Quantcast
 
 
Block Island Ferry Smooth Sailing

Events Calendar - 2026

Find a multitude of fun events and great things to do, including weekend events, throughout the year, like music, festivals, comedy, outdoor fun, boat cruises, excursions for families and kids, food, wine and beer tastings.

Check out the listings of year-round Fairs & Festivals throughout New England. Also be sure to read our list of Great Things To Do in New England. Whether you're curious about what to this weekend, this month, or this season, we have you covered.

For events specifically related to the anniversary of the American Revolution, please visit our MA250 Events Calendar.

Find the dates you plan to travel or simply search the full events list below.

Children & Families Outdoor Activities Science & Nature Workshops & Classes
We welcome the events that are open to the public. Click here to Submit your Event for FREE
Newport, Rhode Island - A Year Round Destination!
Block Island Ferry Smooth Sailing

Children & Families

Bank of America Free Family Fun Day - Explore the Shore at Audubon Society of Rhode Island

Aug 29, 2026 - Aug 29, 2026 Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI 02809

Coastal Exploration 
Enjoy a day of free family fun at the Audubon Nature Center & Aquarium! Sponsored by Bank of America, this special monthly event offers free admission and a full day of hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. Create nature-inspired crafts, gather for a themed story time, explore marine life during interactive Tidepool Touch Tank sessions, and join a guided Coastal Investigation to discover the fascinating plants and animals that thrive where the land meets the sea. With engaging programs running throughout the day, it's the perfect opportunity for families to connect with nature, learn together, and enjoy a memorable outdoor adventure.
10:00am-3:00pm
Free

Outdoor Activities

Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with Audubon

Nov 5, 2025 - Nov 19, 2026 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI 02917

Audubon offers small-group Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with naturalist Laura Carberry. Each week a new birding destination will be chosen. Advance registration is required. Location will be sent to registered participants in advance.

Locations Across Rhode Island. Locations determined weekly.
9:00am-11:00am
Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14 and up
401-949-5454

Science & Nature

Outside with a Guide at Audubon Society of Rhode Island

Jul 23, 2026 - Aug 23, 2026 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI 02809

Outside with a Guide 
Discover the wonders of nature on a guided small-group tour at the Audubon Nature Center & Aquarium. Explore the wildlife refuge with an expert naturalist as you enjoy close-up encounters with owls or hawks, stroll through the vibrant pollinator garden, and discover fascinating marine life in the aquarium. Designed for small groups, these interactive tours offer a relaxed, personalized experience for families, friends, and nature enthusiasts of all ages. Private and adults-only tours are also available by reservation. Tours are offered Wednesdays and Fridays from June through August 2026.
See website for more details.
$40/member; $50/non-member; $30/child under age 13

Night Singers- Coventry

Aug 13, 2026 - Aug 13, 2026 Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Maple Valley Rd, , RI Coventry, RI 02827

Experience the sounds of nature after dark on Audubon's Night Singers guided walk. Join an Audubon naturalist for an evening hike through the forests and fields of Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge as you listen for the calls of frogs, toads, crickets, and katydids. Learn about the fascinating wildlife behind these summer melodies while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the refuge at dusk. Participants are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes, bring insect repellent and a flashlight, and come ready for a memorable nighttime adventure. Designed for ages 12 and up, this program may be postponed or canceled in the event of inclement weather.
7:00pm-9:00pm
Fee: $10/member, $14/non-member

Bristol Biweekly Bird Walks

Aug 14, 2026 - Nov 20, 2026 Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI 02809

Explore the beauty of birdwatching on Audubon's biweekly bird walks in Bristol. Join an Audubon naturalist for a guided morning walk through the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge, where you'll search for resident birds and seasonal migrants while learning tips for identifying local species. Whether you're new to birding or an experienced enthusiast, this relaxed outdoor experience offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the sights and sounds of Rhode Island's diverse birdlife. Bring your binoculars and discover something new on every walk. Offered every other Friday from 9:00–11:00 a.m. for participants ages 14 and up.
9:00-11:00am
Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member

Shorebird Van Trip- Exeter

Aug 20, 2026 - Aug 20, 2026 Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Rd, Exeter, RI 02822

Explore Rhode Island's premier shorebird habitats on a guided Audubon van adventure. Join an expert naturalist for a full-day excursion to renowned birding destinations, including Charlestown Breachway, Quonochontaug Breachway, and Succotash Marsh, where you'll search for migrating shorebirds and learn about the unique coastal ecosystems they call home. Participants should bring lunch, binoculars or spotting optics, bug repellent, a towel, and footwear suitable for wading, as parts of the experience may involve water up to waist depth. Designed for ages 12 and up, this immersive outing is perfect for birding enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking an unforgettable day in the field.
7:00am-3:00pm
Fee: $60/member, $75/non-member

Birds Without Borders- Bristol Registration

Aug 22, 2026 - Aug 22, 2026 Colt State Park, Bristol, RI 02809

Discover the connections between birds, history, and migration on Birds Without Borders. Join Audubon and the Bristol Historical & Preservation Society for a unique guided walk that combines birdwatching with local history. As you observe resident and migratory birds, you'll also explore how movement, immigration, and adaptation have shaped the community of Bristol over time. Held at Juniper Hill Cemetery and Colt State Park, these free, family-friendly walks offer a fascinating blend of nature, history, and storytelling. Registration is required, and participants are welcome to attend one walk or both.
10:00-11:00am
Free

Edible & Medicinal plant Walks - Bristol

Aug 22, 2026 - Sep 29, 2026 Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI 02809

Discover the healing and culinary secrets of the natural world on an Edible & Medicinal Plant Walk. Join experienced herbalist and educator Maggie Hatzpanian, founder of Maggie's Healing Path, for a guided exploration of the wild edges surrounding the Audubon Nature Center & Aquarium. Learn how to identify edible and medicinal plants, understand their habitats, distinguish native and invasive species, and discover their traditional uses. Adventurous participants may even have the opportunity to sample wild edible plants while hearing Maggie's favorite recipes and practical tips for incorporating them into everyday life. Designed for adults, this engaging outdoor experience offers a fascinating introduction to the world of herbalism and foraging.
August 22, 2025; 3:00-5:00pm / September 29, 2026, 2025; 4:00-6:00pm
Fee: $20/member, $25/non-member

Workshops & Classes

Stamp & Sip Cardmaking Workshop

Aug 20, 2026 - Sep 24, 2026 Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope St, Bristol, RI 02809

Unwind with creativity at Audubon's Stamp & Sip workshop. Celebrate the beauty of the changing seasons by creating handmade greeting cards inspired by blooming flowers, colorful sunsets, and the natural world. This relaxing, hands-on workshop guides participants through three unique card designs using a variety of creative techniques. With all materials provided and no experience required, it's the perfect evening for anyone looking to craft, connect, and be inspired by nature. Advance registration is required, and the program is open to ages 21 and up.
6:00pm-8:00pm
Fee: $20/member, $25/non-member