Outdoors in RI: Pawtucket Empanadas – Rhythm & Roots – Polo – Car Show – Farmers Markets – Orange up!!

Pawtucket Arts Festival – Next Weekend Up!

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Rhythm and Roots Festival 2026

Tower of Power, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Marty Stuart, Margo Price, The Devil Makes Three & so many more of your favorite Roots acts.

Need tickets? Don’t wait for gate pricing!

Click below to secure your 3-Day, 2-Day, Single Day or Lagniappe Lounge tickets today.

TICKETS!

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Central Falls Annual Carl Show

September 6, 12-4 pm

One of Central Falls’ favorite traditions is returning to Dexter Street as the City celebrates the 35th Annual Central Falls Car Show.

For 35 years, the Central Falls Car Show has brought car enthusiasts, families, and visitors from across Rhode Island and beyond together for an afternoon in the heart of the city.

This year, Dexter Street will once again be lined with an impressive collection of classic cars, custom builds, sports cars, and other standout rides for spectators to enjoy.

 

Go HERE for more info:  https://tourblackstone.com/event/central-falls-annual-car-show/9199/

 

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Farmers Markets

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Newport International Polo Series – Holiday Weekend

Elite polo, British horsepower and Bridgerton Bouquets bring a decidedly English affair to Newport

Newport Polo will send summer into its holiday weekend at full gallop on Saturday, Sept. 5, when USA vs. England takes over Glen Farm’s BD Field in one of the Newport International Polo Series’ original and most storied international rivalries. With professional talent on both sides and national pride squarely on the line, the six-chukker showdown promises a fitting centerpiece to Newport Polo’s historic 150th Diamond Jubilee and 35th season.

And there is one rather persistent question left to settle: after 35 seasons, which side of the Atlantic plays the better polo?

England was there at the beginning, first taking the field in Newport when the International Polo Series launched in 1992. Three and a half decades later, the rivalry has lost none of its edge. This year’s squads bring accomplished players, professional experience and formidable horsepower to the contest, setting the stage for a fast, physical match in which neither side intends to concede so much as an inch of turf—or transatlantic bragging rights.

The English squad is sponsored by Official Lodging Partner Brenton Hotel, the visiting team’s Newport headquarters, while Highclere Castle Gin joins the festivities as Sponsor of the Day, adding another distinctly British signature to the holiday weekend. England arrives prepared to make a statement; USA counters with a powerful home side equally determined to keep the silver on American soil. Diplomatic relations are expected to remain cordial. The polo may be another matter.

From international-caliber competition and British performance cars to a riot of Bridgerton Bouquets blooming along the sidelines, Saturday is shaping up as a spectacular opening act for the three-day weekend. The forecast says Second Summer. The sidelines say English garden party. The scoreboard will decide the rest.

HORSEPOWER MEETS HORSE POWER

Considerably more than four-legged horsepower will turn heads on Saturday. Aston Martin Boston and Lotus Boston return to BD Field with an exceptional display of British performance cars, pairing the thoroughbreds on the turf with some equally impressive machinery from across the Atlantic.

Among the featured marques will be the commanding Aston Martin DBX and the new Lotus Emira 420 Sport, bringing another dose of speed, precision and British sporting pedigree to an afternoon already built around all three. With its razor-sharp handling, exotic styling and distinction as part of Lotus’ final generation of gasoline-powered sports cars, the Emira makes a particularly appropriate stablemate for the equine athletes thundering past it.

From British horsepower to polo ponies, Saturday promises beautiful machinery in motion.

BRIDGERTON BOUQUETS

Off the field, hostilities become considerably more civilized.

Saturday’s Stella Artois Best in Show theme, Bridgerton Bouquets, invites guests to transform the sidelines into an English garden party in full bloom. Floral frocks, fabulous hats, romantic garden finery and lavish picnic tables will surround the emerald expanse of BD Field as Newport’s fashionable set gives the visiting English a little competition of its own.

Guests are encouraged to harvest their gardens’ best and embrace the romance and abundance of the English social season, with Stella Artois prizes awaiting those whose floral flourishes most impress the judges. If matters on the field become heated, the roses and hydrangeas should at least keep appearances civilized.

At halftime, spectators will pour onto BD Field for polo’s traditional Divot Stomp, collectively replacing the turf lifted by eight galloping ponies during the opening chukkers. Known historically as treading-in, the custom remains one of polo’s great participatory traditions: for a few minutes, the audience becomes part of the game before the field clears and the second half charges back to life.

Also making itself at home on the sidelines is the Penelope Bourbon Bungalow, bringing its own spirited hospitality to the afternoon and giving guests another novel experience between chukkers.

WELCOME TO SECOND SUMMER

Labor Day may signal summer’s ceremonial curtain call elsewhere, but Newport knows better.

