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Community Events
We aim to share the engaging, educational, and civic-minded events in North Kingstown in calendar years 2025 and 2026, to recognize the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation, and to encourage and grow community spirit and camaraderie rooted here since the 1674 establishment of our town.
This undertaking is a part of the 250th Committee. To support our work, become a fiscal sponsor of North Kingstown's RI250 events, or get more information, click HERE.
Thank you, Sponsors!
RI250 Partners & Participating Organizations
Confirmed participants/partners in one or more of our year's events and/or planning of them, include:
- RI 250 Commission
- North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce
- Coastal Queen/CruiseRI
- Lafayette Band
- Casey Farm
- Freemen of the Sea
- Iron Mountain Forge
2026 Semiquincentennial Committee's 250th Anniversary Events in North Kingstown
More details coming soon!
| Date(s) | Location | Event |
|---|---|---|
| January - December | Town Hall/Council Chambers | Monthly Speaker Series: Revolutionary History & Heritage sponsored by HistWick |
| April 20 10:00 a.m. |
Veterans Memorial Park | Liberty Tree Planting with RI250 |
| May 4 4:30 p.m. |
Departing Wickford Harbor | Rhode Island Independence Day Narragansett Bay Evening Cruise with CruiseRI |
| June 10 7:00 p.m. |
Town Beach Bandstand | The Lafayette Band's Official 250th Anniversary Concert |
| October 17 - 18 |
Historic Wickford Village | Patriots & Pioneers: Living History Weekend Details coming soon! |
| November 4 - 10 | Town Hall/Council Chambers | "Brave Men as Ever Fought" by artist Don Troiani on display from State Archives |
2026 Community Events
To see how our community celebrated and gathered in 2025, here is our recently concluded 2025 Community Events Calendar:
| Event | Date | Link |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Speaker Series | February 22: Stained Glass Windows at St. Paul's Episcopal Church March 20: Roger Williams with John McNiff, in character April 17: Wickford History Walk For Kids, with Tim Cranston May 8: Revolutionary North Kingstown with John Dower & Marilyn Harris June 11: Wickford in the American Revolution, a walking tour with Tim Cranston October 23: North Kingstown and the U.S. Navy with Rob Doane, Curator, Naval War College Museum December 11: Christmas in America with Pamela McColl |
More info |
| Wickford Village Daffodil Days | April 10: Sip & Stroll (5 - 8:00 PM) April 12: The Story of Brown St & its Buildings (10:00 AM) Pony Rides, Petting Zoo & Face Painting in Updike Park (10 AM - 1:00 PM) Sidewalk Chalk Art (11 AM - 4:00 PM) Daffy Dog Parade (Noon) from Town Hall to Serendipity Music + Munchies (Noon - 4:00 PM) Horse Drawn Carriage Rides (1 - 4:00 PM) must register in advance April 13: Pony Rides, Petting Zoo & Face Painting in Updike Park (10 AM - 1:00 PM)
Sidewalk Chalk Art (11 - 4:00 PM) Music + Munchies (Noon - 4:00 PM) E-Waste Recycling Event (Noon - 3:00 PM) |
More info |
| Post Road Cleanup | April 27: Hosted & planned by Post Road Business Alliance | More info |
| Kids' Bike Safety Event | Hosted by VFW Post-152 for North Kingstown kids ages 5-14 on May 3 at Wilson Park from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Free bike helmets to the first 50 kids in attendance; enter to win a $100 gift card for NBX Bikes. Participate in helmet checks, bike fittings, brake checks, gear adjustments, and the wheel shop. | More info |
| Smith's Castle Opening Day 2025 | This year's theme will follow the publication of Professor Charlotte Carrington-Farmer’s long anticipated "Roger Williams and His World," with a talk and book signing at the opening weekend event from 11 AM - 4:00 PM at Smith's Castle on Saturday, May 3. Also: 17th century reenactors, maypole dancing, mead making demonstrations (at 1:30 and 2:45 PM), South County Spinners, vendors, children’s games and crafts, yard sale featuring reproduction colonial cookware, earthenware, and drinking vessels, tours of the castle, and more! Admission by donation. |
More info |
| Rhode Island Independence Day | May 4: The State House (Providence) will be open for special hours on May 3rd, and Rhode Islanders are encouraged to display a state flag to mark the recognition of Rhode Island Independence Day. | More info |
