5 Weekend Musts: Deer Tick Returns + More

5 Weekend Musts: Deer Tick Returns + More

From concerts and arts in the center of Providence to some of the best fall festivals in the countryside, we have so much amazing stuff going on in Rhode Island this weekend, we upped our number of picks to 6. Get started now.

Voice Your Vote: Jobs to Rhode Island MusicFest, Providence

Saturday  Gather with your community and celebrate what makes this the best little state around. Featured performances are by Latin/funk/salsa band Santa Mamba, the classic Otis Day & The Knights, and Rhode Island's favorite local band, Deer Tick. This family-friendly event will also include voter registration tables and chances to win gift packages. Get prepped for the shindig by shouting your RI pride in the Voice Your Vote Sweepstakes for a chance to win the grand prize: a private picnic and backstage passes to MusicFest, which will allow you to meet the bands, enjoy gourmet meals, and join Otis Day & The Knights on stage to sing their iconic song "Shout". 3pm-8pm. Station Park, between Amtrak and the Providence Place Mall. Free admission. Rain date: Sept. 30. More details here.

Robert Cray Band and Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, Cranston

Friday  Don't miss out on the intimate performances of two awe-inspiring blues guitarists. Blues Hall of Famer Robert Cray has released 20 multi-platinum albums, won 5 Grammys, received 15 Grammy nominations, and performed with the likes of B.B. King and Eric Clapton. Kenny Wayne Shepherd of "Blue on Black" fame has sold millions of records. His knack for churning out Top 10 singles has earned him 5 Grammy nominations and 2 Billboard Music Awards. 7:30pm. The Park Theatre, 848 Park Ave, Cranston. More info and tickets here.

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FirstWorks Festival: On the Plaza in 2012, Providence

Saturday  You will almost certainly run out of time before you run out of things to do at this remarkable take-over of ALL of Kennedy Plaza (they're even keeping the buses out!). Watch the incredible Bandaloop defy gravity from 30 stories in the air! See a puppet show with the kids, take a salsa lesson, or watch the Angkor Dance Troupe, the Dahmsa Irish Dancers, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, and more. Plan ahead and get the most out of this jam-packed festival! 4pm-11pm. Greater Kennedy Plaza, One Financial Plaza (Fulton & Exchange Streets), Washington St., Burnside Park, City Hall Plaza, Providence City Hall (inside), Bank of America Center. Free admission. Rain or shine event. Check out a list of performers and schedule here.

Thundermist Annual Rubber Duck Race, West Warwick

Saturday  Feeling lucky? Head down to the Thundermist Annual Rubber Duck Race and hope that the odds are on your side! 5,000 rubber ducks will be released into the river, and the first 25 to make it to the finish line win! First prize is an iPad with a $100 iTunes gift certificate, or $1,000 cash. Second prize is $500, and third prize is $250. The remaining winners will receive an assortment of gifts and gift certificates. Activities at 11am, duck race at 1pm. Royal Mills Riverpoint, West Warwick. Free admission with a $5 duck adoption. Rain or shine event. For more information, click here.

25th Annual Apple Festival, Johnston

Saturday-Sunday  Autumn can't begin without a belly full of warm apple pie! Experience the best of fall with an apple pie contest, arts and crafts, pony/train rides, live music and entertainment, food and refreshments, wellness fair, kids zone, and more! 10am-6pm. Johnston Memorial Park, Hartford Ave (Rt. 6). Free admission.

Annual Swamp Yankee Days Festival, Ashaway

Saturday-Sunday  Ah, the good old days. Step back in time and celebrate Rhode Island's roots. Enjoy dozens of antiques such as fire engines, carnival items, steam engines, and car cruisers. Try your hand at corn meal grinding, pumpkin painting, or scarecrow making, take a hayride, or watch the antique tractor parade. The festival will also welcome Battery C, First Rhode Island Light Artillery. 10am to dusk. Crandall Field, Rt. 3 (Main Street). More info here.