This year’s festival includes tons of live entertainment for the whole family; live music, storytellers, martial artists, marionettes, circus performers and more, plus lots of yummy food as well. Location: Time: Friday, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon – 11 p.m.; Monday, noon – 6 p.m. Cost: Adults, $5; children under 12, free.

Grecian Festival
Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 97 Walcott Street
Pawtucket, RI
Phone: 401-725-3127

August 14-15, 2009

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Travel to a Greek village this summer. The Assumption Greek Church annual festival will transform the parish grounds into a virtual Greek village. Festival includes Greek dancing to live Greek music, Greek pastries and coffees, traditional homemade Greek food, fillo baking demonstrations, dance performances, activities for children, and vendors selling Greek arts, Greek giftware, Greek Music, Greek books for adults and children. Time: Friday, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 9 p.m. Information: www.greekfestivalri.com/

Pawcatuck Arts Festival
Various locations
Pawcatuck, RI
Phone: 401-724-5200

July 21-September 13, 2009

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The Bob Dylan Show with John Mellencamp and Willie Nelson on July 21 at McCoy Stadium; Festival Gala with the CJ Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band and Slippery Sneakers on August 28 at Slater Mill Historic Site; Taste of Pawtucket on August 28 at the Slater Mill Historic Site; YMCA Family Fun Night on August 28 at the Blackstone Valley Visitors Center; Dragon Boat Races and Taiwan Day Festival on August 29 at the School Street Pier; RI Antiques Mall - Appraisal Day on August 29 and 30 at the R.I. Antiques Mall; Mixed Magic Theatre presents the Greatness of Gospel on August 29 at Veterans Memorial Amphitheater; Slater Mill Labor & Ethnic Heritage Festival on August 30 at Slater Mill Historic Site; Antique Car Show on August 30; Preservation Society Walking Tour on August 30; Pawtucket Film Festival on September 4, 5, 6, 11, 12; Downtown Block Party on September 5 and 6; Pawtucket Arts Collaborative Annual Open Juried Exhibit on September 10 at the Blackstone Valley Visitors Center; The Community Players presents "Kitchen Witches" on September 11, 12, and 13at Jenks Junior High School; Stone Soup Folk Festival on September 12 and 13 at Slater Memorial Park; Arts Fest on September 12 and 13 at Slater Memorial Park; Battle of the Bands on September 12 at the Boys & Girls Club; RI Philharmonic Pops in the Park on September 12 at Slater Memorial Park; RI Watercolor Society Paint-Out on September 12 and 13 at Slater Memorial Park; Unique Classical Music Performance on September 13 at Slater Memorial Park.
Information: www.pawtucketartsfestival.org/

EAST BAY top of listings

Eastern Rhode Island 4-H County Fair
Glen Road
Portsmouth, RI

July 18 – 19, 2009

Looking for something fun to do with your family while in Newport County or if you live in the area? Look no further. ERI 4-H County Fair is a local fair put on by volunteers that work hard through the year to bring a variety of activity and fun at an inexpensive cost for family fun. You can also join in many of the other activates we offer, see website for full listing. Cost: $1. Information: hsmall1028@msn.com.

NEWPORT top of listings

Hellenic Fest of Newport
St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, Thames and Brewer Streets
Newport, RI
Phone: 401-846-0555

July 24-26, 2009

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Come enjoy authentic Greek cuisine and pastries, live music and dancing, ouzo, Greek beer and wines, church tours and marketplace. Time: Friday, 4 p.m.-midnight; Saturday, noon to midnight; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. Cost: Free admission. Information: www.hellenicfest.org.

Newport Arts Festival
Newport Yachting Center, 4 Commercial Wharf
Newport, RI
Phone: 401-846-1600

August 29 - 30, 2009

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Here you can browse through a colorful marketplace of fine and functional art on Newport’s scenic waterfront. You’ll view the work of select regional and national artists, including wearable art, wood and glass work, paintings, photography, pottery and more. Relax and enjoy live music from Celtic to jazz, activities to inspire young imaginations and a delicious food café. Time: Saturday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information visit www.newportyachtingcenter.com.

Newport Arts Festival
Newport Yachting Center, 4 Commercial Wharf (on America’s Cup Avenue)
Newport, RI
Phone: 401-847-0960 ext. 56

August 29-30, 2009

Art marketplace with the work of select national artists, include wearable art, wood and glass work, paintings, photography and more; live music, include folk, jazz, flamenco, classical and blues; family activities; food cafe. Time: Saturday, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: $3. Information: www.newportartsfestival.com.

Newport Folk Festival
Fort Adams State Park, Harrison Avenue
Newport, RI
Phone: 401-848-5055

August 1-2, 2009

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For two days each year, the lawn at Fort Adams State Park in Newport is flooded with folk-loving folks enjoying a perfect summer weekend of great music. This year’s line-up includes Gillian Welch, Iron & Wine, The Decemberists, Joan Baez, Neko Case, Arlo Guthrie, and more. Time: 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. both days. Cost: $30 - $125. Information: www.folkfestival50.com for full schedule.

PROVIDENCE/WARWICK top of listings

IndieArts Fest
Kennedy Plaza, 11 Dorrance Street
Providence, RI
Phone: 401-621-6127

July 18, 2009

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The IndieArts Fest celebrates locally and independently produced art, music, performance, and handmade crafts. Highlights will include the Red Bull Music Academy's mini-workshop and performance tunnel, the Fountain of Youth Skate Park, General Burnside's Best Facial Hair Contest, Providence Roller Derby, the Indie-Brew Beer Garden, and a marketplace for a variety of local vendors. Entertainment will be provided by an eclectic mix of artists, DJs, dancers, and filmmakers. Time: 1 p.m.-1 a.m. Cost: Free. 401.621.6127

Rhode Island International Film Festival 2009
Various Locations
Providence, RI
Phone: 401-861-4445

August 4 – 9, 2009

Many different films from around the world will be screened in various theaters throughout the state. This year’s theme and schedule TBA. For more information visit www.film-festival.org.

WaterFire
WaterPlace Park, Memorial Blvd.
Providence, RI

May 23-August 11, 2009

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Every summer through early autumn this installation sets ablaze the three rivers that converge in downtown Providence with 100 bonfires lighting up the water, as music plays throughout the downtown area. The result is an enchanting evening of art, music, and leisurely strolling. Fires start at sundown on the following days: May 23, 29; June 4, 13; July 25; August 8, 11, 22, September 5, 19; October 10. Time: Sundown. Cost: Free. Information: www.waterfire.org.

SOUTH COUNTY top of listings

Ocean State Reggae Festival
Ninigret Park, Route 1A
Charlestown, RI
Phone: 860-536-9832

July 18-19, 2009

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This festival will include two days of reggae at Ninigret Park. Headliners include Toots and the Maytals, Sister Carol, Beres Hammond, and Yellowman.Time: Noon – midnight. Information: www.oceanstatereggae.com.

Wickford Art Festival
Wickford Village, Route 1A
Wickford, RI
Phone: 401-294-6840

July 11-12, 2009

This is a fine art festival held in the historic village of Wickford. The festival features original fine art works only and is held annually on the second weekend in July.