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What to Do in Rhode Island This Summer
Updated July 2024
If you’re thinking about visiting Johnson & Wales University’s Providence Campus, summer is an amazing time to visit! There’s nothing like summertime in Rhode Island. This little state offers so much to explore, and our campus is just a short drive (or walk!) from great summer activities.
We should also note that for students entering their senior year of high school, a visit to JWU could earn you grant money. If you attend an on-campus visit before November 17 of your senior year in high school and complete your JWU application, you could receive a Visit Grant of up to $5,000 annually, which automatically renews for up to four years while at JWU. Even more reason to come visit this summer!
You can turn your visit to JWU into an exciting summer adventure — here’s what to do in Rhode Island in the summertime.
1. Head to the Beach
In the summer, everyone wants to go to the beach! Rhode Island is known as the Ocean State because of the many miles of coastline — there are so many great beaches you can visit, such as Narragansett Town Beach, East Beach, Misquamicut Beach, and many others.
2. Grab a Del’s Lemonade
A Del’s frozen lemonade is a must-have Rhode Island summer drink. They even have different flavors for you to try, and plenty of locations and mobile trucks close to the beach.
3. Experience WaterFire
WaterFire, a Rhode Island tradition, is an outdoor art installation on the Providence River. This summer, WaterFire lightings will take place on the following dates:- Thursday, July 4
- Tuesday, July 30 (partial lighting)
- Saturday, August 3
- Saturday, August 17
- Saturday, August 31
Also, it’s just a short walk from our campus if you want to start the day with a JWU tour before heading to WaterFire at sunset.
4. Enjoy Some Fresh Seafood at Great RI Spots
Being close to the ocean means there’s always fresh seafood to enjoy. Here are a few suggestions.
Dune Brothers Seafood
Dune Brother's is just a short walk from JWU and offers outdoor seating. Their menu features fish ‘n’ chips, signature sandwiches, clam cakes and chowder.
Iggy’s Doughboys and Chowder House
A Rhode Island tradition, Iggy’s is known for their delicious bowls of chowder, clam cakes and doughboys. They have locations in Warwick and Narragansett.
Matunuck Oyster Bar
Matunuck Oyster Bar grows its own oysters, vegetables and shellfish — it doesn’t get any fresher than that!
These are just a few options — there are so many more great seafood restaurants to try!
5. Explore Historic Newport
In the Gilded Age, Newport was the summer spot for New York’s wealthy families. Their “summer cottages” (which are actually mansions) are still standing today and you can take a tour of them to learn about their history.
You can also cruise around on a moped or scoot coupe rental to explore the downtown shops and restaurants, Fort Adams State Park, Ocean Drive and more.
6. Attend a Music Festival or State Fair
There are plenty of fairs and festivals throughout the summer. Here are a few options.
Newport Music Festivals
While exploring Newport, you might enjoy attending one of the numerous music festivals that happen there throughout the summer. There is a Folk Festival, Jazz Festival, Classical Festival, and many other events to enjoy.
Washington County Fair
The Washington County Fair runs from August 14-18 for five days of fun! There’s music, midway rides, tractor and truck pulls, livestock shows, and so much more!
Wickford Art Festival
Explore a variety of arts and crafts from over 200 artists at the Wickford Art Festival.
Check out the full list of events happening around Rhode Island.
7. Take a Boat Cruise
Get out on the water and take in the beautiful coastlines of Rhode Island on a cruise.
Newport 4th of July Fireworks Funk & Soul Cruise
Celebrate the 4th of July by hopping aboard the Coastal Queen to watch the fireworks on the water and enjoy some funky soul music.
Gansett Cruises
Take a boat tour or sunset cruise around Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay with Gansett Cruises. Cruises run every day at a variety of times.
Newport Pride Drag Cruise
Celebrate Pride Month in style on the Newport Pride Drag Cruise, featuring a drag performance by The Trailer Park Girls!
Newport Charter Group
Charter a private yachting experience with Newport Charter Group to explore historic Newport on a 33’ boat, Camelot.
8. Do Some Shopping
Shopping is never a bad idea, and there are even outdoor options so you can still enjoy the beautiful summer weather.
Providence Flea Market
Providence Flea is an outdoor market open every Sunday during the summer, from June through September. It's just a short walk from our Downcity Campus.
Plainfield Pike Flea Market
Plainfield Pike Flea Market is another outdoor market open from 6 am to 1 pm every Sunday in the summer. It spans 10 acres and features over 200 vendors.
Providence Place Mall
Providence Place has four floors and a variety of stores such as Aéropostale, H&M, Footlocker, Bath & Body Works, and more! Providence Place also features Dave & Busters and Showcase Cinemas with an IMAX theater for when you want to stay inside to beat the heat. It's just minutes from our Downcity Campus, too.
Casey Farm Market
From May to October, Casey Farm opens its outdoor market, which features a lot of goods, produce, and food from vendors and businesses around the state! Everything has been grown and produced in Rhode Island. It's a popular summer event that supports the local community.
Schoolyard Market
This farmers-makers market features 25-35 vendors selling produce, food, beverages, and other goods. It's set up at Hope & Main, a culinary incubator that helps launch small businesses in the state. The market is open every Sunday this summer from 10 am-2 pm.
9. Other Activities to Enjoy
Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC)
PPAC is right by our Downcity Campus and offers a variety of popular Broadway shows and musicals, concerts, comedy shows, and more. You can check out the schedule to see if anything interests you.
The Great Escape Room
Escape rooms are a fun, family-friendly activity if you love to solve puzzles and mysteries. This location has four different rooms to choose from.
Roger Williams Park Zoo
The Roger Williams Park Zoo, located in the middle of a beautiful 427-acre park in Providence, is a great spot to walk around and see over 150 different animals! Both the zoo and the surrounding park also offer tons of summer events to enjoy.
I hope you'll consider a visit to JWU and Rhode Island this summer — as you can see, there are plenty of fun things to do!
