Rhode Island Spring Events and Things To Do

There are plenty of fun things to do and sights to see in Rhode Island, but the springtime offers some of the best opportunities for sightseeing and excitement. With the beautiful flowers and mild weather of spring come the perfect time to relax and renew. Wherever you are in Rhode Island, you’re sure to find something that’ll tickle your fancy. 

Check out some of our picks for the best things to do and check out in Rhode Island during the spring.

Spring Events and Things To Do in Rhode Island

Gaspee Days

Celebrate one of the most significant inciting events of the Civil War in Rhode Island with Gaspee Days. This event finds its origins in June 1772 when colonists from Rhode Island burned down the British revenue schooner, the HSM Gaspee. This event is is known as the first act of bloodshed in the American Revolution and has been celebrated and commemorated in Rhode Island since, mostly in Pawtuxet Village.

Gaspee Days include a host of events happening all throughout the spring to early summer, such as an arts and crafts festival, a foot race, a parade, a fireworks show, block party, and outdoor park concerts. 

Daffodil Days

Springtime is a special and delightful time in Rhode Island, and none more so than during Daffodil Days. Just as the name implies, you’ll find plenty of these beautiful yellow blooms all over the state, from whole fields to window displays. It’s a wonderful herald of the springtime. 

And if you happen to be in the area, Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum in Bristol — a 45-room mansion in a 33-acre estate with sprawling gardens and stunning views of Narragansett Bay — opens its gates to visitors to show off its display made up of up to 100,000 daffodils, which will be open to viewing from April 13 to 21, 2024. 

Newport Beer Festival

The Newport Beer Festival is a long-standing, much-beloved tradition in Newport for nearly 12 years now. This is a great opportunity to taste all the best beer from the best breweries all over Rhode Island. With more than 50 breweries offering up to 150 selections, the Newport Beer Festival takes place on April 20, 2024 at historic Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island. 

Newport Oyster and Chowder Festival

In the Ocean State or even in New England, you can’t go anywhere without finding some good chowder. The Newport Oyster and Chowder Festival brings local oyster farms and restaurants together for the biggest seafood festival in the city. Get the chance to taste everything from classic clam chowder, fresh oysters, shellfish, and other mouth-watering seafood, all freshly caught and locally sourced. 

The Newport Oyster and Chowder Festival is free and open to the public and takes place on May 18 to 19, 2024 in Bowen’s Wharf, Newport.

Mount Hope Farmer’s Market

The weekly Mount Hope Farmer’s Market showcases the best harvests and products of the season from local farmers and artisans. Enjoy fresh produce and food, plus handmade goods, live music, cooking demonstrations, and fun family-friendly activities. Bring your biggest shopping bag and head on down to Mount Hope Farm in Bristol every Saturday.

WaterFire

The Providence WaterFire festival is one of the most unique events you can attend in Rhode Island. Since 1997, this community art event features fantastic sights and sounds, such as fire dancers, living statues, colorful lights, floating fire braziers, boats, and rose petals on the river, all accompanied by moving, evocative music. It’s a festival unlike any other, and one you truly can’t miss when you’re in Providence.

WaterFire kicks off on April 18, 2024. There are multiple WaterFire events in Providence throughout the year so be sure to keep updated on the full schedule as it’s announced.

Rhode Island is always worth visiting, but there’s just something about springtime in the Ocean State that sparks excitement among locals and visitors alike. Don’t miss out on any of these amazing events happening in Spring in Rhode Island!