Family events in Pawtucket, RI

Providence Artisans Market brings a puppy parade to Lippitt Memorial Park as part of its Dog Days of Summer celebration. Now in its 14th season at this park, the market runs alongside the Hope Street Farmers Market and showcases work from more than 300 local artists across 27 consecutive Saturdays. Browse original artwork, pick up fresh produce, sample fare from food vendors, and enjoy live music in a welcoming, family friendly setting with plenty of pups.

Catch an indie folk performance by Lily Rhodes at Mt Hope Farm. The show starts at 9:00 AM on Saturday as part of the Mount Hope Farmers Market festivities.

Experience the Blackstone Valley from the water on a guided 90 minute kayak tour that highlights Valley Falls Mill Pond and Firestone Cove. The route features views of historic mills and peaceful stretches of river where wildlife is often seen, including egrets, painted turtles, cormorants, osprey, and Sam, the lone mute swan. All rentals depart from Central Falls Landing. A minimum number of participants is required for the session to run; if that minimum is not met, notifications are sent 48 hours in advance, and if it is met, a session reminder will follow. All sessions are dependent on river conditions. For comfort and safety, bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a bathing suit, and water. Availability can be limited, so early booking is recommended.

Drift along the river on a relaxed evening cruise, taking in shoreline views and the natural soundscape as the last light shimmers across the water. It suits a romantic outing, a get-together with friends, or a peaceful moment to unwind, balancing easygoing comfort with memorable sightseeing. This is a cruise experience rather than a guided tour, though questions about Blackstone Valley are welcome. The outing includes a boat ride, and life vests are available if needed. Guided narration is not provided.

Families can enjoy a fun-filled visit to the Zoo while exploring A Bug’s World from a pint-sized perspective. Tickets include access to the entire Zoo along with the A Bug’s World experience, where more than 60 giant animatronic caterpillars, beetles, spiders, and other creatures bring the world of bugs to life.

Set out on a 50 minute guided journey along the Blackstone River through Central Falls, Cumberland, and Lincoln. Experience the serenity and beauty of this waterway, learn about the region’s distinctive landscape, and discover why its geography drew settlers and industries to the Blackstone Valley. Keep an eye out for river wildlife that thrives within this urban corridor. A guide leads the way, and life vests are provided if needed.

Enjoy an afternoon on the grounds of Crescent Park as Cruise Nights fill the park with nostalgic sights and sounds. This season, the gathering takes place along the waterside. Admission is free, and donations collected support the Historic Charles I.D. Looff Carousel. Event dates may vary during the season.

Part of the Riverfront Concert Series, the Parks and Recreation Division, together with sponsors Coastal Credit Union, My Greene Team, Pamela Hughes, Bandits Baseball Club, Dupuis Oil, and The Washington Trust Company, welcomes The Good Living Band for a free 90 minute performance at the Veteran's Memorial Amphitheater. The group is known for tight three part harmonies, lively acoustic guitar rhythms, and rich bass lines, with a set that spans favorites from “Friday I’m In Love” to “Ventura Highway” for an upbeat, feel good evening. Parking is available in the City Hall lot. Canned and nonperishable food donations will be collected to support the Blackstone Valley Food Center and their efforts to reduce hunger in the area. Performances may be canceled if weather is poor and could be rescheduled. For updates or changes, check the Pawtucket Parks & Recreation or Pawtucket’s Veteran’s Memorial Amphitheater Facebook pages.

Hosted at Cranston Country Club, the 2026 CYSA Golf Tournament Fundraiser brings together the CYSA community, local businesses, families, and supporters for a welcoming day on the course that champions youth soccer in Cumberland. Proceeds strengthen CYSA by funding quality programs, player development opportunities, field improvements, equipment, and scholarships, helping create a positive soccer experience for participants of all ages and skill levels. Registration is open for individual golfers and teams, and sponsorship options are available for those who wish to support the mission while connecting with local families, community members, and fellow tournament participants.

Illusionist David Garrity takes the stage for a free performance presented by the Parks and Recreation Division with support from Coastal Credit Union, My Greene Team, Pamela Hughes, Bandits Baseball Club, Dupuis Oil, and The Washington Trust Company. Known for captivating audiences around the world with magic and illusions, Garrity will perform on the outdoor stage located between the Park Office and the Daggett House, across from the tennis courts. The nearby Slater Park Looff Carousel will be open during the show. If weather is unfavorable or threatens, the performance may move to the Slater Park Pavilion. For the latest updates on any changes or cancellations, check the Pawtucket Parks & Recreation Facebook page.

Children's Friend’s mobile team will be on site at Blackstone Valley Community Health Care to provide WIC services. For more information, contact Lucia Santiago at 401-808-5405 or Jenni Uribe at 401-312-9851.

The Parks and Recreation Division, with support from Coastal Credit Union, My Greene Team, Pamela Hughes, Bandits Baseball Club, Dupuis Oil, and The Washington Trust Company, welcomes John Higby, The YoYo Guy, for a free one-hour show packed with fast-paced comedy and standout yo-yo skills. Higby has taken his act to 26 countries, reaching audiences from New Zealand to Japan, and is a World Yo-Yo Champion as well as a holder of four Guinness World Records. The performance takes place at John St. Playground at the corner of John St. and George Bennett Highway. If weather interferes, the show may be canceled and possibly rescheduled. For the latest updates and any changes, check the Pawtucket Parks & Recreation Facebook pages.

Enjoy a free family art experience in the park, presented by The Empowerment Factory, at Fairlawn Veterans Memorial Park in Pawtucket. Designed for families with children in grades K to 5, each gathering blends a read-aloud, a hands-on art project, and simple mindfulness activities to support emotional regulation, spark creativity, and foster teamwork. Conversations and projects explore positive themes like kindness, confidence, respect, and perseverance. Walk-ins are welcome, and registration is appreciated.

A free 90 minute concert features The Jesse Liam Band performing pop favorites with lively energy. Presented by the Parks and Recreation Division with support from Coastal Credit Union, My Greene Team, Pamela Hughes, Bandits Baseball Club, Dupuis Oil, and The Washington Trust Company, the show takes place on the stage in front of Daggett Farm and Len’s Hot Dog and Seafood Haven in Slater Memorial Park. The band is a frequent guest at Slater Park. During these performances, Parks and Recreation staff collect canned goods and other nonperishable food items to support the Blackstone Valley Food Center in its work fighting hunger in the Blackstone Valley. If weather becomes an issue, the concert may be moved to the Slater Park Pavilion. Updates and any cancellations are shared on the Pawtucket Parks & Recreation or Daggett Farm Facebook pages.

Concerts in the Park is presented by the East Providence Recreation Department with sponsorship from Navigant Credit Union. Performances will proceed only if weather conditions allow.

Movies on the Block brings an open-air screening of Clueless to Grant’s Block Park in Downtown Providence. This community series invites film lovers to spread out under the sky with their own chairs or blankets, since seating is not provided and space is available on a first come basis. Launched in 2008 as the city’s original outdoor film series and revived in 2025 after a six year pause, the program continues with Clueless as the third feature of the summer. Presented by InDowncity in partnership with the downtown small business community and Cornish Associates, this free event offers a relaxed night out with a beloved movie in the heart of the city.