401 Fun: The best things to do in Rhode Island, June 28-July 5

newportFilm’s outdoors series runs Thursdays through Sept. 5, with free admission, at “iconic outdoor locations throughout Aquidneck Island” every Thursday. Venue opens at 6 p.m., live music by Van Pelt Duo at 7:30 p.m., film at 8:30 p.m. 36 Ochre Point Ave., Newport. Watch a movie trailer here. Learn more here.

WINE POSE

Cumberland’s Diamond Hill Vineyards offers an outdoor yoga class open to all levels June 28 at 5:15 p.m. at the vineyard. Afterward, they host a Sip & Shop event featuring local vendors and, of course, wine. From $13. 3145 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland. Details here.

NEWPORT PRIDE WEEKEND

The City by the Sea ends Pride Month with a celebration June 28-30. See a full calendar here. Some highlights:

• Bike Newport x Newport Pride Ride June 29 at 11 a.m. “ Join other riders for this 3.5-mike bike parade around Newport, which starts and ends at the Great Friends Meeting House. 21 Farewell St. Roller skates, tricycles, and skateboards are welcome. Details and RSVP here.
• Ride directly into a six-hour free-admission Pride Fest & Market at Newport’s Great Friends Meeting House. The market features vendors, live music, food and more. June 29, noon-6 p.m. 21 Farewell St. Details here.
• Followed by “Newport Pride Afterdark,” billed as an “eclectic experience” and including “queer anthems and performances.” June 19, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., Parlor Newport, 200 Broadway. Tickets from $35. Details here.

WESTERLY PRIDE NIGHT

Westerly’s United Theater caps Pride Month with “United for Pride: An Evening of Drag” on June 29. The 18+ event will be hosted by Providence drag comedian Nervous. Expect singing, lip syncing, comedy, and dancing. 8 p.m. From $22. 5 Canal St. Details here.

ADULT BOUNCE HOUSE

… And kids, too. But kids always get to bounce. I’m freaking out because it’s my turn. Get this: The Big Bounce America is bringing its massive inflatable fun houses — including a 24,000-square-foot bounce house, and 900-foot long obstacle course with slides — just over the border to Seekonk Speedway June 28-30. See the attractions, with names like “Air Space” and “Octoblast” here. You can sign up by age time-slots, like toddler, older kids — and ages 16+ adult-only sessions. I haven’t gotten a chance to jump like this since I was at elementary school Discovery Zone birthday parties. Here’s our chance, grownups. Let’s do this. Adults from $45. Toddlers from $22. 1782 Fall River Ave., Seekonk, Mass. Details here.

DANCE WITH ZEBRAS, DRINK WITH MONKEYS

Nope, I’m not dreaming. It’s real, baby. Zoobilee time. Yup, the 32nd Annual Zoobilee at Roger Williams Park Zoo, a fundraiser benefiting “the Zoo’s mission of conservation and education” is June 29 from 7-11 p.m. Expect bites from dozens of area restaurants, cocktails, live music, dancing and a chance to “Get to know some of your favorite furry (and feathery) friends with special encounters,” according to event billing. 21+. $125. 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence. Details here.

‘ANCIENTS AND HORRIBLES’

It sounds like a hit Netflix sci-fi series — but “Ancients and Horribles” is just an old-time New England thing. And Glocester’s 98th Ancients & Horribles Independence Day Festivities kick off June 29, with music starting at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. at Glocester Memorial Park. The grotesque fun start July 4 at 4 p.m. with the Ancients & Horribles Independence Day Parade. “Everyone is invited to parade your artistic talents, craziest outfits, and most outlandish floats,” according to billing. Awards for “Most Ancient & Horrible,” “Most Patriotic,” and “Best Walking Group.” Learn how to register here. And if you go, take a pic of your “Ancient and Horrible” outfit, and tag me on Instagram @laurendaley1. I’ll repost for readers to see. Park located behind the Glocester Senior Center on Putnam Pike, Chepachet. Details here.