With a glorious three-day weekend ahead, warm water, sun-filled days and September’s famously golden afternoons, Newport’s coveted Second Summer is just beginning. Beach and pool days remain firmly on the agenda, resort wear still deserves another entrance, and some of the most beautiful polo of the season remains to be played.

USA vs. England launches that final golden chapter in suitably grand fashion, with more international competition and Diamond Jubilee milestones still ahead before the curtain finally falls on Newport Polo’s extraordinary 150th anniversary season.

Gates open at Noon – giving spectators plenty of time to settle in, explore the day’s attractions and cultivate their Bridgerton-worthy sidelines before the 4PM first throw-in. The afternoon culminates in Newport Polo’s traditional Champagne Trophy Presentation and player autograph signing, when rivals reunite and international hostilities are once again reduced to bubbles.

Tickets and USA vs. England match information at Newport Polo

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Wave Goodbye to State Beach Season

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) reminds the public that state beach facilities, including pavilion restrooms and concessions, will close for the season after Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. Lifeguards and staff will no longer be on duty, and winterization of facilities will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

All eight state surf beaches are expected to have lifeguards through the holiday weekend, though swimming areas will be reduced at many locations due to seasonal staffing reductions. Lifeguards are also expected to be on duty at non-surf swimming areas at Lincoln Woods and Pulaski State Parks, but not at Fort Adams State Park, Goddard Memorial State Park, or the Burlingame State Park Picnic Area. Although lifeguards are an added layer of safety, individual responsibility is essential. Remember that safety starts with you:

• Swim only in designated swimming areas with lifeguard coverage
• Know your swimming limits
• Stay aware of water conditions
• Always supervise children near water
• See more safety tips at www.riparks.ri.gov/beachsafety

After Labor Day, beach parking gates and lots remain open unless extreme weather requires closures. Non-food concessions at Misquamicut State Beach will remain open daily, weather permitting, for a few weeks after the holiday. Portajohns will be available at most state beaches as conditions allow.

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RI DEM Mosquito Precautions in Effect

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) have confirmed additional detections of West Nile Virus (WNV) in the state this mosquito season. The virus was found in mosquito samples collected by DEM in Providence on August 24 and tested by the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories. The other mosquito samples collected statewide showed no signs of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus, Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV), or additional WNV. Check RIDOH’s arboviral surveillance data webpage for weekly test results.

Rhode Island’s risk level for WNV remains high statewide. WNV is the main mosquito-borne disease in the US. While most people with WNV don’t get sick, about one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people. For more information about WNV, visit www.health.ri.gov/wnv.

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WaterFire Providence Details for a Full Lighting of WaterFire, Sunday, September 6 

WaterFire Providence announces a full lighting on Sunday, September 6, made possible through the support of the Providence Tourism Council. Onshore vendors and programming will open at 6:00 PM; the braziers will be lit at 7:27 PM and will remain lit until Midnight.

“The Providence Tourism Council is thrilled to celebrate Labor Day weekend with a special Sunday WaterFire lighting, welcoming residents and visitors to gather along our rivers for the long weekend,” says Alexis Gorriaran, Executive Director of the Providence Tourism Council. “This holiday lighting captures the ultimate late-summer experience and is a powerful catalyst for artistic expression and community connection. WaterFire brings an unmatched energy and hopeful spirit to our city, driving a strong sense of place and creating a powerful, shared connection through the beauty of public art.”

The WaterFire Marketplace will return to Canal Street: stop by to support WaterFire with a donation or a purchase of locally designed jewelry, glassware, gifts, and apparel. Guests can also experience live glass blowing by Gather Glass. WaterFire will also have additional information and merchandise stations in front of the RISD Auditorium and on both sides of the basin in Waterplace Park.

The reception tent for WaterFire Circle Members will be located on the College Street Bridge. Members have exclusive access to the tent all season with their annual membership. This year’s Official WaterFire Circle Sponsors are The Catering Gourmet, Sakonnet Vineyard, C&C Distributors – MM Division, and Pranzi Tents and Events. Memberships are still available for the 2026 season for individuals and businesses.

WaterFire Access Boat rides are still available to reserve for September 6 and throughout the lighting season. The WaterFire Access Program is a water taxi that provides an experience of the artwork for children and adults with disabilities to ensure that they can join in the most popular arts event in the state and share the experience with their families and friends. Contact [email protected] to learn more about the program or to schedule a ride.

WaterFire Walking Tour tickets are now available for purchase online. Led by long-time WaterFire volunteers, this tour covers the remarkable origin story, artistry, and hidden gems of Providence’s most cherished event. Guests will walk through the heart of the city, following alongside the path of the braziers that will be lit just a few short hours later. Tours on September 6 are at 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM.

