This is the time of year our region hosts so many wine, food, art, and music happenings—it can be hard to choose between them! Here are a few sure bets to add to your spring and summer itineraries.
WaterFire Providence
See more than 80 bonfires illuminate Rhode Island’s capital city. The massive art installation includes torch-lit vessels floating down the river, 20-plus braziers, and live world music. The lighting commences shortly after sunset and the event continues until half past midnight.
Providence, Rhode Island
waterfire.org
Salem Arts Festival
This free family-friendly festival draws 5,000 attendees annually. Celebrate the historic city’s rich cultural arts scene. Enjoy painting, photography, sculpture, dance, music, film, new media, theatre and poetry, among other offerings, as well as a wealth of culinary talent populating the downtown district.
Salem, Massachusetts
salemartsfestival.com
Kennebunkport Food, Wine and Art Festival
Join this week-long celebration of Downeast chefs, brewers, distillers and artists. Curated dinners, specialty menus, cocktail parties, after parties, art openings and live music are on tap. The festival culminates in the Spirit of Maine and Grand Finale events.
Kennebunkport, Maine
thekennebunkportfestival.com
Old Port Festival
Kick off the summer season and celebrate Old Port at this 45th annual family-friendly event in the heart of Downtown Portland. Expect live music, Maine-made arts and crafts, local foods, craft beverages, and activities for the kids.
Portland, Maine
portlandmaine.com
Burlington Wine and Food Festival
A Grand Tasting kicks off the festival featuring food and wine pairings by Vermont’s best chefs and winemakers from around the world. Sip an international selection of varietals, sample specialty bites, listen to live jazz and learn about wine and food from industry experts.
Burlington, Vermont
burlingtonwineandfoodfestival.com
Sailfest
This is southeastern Connecticut’s penultimate summer event. Enjoy watercraft sports, amusement rides, free entertainment, tall ships on the dock, a fireworks display and more than 200 vendors lining the streets and waterfront park—be sure to find the beef-fat fries and crèpes!
New London, Connecticut
sailfest.org
Vermont Cheesemakers Festival
Where better to sample artisan cheeses than Vermont—home to the largest number of cheesemakers per capita. Spend the day at historic Shelburne Farms Coach Barn on the banks of Lake Champlain nibbling cheeses and local foods paired with fine wines.
Shelburne Farms, Vermont
vtcheesefest.com
Great Falls Balloon Festival
This weekend-long event features a spectacular display of colorful hot air balloons by the dozens. Set eyes on the sky from Lewiston’s Simard-Payne Memorial Park, and enjoy the scenery of the Androscoggin River and Great Falls.
Lewiston, Maine
greatfallsballoonfestival.org
Outstanding in the Field Feast
Touted as “the pioneer of hyper-local pop-up dinners set between earth and sky,” Outstanding in the Field at Ploughgate Creamery is a truly unique offering. A top regional chef prepares a multi-course feast to be enjoyed at the now-famous long table in the field.
Waitsfield, Vermont
outstandinginthefield.com
Newburyport Riverfront Music Festival
Join revelers in Newburyport’s Waterfront Park and Boardwalk for a day of free music by local and headlining bands. Food vendors and street performers line Market Square, and a beer tent promises refreshment. Tip: Boat owners can avoid the crowds by listening from the Merrimack River.
Newburyport, Massachusetts
theriverboston.com/attend/riverfront-music-festival