| "An Armed Forces Salute" with the Lafayette Band | Tribute to U.S. Military and Veterans featuring patriotic music, big band and swing tunes, and more, conducted by Music Director Charles Johnson on Sunday, May 18 at St. Bernard Church; donations appreciated. Funds will be split to support Providence VA Medical Center Voluntary Services Office to aid veterans in need and the Lafayette Band's no-cost community concert program. | More info |
| 80th Anniversary of V-E Day Webinar with DOI Park Ranger Paul O'Brian |
On May 8, 1945, World War II in Europe was over. The Third Reich finally capitulated, and celebrations erupted throughout the continent. While it was a moment of jubilation for the end of the war in Europe, V-E Day was also a moment of reflection on the enormous human cost of the conflict. Questions that remain include: Why did American troops stop their advances at the River Elbe? and Why was the Soviet Union so vengeful in their attacks on the German military and civilians? North Kingstown, RI, an official WWII Heritage City, invites residents to register to virtually join DOI Park Ranger Paul O’Brian as he reflects on the historical significance of V-E Day and looks into some of the mysteries that encompass this final chapter of the conflict in Europe in this Department of the Interior Library Speaker Series webinar: Wednesday, May 21, 1-2:00 p.m. | More info |
| Annual Memorial Day Ceremonies | May 26: 9:00 AM: Wreath laying ceremonies at Veteran's Memorial Park (across from Town Hall/80 Boston Neck Rd) to honor North Kingstown lives lost in military service to our country. 10:00 AM: Parade steps off from Wilson Park. Parade procession goes from Wilson Park, east on West Main St., turns right onto Brown Street, and heads south through Wickford Village, west up Phillips Street to Wickford Middle School followed by a left onto Tower Hill Rd, and finishes at Elm Grove Cemetery (960 Tower Hill Rd). A short concluding ceremony will take place at the end of the parade, at the cemetery's Civil War Monument, estimated to begin at 11:00 AM. |
More info |
| Math Extravaganza: Math Matters RI | May 31: As a LEARN365RI grant community, North Kingstown students, educators, and their families are invited to join Gov. McKee for this exciting, hands-on event with math games for all ages, a special movie screening, fireside chat with guest Shalinee Sharma, Parent and Teacher Workshops, and more! The event is on Saturday, May 31, from 9:00 a.m. - Noon at Rhode Island Nursing Education Center (300 Eddy St, Providence). Free and open to all; registration is required. PLU credits are available for educators who register for sessions. See link to right for complete details. | More info |
| 3rd Annual North Kingstown Pride Parade | June 1: Parade starts at 1:00 PM at the Town Dock at the end of Main in Wickford Village with approximate arrival to Wickford Middle School estimated to be 1:30 PM. A Pride Celebration will follow on-site from 2:00 - 4:00 PM with resource/vendor tables, entertainment, and food trucks. | More info |
| "Poetry Out Loud" at the Spiral | June 1: Eco-Land Art invites you to join North Kingstown community members at the outdoor spiral art installation off Intrepid Drive near Wilson Park and the Town Boat Launch for a Poetry Rave/Open Mic session with readings by local and regional poets in celebration of community, art, creativity, and poetry; the event will start at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 1. | More info |
| QDC Draft Long Range Transportation Plan - Community Meeting | June 4: Ever wonder what Rhode Island will look like in 2050? QDC helped develop the state's long-term transportation plan, and they hope community members stop by the North Kingstown Free Library on from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. to tell us what they think. Weigh in on the future of our roads, bridges, public transit system, bike paths, sidewalks, ports and more. | More info |
| Conversations at the Castle "Plantation Goods: A Material History of American Slavery" | June 5: At Smith's Castle on Thursday, June 5, starting at 6:00 p.m. Discover how everyday artifacts - like wool dresses stitched in Rhode Island for enslaved women in South Carolina - tell the hidden stories of early America. Seth Rockman, associate professor of history at Brown University and coeditor of Slavery's Capitalism and author of Scraping By, traced these goods to rethink the geography of slavery and freedom after the Revolution. Event presented by Cocumscussoc Association at Smith's Castle (55 Richard Smith Dr). | More info |
