A miracle has occurred: springtime has finally arrived in ‘lil Rhody after what seemed like the longest winter ever. I know you’re all itching to get out of your houses and see the sun again, or even just interact with some other humans, so I’ve rounded up the most promising springtime events our state has to offer this season, from food to shopping to festivals.
RI Kids Consignment Sale
My level of excitement for this sale parallels my children’s excitement for Christmas. That might be a slight exaggeration, but seriously, this sale is awesome. In my experience, the best selection is in clothing for children under 5, toys, and baby equipment, but they do have many other categories of items as well. The sale is so big that it takes up two soccer fields at the Wide World of Sports. I would recommend going when you have time to browse because it’s definitely better to take your time here to pick through the sixty thousand (!) items that they have for sale. Since consigners set their own prices, some pieces are a bit overpriced and some are total steals, so you’ll want to look closely. My favorite find at their fall sale was a pair of boys snow pants for four dollars (because who wants to spend any more than that on snow pants??)
RI Kids Consignment Sale
Thursday, April 5, 10am-7pm, Saturday, April 7, 10am-3pm, Sunday, April 8, 9am-12pm
1610 Davisville Rd, North Kingstown, RI, 02852
Free admission
Wheeler School Clothing and More Sale
This is another consignment sale that I look forward to and visit each year. It’s a fundraiser for the Wheeler School that’s been happening annually for the last 70 years! The major draw here for me is clothes for myself, although they also have children’s clothes, housewares, toys, sports equipment, and more. Every year I find at least a few worthwhile items, and one or two are usually wardrobe staples for me for the next few months. Wheeler parents staff the event and keep it running smoothly, like the time last year where I witnessed one approach a patron who was (discreetly) trying clothes on in the aisle and quickly usher her into the dressing room.
Wheeler School Clothing and More Sale
Thursday, April 12, 10-8, Friday, April 13, 12-8, Saturday, April 14, 10-3
407 Brook St, Providence RI
Free admission
Big Burger Blowout with RI Food Fights
With this crazy good deal, you pay one low price and get a passport for a burger at each of at least 20 places during the month of May. You’re basically paying a dollar (or less!) a burger. Seems too good to be true, but another PMB contributor assures me it’s not. She’s been posting pictures from her trips to check out March’s sandwich locations, and making it look super tasty and doable with three little kids (I know, impressive).
Big Burger Blowout with RI Food Fights
May 1 – May 31
20 dollars per passport
Wicked Tulips Flower Farm
This is a truly unique and quintessentially springtime activity. Visit the tulip farm to pick your own beautiful flowers to take home. They also keep a ‘show field’ for taking photos and tiptoeing through the tulips even when their supply for sale starts to run low. This event runs for only a couple weeks each spring (TBD as of this posting, but in my experience, it’s usually around Mother’s Day) and it’s crazy popular, so make sure you reserve a time online before going to the farm to avoid disappointment.
Wicked Tulips Flower Farm
Days and times TBA
90 Brown Ave, Johnston, RI
Ticket prices and stem prices TBA
Party for the Planet at Roger Williams Park Zoo
I can’t count the number of times that I wished for a zoo trip this winter. RWP has a great line up for April vacation this year. Activities range from animal encounters to education with keepers, entertainers, and music and arts activities, all keeping with the theme of conservation. If weather allows, Food Truck Friday will be starting for the summer at the end of the week!
Party for the Planet
April 16-20, 10am-3pm
1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence RI
Free with zoo admission
Newport Daffodil Days Festival
Another option for school vacation week, this celebration of spring lasts for eight days. Events range from a princess storytime to a dog parade to an opportunity for kids to watch Newport’s City Forester demonstrate tree climbing and his bucket truck!
Newport Daffodil Days Festival
April 14-22
Ticket prices vary
Taco Fest PVD
Trick question: do you like tacos? I’m 99% sure the answer is yes, so you’ll probably be pumped to hear about a Cinco de Mayo celebration downtown. Lots of food trucks, alcoholic beverages, kids activities, music, and something called a Rock N Roll Yardsale are all part of the festivities.
TacoFest PVD
Saturday, May 5, 11am-6pm
260 Westminster St, Providence
Free admission
SpringFest at Misquamicut State Beach
I’ve been looking forward to some beach time pretty much since November, but weather warm enough for a dip usually takes its sweet time arriving in the Ocean State. This event gives you a reason to visit the beach before the season officially starts without feeling like you’re doing a penguin plunge. SpringFest includes carnival rides, a classic car show, craft sale, kids activities, and live music.
SpringFest
Friday, May 11, 5pm-11pm, Saturday, May 12, 11am-11pm, Sunday, May 13, 11am-5pm
Misquamicut State Beach, Westerly
Tickets $8, children under 4 free
Hopefully one or two of these springtime events sparked your interest – hope to see you there!
