mother”) along with over many, many more acts. With three stages of music-The Bandshell Stage, The Songird Stage, and The Gazebo Stage; a children’s area (instrument give-aways, crafts, performances and more), an open song circle hosted by Pete Vendettuoli, songwriter workshop with Mark Cutler, food trucks, craft vendors, and a beer garden, the festival provides Rhode Islanders (and folks from neighboring states as well) with a full afternoon of family-friendly fun.

“We try to book the most interesting and diverse line-up possible.” says festival founder, John Fuzek. Other festival performers include Gilberto Rivera and Rumbanama, The Unlikely Strummers!- a 20 piece ukulele orchestra, John McNiff-historical speaker, Mark Cutler, Beth Barron, Allysen Callery, Lisa Couto, Ilana Katz Katz, Gary Higgins, Orion, Clay Camero, Joe Doyle, Tyler Seton, Lights Out, Nathan O’Flynn-Pruitt, Anthony Loffredio, Kim Petrarca, Ron Carlson, James Erik Stark, Stephan Couture, Emily Hahn, Michael James, Russell Potter, Grace Givertz, Prairie Bird, Space Cowboy Newt, My Druthers, Princess June, and Dan Lilley, Amy Bedard & Scatman (the annual host band)

“The Songbird Stage offers a more intimate listening experience, bring your lawn chairs and gather close to the stage to see some of your favorite local and national acts” says stage co-host Allysen Callery. The Gazebo Stage. Based at the park gazebo, the stage will feature short sets from some of the region;s best-established and upcoming singer-songwriters. “This year the Gazebo Stage will feature a mix of genres in the folk tradition such as indie folk, bluegrass, experimental guitar, folk pop, and more” notes Anthony Loffredio, who will MC the stage along with Kim Petrarca.

The Song Circle hosted by Pete Vendettuoli, where members of the public are invited to share original songs and covers of protest and social consciousness. Also returning – a songwriting workshop from RI music mainstay Mark Cutler. Look for these two events in the small performance stage behind the Songbird Stage.

The Rhode Island Folk Festival remains free and accessible for all attendees.

For more information on theRhode Island Folk Festival visit the website

Please contact John Fuzek at [email protected] for photos, interviews, and more information.

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