| NK Arts Council Summer Concert Series | June 17 - June 24 - July 8 - July 15 - July 22 - July 29 - Aug 1 - Aug 5 - Aug 12 - Aug 19 - Aug 26 Tuesday Night Summer Concerts at the Town Beach start at 6:30 PM and feature assorted food trucks/treats and entertainment according to the published schedule; may include a FREE shuttle to/from additional parking at 100 Fairway Drive; parking passes required prior to 5 PM - not sold on-site; no pets; donations accepted, admission is free. July 10 - July 17 - July 24 - July 31 - Aug 20 Thursday Night Family Concerts at the Town Beach start at 6:00 PM and feature assorted food trucks/treats and entertainment according to the published schedule; parking prior to 5 PM requires 2025 Town Beach Parking Pass (not sold on-site/day of concerts); no pets; donations accepted, admission is free. |
More info |
| Wickford in Bloom Historic Home & Garden Tour | HistWick (Historic Wickford Inc.) is a nonprofit 501c3 organization of community members dedicated to preserving, protecting and celebrating the cultural and historic features of this special place. Wickford in Bloom is an annual HistWick event that will be held from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 21 & Sunday, June 22. Tickets and complete information are on the HistWick website, and are also available in-person at local Wickford Village retailers. |
More info |
| ORCA X TKC Harbor Cleanup | June 22: Starting from The Kayak Centre at 10:00 a.m., join TKC and ORCA (Ocean Recovery Community Alliance) for a community cleanup in Wickford and Wickford Harbor (by land and by kayak). Supplies provided. To RSVP, use "more info" link at right. | More info |
| Centenarian Jubilee (100th Birthday Celebration) honoring George L. Silva | June 29: Council Person and North Kingstown resident Matt McCoy invites the community to attend a "Centenarian Jubilee" honoring George L. Silva, WWII Veteran and North Kingstown resident, on the occasion of his 100th birthday, from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the St. Bernard's Parish Hall, Sunday, June 29. George served honorably in the U.S. Navy Reserve as a member of the Armed Guard protecting American merchant vessels from German U-Boats, among other assignments. He earned the Asiatic-Pacific Medal with two stars, the American Area Medal, the African-European Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the U.S. Navy Good Conduct medal. The public is encouraged to send a birthday card and well wishes to George, via this address: George Leo Silva (c/o NK Memorial VFW Post 152, PO BOX 1653, North Kingstown, RI 02852) |
To RSVP |
| "Wrapped in Nature" Outdoor Fashion Show | June 29: Join Eco-Land Art for Wrapped In Nature, an outdoor nature-inspired fashion show at the Eco-Land Art outdoor spiral art installation near Wilson Park, featuring designs by Sara Seelenbrandt. Designs are inspired by natural elements using materials from Rhode Island habitats, modeled by local professionals. The event begins on June 29, at 2:00 p.m. Donations accepted. | More info |
| Wickford Harbor Fire | June 19 - July 17 - Aug 14 - Sept 12 - Oct 17
Wickford Harbor Fire events feature food trucks, live music and entertainment for all ages, restaurant specials in many Wickford eateries, and floating fire pits in historic Wickford Village, best viewed from dusk through sunset/dark. Please see official website for complete details and the most up-to-date information regarding inclement weather plans, etc. or to ask questions for the event organizers. |
More info |
| Annual Recreation Department Fireworks at Town Beach | July 3: Parking shuttle starts at 4:00 p.m. from Municipal Office Building (100 Fairway Dr) and runs continuously on a new traffic pattern starting this year. Live music starts at 4:30 p.m. with Take it to the Bridge and at 7:00 p.m. with Lafayette Band. Fireworks start at dark. Parking prior to 4:00 p.m. at the Town Beach requires a Beach Parking Permit (not available on-site). Food trucks on site; blankets and camp chairs encouraged. Please, no pets! | More info |
| Youth & Adult Art Contest & Exhibit at Smith's Castle | Theme: Liberty & Freedom -- how would you - or one of the 18th century residents of Smith's Castle - express the meaning of these words in art?
Media: Your choice -- drawing, painting, photographs, 3D, Sculpture, or Mixed Media.
Age Levels: 1st - 8th Grade; High School; General Public.