WaterFire Artist and Maker Vendors will be located on Washington Street and College Street from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM. Visitors can browse and shop for a variety of goods, including glass, photography, jewelry, and more. Washington Street – Recycled Silverware, TRACIMOC, Bare & Brine, Sacred Flame, Land and Seaglass, Retablos with Zuly, Paul & Sandy’s Honey Shack, Forageworks, and Joseph Mushipi. Steeple Street- Design WhatHaveYou, Candles By Judith, Brushed Away Art, Jade’s Gems, Studio J Florals, Pourever Creations, Celeste Diaz Falzone, and Scaredy Cat Pottery. College Street- Gigi’s Essentials.

Lincoln Technical Institute will be on site in front of Market Square from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM sharing their fall programs with the community.

On the Washington Street Bridge, there will be an arts and culture fair celebrating the Creative Capital, including activations from the Pawtucket Art Collective, Trinity Repertory Company, and the WaterFire Accelerate Artists. Also on the bridge will be Liquid Sunshine, a sculpture and projection by Michael Alfano.  Liquid Sunshine transforms light into a vision of the human form, creating the illusion of a face emerging from a stream of sunshine pouring into the world. Through an innovative video projection, the sculpture becomes a meditation on the connection between humanity and nature, inviting viewers to pause and experience a mesmerizing stream of light, movement, and consciousness.

Food fairs will be open on Washington Street, College Street, and Canal Walk from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM. Enjoy local food from festival favorites: Washington Street- Good Vibes Beverages, Full House Q, Sarcastic Sweets, Axelrod’s Fry Shack, Kettle Korn Express, Cultro, and Newport Chowder. Steeple Street- Trinity Brewhouse. College Street- White Dog Distillery, Sal’s,  Chill’s Cheesecakes, Shuckologist, Del’s, Lucky 8, Taste of India, and GrainReaper.

FM Collective, a Boston-based band blending Latin rhythms, hip-hop, and jazz, will be performing on the Bank of America Music Stage on Steeple Street from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

Your Friend Moon will be performing on the College Street music stage beginning at 6:00 PM.

The Starry, Starry Night installation returns to Memorial Park near the Crawford Street Bridge, inviting guests to add their light to the evening by wishing on a star or dedicating a luminaria candle lantern. New this year, join the Burn Your Negativity ceremony by writing down stress, bad vibes, or negative thoughts on special burn paper and adding them to an orb for an 11:00 PM ceremonial burn on the river, transforming negativity into sparks of light and creativity.

Andrew Anselmo, Origami Master, will be hanging out all night at Market Square, and visitors can find A Silent Soapbox living statue at the bottom of the Washington Street Bridge and Canal Walk starting at sunset. Ten31 Productions will be illuminating the World War Monument in Memorial Park.

Catch three fire-spinning performances throughout the night by Cirque de Light.

WaterFire Providence thanks our generous supporters for helping to make this season possible. Details of the season schedule will be posted on the WaterFire Providence website at https://waterfire.org/schedule. Additional events may be added to the schedule as funding becomes available.

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Time to Orange Up!

This is not just for hunters! Walking in a wooded area? Take it seriously!

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EcoRI Low Carbon Academy

 

 

The Low Carbon Academy is a free workshop series offered by ecoRI News to help you reduce your carbon footprint, live lighter on the planet, and create positive change.

2026 Schedule

Waste Not Sept. 9 @ 7 p.m. online Increasingly, we’re seeing that recycling isn’t a real solution to solving our trash problem. During this workshop, we’ll focus on tactics to reduce waste at home as a means to cut down on trash sent to the landfill. You’ll also learn how basic reuse and zero-waste principles can save you money. Guest: Alex Eaves, founder and director of Escape the Waste Register

Eat It Sept. 23 @ 7 p.m. online The American predilection for meat: livestock production and meatpacking, account for somewhere between 14 and 18 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions globally. How can we think about the carbon on our plates and switch to a carbon-free, or at least carbon-less diet? Guest: David Dadekian, founder of Eat Drink RI Register

Money Matters Oct. 6 @ 7 p.m. online Invest sustainably, and move your money closer to home, investing locally in Rhode Island businesses and institutions. Learn how you can leverage your hard-earned money for the greatest positive impact on the planet and in your community. Guest: Jessica David, founder of Local Return Register

Positive Energy Oct. 28 @ 7 p.m. online With sky-high gas and electricity prices, sometimes it feels like the only person you’re working for is the utility company. The cheapest energy out there isn’t solar or wind, it’s the energy you don’t use. Learn how to reduce your personal energy consumption at home — and save money on your bill. Guest: Amanda Barker, Green Energy Consumer Alliance Register

Outdoor Activities Nov. 14 @ 7 p.m. online Learn about some practical actions you can take in your own backyard or community garden to help wildlife, conserve water, and reduce your environmental impact. Guest: Bonnie Epstein, Ph.D., senior science lecturer at Rhode Island School of Design Register

Take Action December (date TBD) in person 10 Davol Square, Providence You’ve done your part as an individual, but how do you effect larger systems change? Learn how to speak with your legislator, submit a bill and get involved civically to improve the environment and public health.