Art Festivals in Rhode Island

Wickford Art Festival

The long-running Wickford Art Festival features more than 250 artists from around the world. Paintings, photography, sculptures and many more are on display during this festival, which is held in Wickford Village in early July. Stroll through the historic streets and view the offerings in each tent. The first Wickford Art Festival was started by a small group of local artists in 1962. The growth and success of this festival is proof of its premier status among Rhode Island art festivals.

Spend Columbus Day weekend at the picturesque village of Scituate for the annual Scituate Art Festival. The festival committee prides itself in its stringent selection of artists to take part in this event. More than 300 artists from the United States and Canada are able to show their masterpieces in this three-day affair. Aside from the art exhibits, the festival incorporates musical entertainment, food and craft raffles.

Head to Pawtucket to experience the Pawtucket Arts Festival. The festival starts in late August and consists of three weeks of art exhibits, musical performances, interactive workshops, dance performances and even dragon boat races. Different events happen all around the city, including ethnic heritage celebrations, film screenings, and performances by Bob Dylan, the Boston Pops and other music luminaries.

Newport's scenic waterfront hosts the Newport Arts Festival, a two-day event in late August. Different kinds of art will be on display during the festival, including paintings, pottery, sculptures, metalwork, digital art and woodworking. The festival offers various forms of entertainment for the whole family, from hands-on drumming to storytelling to crafts.