Submissions must be received by July 31 to be considered. Review complete details on Smith's Castle website. |
More info |
| 40th Annual Leapfest | August 2: at 300 Hog House Hill Rd in Exeter, RI: 40th Annual Leapfest International Parachute Competition (free admission). Leapfest is the largest, longest-standing, international static line military parachute training event and competition in the world. | More info |
| "The Revolution Comes to Casey Farm" tour | August 5 (6-7:30 PM): During these years that mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation, historic Casey Farm is offering a guided tour about farm life and all the farm's people in the 1770s. Touring the farmhouse, outbuildings, and family cemetery, explore how the region changed dramatically by 1783, how the Caseys contributed to the Patriot cause, and how the Revolutionary War literally came in the front door of the farmhouse. For ticket and accessibility information, please call (401)295-1030x5 (Casey Farm), or see the link at the right. | More info |
| Town Hall Meeting with Sen. Reed and Rep. Magaziner | August 5 (6:00 PM): at Johnston Senior High School Auditorium (345 Cherry Hill Rd in Johnston, RI), attend a Town Hall Meeting hosted by U.S. Senator Jack Reed and U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner | Register here |
| Engaging Evening: Fun & Games, Then & Now with NK Chamber of Commerce | August 7: (5:00 - 7:00 PM) The public is invited to register online to attend this Engaging Evening event with North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce at Smith's Castle (55 Richard Smith Dr), in partnership with the Semiquincentennial Committee, and sponsored by FreshMaps LLC and West Passage Brewery. It promises to be a lively evening of connection and nostalgia where you can mingle with fellow professionals, chat with local business owners, and enjoy delicious food and beverages; savor tasty treats while exploring games, both old school and new. Bring business cards for a chance to win raffle prizes for networking with a playful twist. | To register |
| 2nd Annual North Kingstown Family Day | September 6: (Noon - 5:00 p.m.) at Wilson Park | More info |
| Constitution and Citizenship Day | September 17: The Rhode Island State Archives will hold a special viewing of Rhode Island's copy of the Bill of Rights, the first amendments to the United States Constitution, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the State Archives (33 Broad St/Providence) to commemorate Constitution Day, marking 238 years since the signing of the US Constitution in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. | More info |
| Wicked WeekS in Wickford! | Join Wickford Village Association for Wicked WeekS in Wickford! October 17: (5:30 - 9:00 p.m.) Wickford Harbor Fire October 18: (10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) October Vets 5K Fun Run & German Festivale October 19: (10:00 a.m.) Spooky Historic Walking Tour & (Noon) Witches Paddle October 23: (4:00 - 9:00 p.m.) Tea, Tarot & Treatments and (5:00 - 8:00 p.m.) Spooky Sip & Stroll October 25: (Noon) Horribles Parade October 25, 26 & 31: Trick or Treat throughout the day at participating businesses (look for signs)! For full event details, rain dates and additional plans, see the I LOVE WICKFORD VILLAGE website and social media pages. |
Full details |
| 2025 Speaker Series Presentation by Rob Doane, Curator, and Maria Vazquez, Collections Manager, Naval War College Museum | October 23: This informative and enlightening presentation sponsored by HistWick will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at Town Hall (80 Boston Neck Rd).
More details coming soon! |
More info |
| North Kingstown Memorial VFW Post 152 Audio and Written Essay Scholarship Competition | The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States has announced the details of its 2025-2026 Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen audio essay competitions. This year’s shared theme is “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?” Entries are due to VFW Posts no later than October 31, 2025.
The VFW Voice of Democracy National first-place winner will receive a $35,000 scholarship; this contest is for students in grades 9-12. The VFW Patriot’s Pen National first-place winner will receive $5,000; this contest is for students in grades 6-8.
Learn more at https://www.vfw.org/.../youth-and.../youth-scholarships and share with the middle and high school students in your family today! |
More info |
| 2025 Speaker Series Presentation: Christmas in America, with Pamela McColl | December 11 (6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at Town Hall (80 Boston Neck Rd): Hosted by HistWick. Join author and historian, Pamela McColl, for an enlightening presentation to commemorate the holiday season and the historic anniversaries surrounding the American Revolution based on her book, Twas The Night - The Art and History of the Classic Christmas Poem. | More info |