Performing Arts in Rhode Island

Rhode Island is a small state with a big, assertive personality and a surprising breadth of culture from its people: immigrants from French Canada, Portugal, Italy, Ireland, the Caribbean, and more. The Ocean State’s theaters, performing arts centers, and concert halls offer an equivalent level of variety and local flavor. In the capital city of Providence, splashy Broadway-style musicals appear at the Providence Performing Arts Center, while Trinity Repertory Company and the Veterans Memorial Auditorium, also both in the downtown, present live dramatic productions, symphonic music, and national traveling dancers and musicians. Serious dramatic plays also roll out from the mega-talented rep company at the Gamm Theatre in Warwick, RI. Live music happens at quirky historic places like the Courthouse Center for the Arts in West Kingstown, RI. Summer stock is as fun as it gets at the Theatre by the Sea near an ocean beach in South Kingstown, RI. Newport, RI is home to the famous annual folk festival and jazz festival at a 19th century fort property. Newport – also a mecca for sailing, mansion-viewing, and Colonial history – is where you can find jazz clubs and comedy clubs. In summer, multiple-day outdoor festivals bring a variety of music. One of these, drawing musicians and visitors from across the country, is the wonderful Cajun-Zydeco Festival every Labor Day weekend near the sea in Charlestown.