JASON MRAZ

Mraz fans, get mmmrrready. The two-time Grammy winner and “Dancing the Stars” alum recently performed on “American Idol” and at the Grammy Museum. He plays PPAC June 30 before his Tanglewood concert with the Boston Pops next week — PPAC is probably closer. MMRRRaz, as he calls himself on Insta, has long had a rep for bringing the feel-good vibes. He arrives in Rhody on his “Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride” album. I’m mmmraring to go. Tickets from $40.50. 7:30 p.m. 220 Weybosset St. Details here.

BRISTOL’S FOURTH

Any Rhode Islander knows Fourth of July is synonymous with Bristol. Billed as “America’s Oldest Continuous Fourth of July Celebration,” Bristol’s fun dates back to 1785 when, according to the town’s website: “Rev. Henry Wight of the First Congregational Church and a Veteran of the Revolutionary War conducted the first Patriotic Exercises.” On the docket for 2024:

Note that there is live music, featuring local bands, at Independence Park (Franklin and Thames) now through July 2, as well as a kids’ concert featuring The Toe Jam Puppet Band at 1 p.m July 1. Schedule here.

The big night: Fireworks are July 3 at 9:30 p.m. over Bristol Harbor.

July 4: Parade Day. You know the drill. Get there early if you hope to snag a prime viewing spot. Fourth of July Parade steps off at 10:30 a.m. from corner of Chestnut and Hope streets (Route 114) and ends on High Street, between State and Bradford streets. Hope Street (Route 114) will be closed off beginning at 8 a.m., including Poppasquash Road. Beginning at 7 a.m., Chestnut Street, Naomi Street, and Sherry Avenue will be closed to traffic, according to website. A parking ban along the parade route goes into effect the night before the parade, according to site. Map here, rules here. All details here.

You might splurge on the annual Fourth of July Parade Picnic at Linden Place Mansion. The circa-1810 historic mansion on the parade route offers both continental breakfast and picnic lunch, bleacher-style seating, “tables and chairs under the shade of the Linden trees…restroom facilities and plenty of elbow room.” You can also tour the mansion and stroll the gardens. July 4, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. $125. Kids under 3 are free but does not include food. 500 Hope St., Bristol. Details here.

MORE OOOHS AND AAAAAHS!

No matter where you live in Rhody, you’re within driving distance of fireworks this weekend. Make sure to check sites here in case of rain. A full list of where to fireworks could could be a entire other article, but some highlights:

Smithfield celebrates July 1 at Deerfield Park starting with food trucks at DJ at 4 p.m., followed by live music and fireworks. 39 Lisa Anne Circle, Greenville. Details here. (Rain date July 7)

Sail away to Block Island (yes, I said that in the jingle) for fireworks July 1 at 9 p.m. at Beach Pavilion, 25 Corn Neck Road.

Providence celebrates July 2 at India Point Park starting at 5 p.m. with “family fun, live entertainment,” and a fireworks display” at 9 p.m. 201 India St. Details here.

Narragansett celebrates July 3 by kicking off with some great tunes: Rhody’s famed party band, Roomful of Blues, plays at 6:30 p.m. at the Narragansett North Beach Club House (79 Boston Neck Road) with fireworks “at dusk” at Town Beach. Details here and here.

Catch fireworks July 3 in Warwick at 9 p.m. at the end of Oakland Beach Avenue. Rain date July 5. Details here.

Newport celebrates with fireworks over Newport Harbor 9:15 p.m. on July 4. The city suggests best viewing from a “westward facing spot along Newport Harbor. Popular viewing locations include Perrotti Park, King Park, and Queen Anne Square.” They note that parking will be limited before the fireworks.“ Visitors are encouraged to use the city’s public parking lots. Details here.

JULY FOURTH WATERFIRE

This is Rhode Island, darn it. You better believe we have a full WaterFire on the Fourth. Onshore programming and vendors start at 6:30 p.m., sunset at 8:24 p.m. Pyres lit until 11 p.m. A few highlights:

Find food fairs on Canal Walk from 6:30 to 10 p.m.

Find R1 Indoor Karting on Canal Street at the same time.

