5 (Long) Weekend Musts: Summer Pops in Bristol + More

5 (Long) Weekend Musts: Summer Pops in Bristol + More

It's here, Rhode Island--Labor Day Weekend! Are you ready to get out to the beach, get out in the yard, and generally get OUT? We thought so. Add these 5 hand-picked musts to your weekend to-do list. And enjoy the last official weekend of summer--let's make it a great one. 

RI Philharmonic Summer Pops 

Sunday  The Rhode Island Philharmonic Pops Orchestra will perform a FREE concert at Bristol's Independence Park. This year's program includes classics from Tchaikovsky, Strauss, Williams, Webber, Sousa and more! The rain date is Monday, September 2. Resident Conductor Francisco Noya will conduct the concert. 6 pm. Independence Park, Thames Street, Bristol. www.riphil.org

Founding of Portsmouth Weekend

Friday-Sunday  Happy birthday, fair Portsmouth! 2013 is the 375th anniversary of the founding of Portsmouth, Rhode Island in 1638. To honor the founding, the community is conducting a series of public events and observances over the course of the year. This weekend brings a wonderful cluster of celebrations. Don't miss a moment. Learn more here: www.portsmouthri375.com.

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August 30 - 6 to 8 PM - Greenvale Vineyards - Enjoy fine Chamber Music
August 31 - The 375th Grand Parade 10:00 AM
August 31 - 375th Artillery Canon Salute - Bristol Ferry Town Common - 2 PM
August 31 - Polo Match - US vs England - Newport International Polo Grounds - 5 PM
September 1 - Family Day Picnic - Glen Park - Noon to 5 PM  

Classic Yacht Parade, Newport

Saturday  Could this be any more Newport? We think not. On moving display around the harbor is a beautiful collection of over 50 yachts, both sail and power, that represent the very best of classic yacht design and construction. The yachts will be vying to win the coveted Classic Yacht Parade awards including “Best Sail”, “Best Power”, “Most Patriotic” and “Best Costumes”. Watch the action from vantage points including the Goat Island Marina dock, Bowen’s Wharf, Bannister’s Wharf, The Newport Yachting Center dock, King’s Park Pier and the Alofsin Piers and Sail Newport Waterfront Center at Fort Adams. This is an opportunity for boat lovers as well as for anyone who appreciates beauty, craftsmanship and splendor.  10:30am, Newport. See more at the Museum of Yachting website, here. 

East Greenwich Art Festival

Saturday-Sunday  The East Greenwich Art Festival is a perfect family expedition and will feature over 140 Contemporary American Artisans, Festive Food, Live Music and Strolling Entertainment to include The Ladies of the Rolling Pin, Magician Eddy Raymond and The Big Nazo! Come out to the East Greenwich Art Festival to celebrate the magic of the arts. FREE. 10am-5pm. New England Tech, 1408 Division Road, East Greenwich. Go here for more: www.festivalfete.com

Rhythm + Roots Festival, Charlestown

Friday-Sunday  It's a Rhode Island rite of passage, and it just gets better every year. Come with the kids, come with a date, come with your best friends who love lots of good music and Cajun food, or just bring your favorite folding chair and come all by yourself. Selected as one of the "Top 100 Events in North America," the festival attracts people from over 24 states with its multiple performance stages, intimate workshops with artists, Cajun and Zydeco dance instruction and family activities set within what can only be described as an impromptu town in the park. Fri: 5pm - midnight, Sat/Sun: noon - midnight, Ninigret Park, Charlestown. For al the details, go here: www.rhythmandroots.com