Plenty of Fun to Go ‘Round in Riverside

Get everyone off their phones (except to take photos, of course) with a step back in time at Crescent Park. The scenic area in Riverside is home to the Crescent Park Carousel , a designated historic landmark built in 1895 by renowned carousel designer Charles I.D. Looff. While adults marvel at the hand-carved figures and chariots, ornate beveled mirrors, decorative panels, and embellishments, kids can reach for the elusive brass ring from their saddles while the carousel spins and music plays – a goal sure to bring a smile to even the most jaded youngsters. CrescentParkCarousel.org

Named after the carousel, The Looff Arts Festival takes place on August 12 from 12-6pm and bills itself as “a whirlwind of art, music, and life.” On the breezy lawn, explore a range of creative vendors in a variety of mediums selling their paintings, photography, ceramics, fiber, and more. A lively lineup of musical performances including School of Rock Seekonk provides an upbeat soundtrack. EastProvidenceArtsRI.org

Pack a blanket and picnic basket (or cash for food trucks) and head across the street from the carousel to Rose Larisa Park on August 27 from 12-6pm for the Rhode Island Folk Festival . Highlights include the opportunity to write a song with local music luminary Mark Cutler – to be performed later. Enjoy live performances by musicians of different genres, and even try singing at an open-mic style stage. A special Young Folk tent for kids will have music and arts and crafts. Hop a shuttle bus from the festival parking lot at 560 Bullocks Point Avenue (note: mask-wearing required), or take RIPTA Route 33 to Riverside. RhodeIslandFolkFestival.com

Crescent Park Events

AUGUST 3:

Concert in the Park – Mixed Emotions

AUGUST 10:

Concert in the Park –19th Nervous Breakdown

AUGUST 12: The Loo Arts Festival

AUGUST 17:

Concert in the Park –The Jesse Liam Band

AUGUST 24:

Concert in the Park – Vini Ames

AUGUST 25:

Movies in the Park (carousel open late)

AUGUST 27: The Rhode Island Folk Festival

AUGUST 31:

Concert in the Park – Mojo Rising

Named for the shape of the nearby beach, Crescent Park was once a thriving tourist destination attracting visitors and top-name performers from all over the world. There were hotels, shore dinner halls, a ballroom, and a full amusement park complete with a midway and roller coaster.

Sample Scoops Across the State

Steamy August days call for ice cream, and Rhode Island Food Fights has you covered with its sixth annual search for the #BestScoopShopRI. A paid ticket is your passport for a free single scoop at 25 participating parlors across Little Rhody. At the end of the month, once you’ve tried as many scoop shops as possible, vote for your favorite. Will you sample the same flavor at each location or mix things up? This popular event sold out quickly last year, so be sure to get tickets early to get your licks in. Statewide, RIFoodFights.com

Shop Fresh and Meet Growers in Barrington

Turn an errand into family meal planning with a trip to the Barrington Farmers Market . Held select Thursdays (August 10 and 24) from 4-7pm, enjoy perusing colorful produce while connecting with nearby growers and neighbors – a great opportunity for kids of all ages to see where food comes from beyond the supermarket, and perhaps even try something new that looks more appealing in a basket than on a plate. Held rain or shine at St. John’s Episcopal Church, BarringtonBCA.com

Make Art for a Newport Auction

Get creative together at the splashy annual fundraiser Wet Paint 2 at Newport Art Museum. This year all artist submissions must be on square art boards – 12x12 for adults, 8x8 for children – available for free pick up at the museum. Each participant may submit up to two artworks in any medium and is encouraged to follow an outdoor “en plein air” theme. Submissions must be dropped off at the museum by August 9 for the silent auction (August 12 from 2-4pm) where 100 percent of sales benefit the museum. Art activities and music are part of the fun, and participants receive a year-long membership. Advance registration required. NewportArtMuseum.org

Pick Berries in Middletown

There’s nothing more nostalgic than picking berries, and a great place to try your hand is Sweet Berry Farm . While their pick-your-own (PYO) season started in June with strawberries, don’t fret because it continues with summer raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries through mid-August, followed by peaches, fall raspberries, and apples toward the end of this month. Cool off after with a twist of soft serve or scoop of hard ice cream inside their cafe. Once refreshed, be inspired to bake something with your pickings with sundries from their market, or keep things simple with their signature prepared foods. SweetBerryFarmRI.com