See a display of some 50 American flags flying along the river on Memorial Boulevard.

Catch performances by fire spinners from Cirque de Light

The Starry, Starry Night installation returns to Memorial Park near the Crawford Street Bridge; add your light to the night by wishing on a star or dedicate a luminaria candle lantern.

Full details here.

RHODE READS

I’m a lifelong book lover and want to spread the Ocean State literary love. Rhody is so packed with talented authors and books, I started a subsection of this column, Rhode Reads. In this week’s Rhody Reading News… [Cue our Rhode Reads jingle…]

I’m thrilled we’re getting Beatriz Williams talking about her latest, “Husbands & Lovers.” Williams is just so good at writing fun, voicey historical fiction. “Her Last Flight” was one of my favorites of 2020. You also might remember she co-wrote the Rhody-set “The Lost Summers of Newport” with Karen White and Lauren Willig. Catch her June 30 at 7 p.m. at The Contemporary Theater Company, hosted by Wakefield Books. $5 admission; or $37 with book. 327 Main St., South Kingstown. Details here.

PAINT NIGHT

Whether you’re Picasso or … not, head to Sons of Liberty Spirits Co. in South Kingstown for “I Suck at Painting” night. This is technically in next week’s column, on July 6, but tickets are going fast according to their eventbrite. You need advance tickets, and it’s Fourth of July related, so I’ll add it now. You’re invited to grab a drink, a brush, and have fun as an art instructor guides you. Show up decked out in red, white and blue. Awards will be given out for best outfit, and “worst” painting. $30 ticket include drink and materials. 21+ Arrive by 6:45 p.m. 1425 Kingstown Road, South Kingstown. Purchase here; they’ll email your ticket confirmation. Details here.

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE: ONGOING FUN…

‘LA CAGE AUX FOLLES’: Trinity Rep concludes its season with the Tony-winning musical “La Cage aux Folles,” with book by Harvey Fierstein, music by Jerry Herman, and directed by resident company member Taavon Gamble. The play centers on drag club owner Georges, and his husband, Albin, who performs at the club. “Hijinks ensue” when Georges’ son becomes engaged to the daughter of a homophobic politician and Georges tries to hide his sexuality, according to billing. Read the Globe Rhode Island theater review. From $24. Through June 30. 201 Washington St., Providence. Details here.

ITALIAN FOOD FEST: Foodies, rev your engines. Federal Hill, Rhody’s own Little Italy, hosts its 5th Al Fresco on the Hill on Saturdays through Aug. 31 from 5 p.m. to midnight. People can stroll the avenue and sample food from local restaurants and shop at retailers set up outside. There will also be live entertainment and artistic performances. Providence. Details here.

DRAGONS AT THE ZOO: Kids can explore “Dragons & Mythical Creatures” at Roger Williams Park Zoo. Billed as an “immersive experience featuring over 60 life-size animatronic wonders.” Through Aug. 11. Not included with regular zoo admission. $9 ages 2 and up. Under 2 free. 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence. Details here.

FOOD AND ARCHITECTURE WALKING TOUR: Food, art, and architecture come together for Downcity Providence Food Tours, noon to 3:30 p.m., on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through November. Get an insider’s view of creative and lively Providence during a tour lasting more than three hours over 1.7 miles. Discover some of the city’s award-winning restaurants, its hidden art and historic architecture. Tickets $76-$94 per person. 1 Ship St., Providence. Details here.

BROWN’S ART WALKING TOURS: Brown University now offers free public art walking tours led by Brown students every weekend. Learn about Brown’s public art collection with a 40-minute student-curated tour, exploring six works of art. All tours are outdoors, rain or shine. No registration required. Meet up at 1 p.m. On Saturdays, meet at the Eli Harvey sculpture, Bronze Bruno, on the College Green (79 Waterman St.) On Sundays, meet at Tom Friedman’s Circle Dance, on the Campus Walk. Tours run weekends through Nov. 17. Map and all details here.

Until next week, Rhody: Keep rockin.’

Lauren Daley can be reached at ldaley33@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter @laurendaley1.