Wine and dine in Newport mansions or get down to the swamps of South Kingstown this weekend. Either way, there are events that are sure to please all crowds. Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival Where/When: Rosecliff and Marble House, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Sept. 23 through 25 | For the event schedule, click here. Why Go: While prices at this festival – which will include cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs and special appearances by some of the nation's top wine connoissieurs – are pretty steep, there are a couple of relatively inexpensive seminars for wine lovers. Pricing: …

Tropical Storm Irene left nearly 10,000 customers in North Kingstown without power, according the National Grid/Rhode Island-Electric website. The company projects power will mostly be restored Friday, with remaining customers back on line by Sunday. That means you may be looking to get out of the house in the next few days. Whether you need to get your mind off the wreckage or let your children burn off some pent-up energy, here are five ways to enjoy your weekend: Quonset Point Bike Path Where/When: Entrance at the intersection of Potter, Fletcher and Newcomb Roads in Davisville | Open …

Newport Arts Festival Where/When: Newport Yachting Center, 4 Commercial Wharf, Newport | Saturday and Sunday, August 27 and 28 from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., respectively   Why Go: If the array of scrumptious food—including a raw bar, chowder, homemade ice cream and more—isn't enough to draw you in, know that proceeds from the event will go toward providing services that support adults and children with special needs. There will be artisans of all kinds scattered across Newport's waterfront, as well as live music and children's entertainment.    Pricing: $8/adult; children …

The Washington County Fair Where/When: Located on Route 112 in Richmond. For directions, click here. | Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 17 through 21 from 9 a.m. to approximately 9 p.m. Why Go: In its 45th year, the Washington County Fair features activities and entertainment appropriate for all ages. Among others, the bands "Love & Theft," "Mixed Breed" and "The Tim Charron Band" are all slated to perform at this year's fair. Also on the schedule are 4-H shows, tractor pulls, horse shows, arm wrestiling, dung throwing and much more. For a complete list of the entertainers, click…

88th Army Band Performance Where/When: North Beach Clubhouse, 79 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett | Saturday, August 13 from noon to 2 p.m. Why Go: The army band is slated to perform on the deck at the North Beach Club House and will play patriotic music the first half of the concert, followed by popular music in the second half. Pricing: Free  Wakefield Arts and Entertainment Festival Where/When: Downtown Wakefield | Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 12, 13 and 14 from 4:30 to 10 p.m.; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., respectively Why Go: Enjoy spy comedy Red Herring or relive the…

Blueberry Picking at Delvecchio Farms Where/When: Delvecchio Farms, 302 Potter Rd., North Kingstown | Sunday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Why Go: Take advantage of the mostly sunny skies predicted for Saturday and Sunday. Get outside, take in the views at Delvecchio Farms and get your family excited about harvesting a healthy snack rich in flavor and antioxidants.  Pricing: $2.75/lb. For more information, call the Delvecchios at 884-9598. Blessing of the Fleet Where/When: Narragansett High School, South Pier Road and The Towers on Ocean Road in downtown Narragansett | Friday and …

Maybe you know someone competing Saturday in the annual Save the Bay swim. If so, consider heading to Newport or Jamestown to cheer him or her on. Either way, the staff at the North Kingstown Patch hopes your weekend activities go swimmingly! 33rd Annual South County Balloon Festival  Where/When: 3 Keany Road, Kingston, 02881 | Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 22 through 24 Why Go: The balloon festival is a a fundraiser for Rotary Club of Wakefield and has raised over $1 million for the charitable organizations since its inception. The main attractions are the numerous hot air balloons and …

The 49th Annual Wickford Art Festival  Where/When: Off Route 1A in Wickford Village and near the town beach, North Kingstown | Saturday and Sunday, July 9 through 10. The festival begins at 10 a.m.  Why Go: Mingle with approximately 50,000 to 75,000 art enthusiasts over the weekend as you peruse over 200 booths devoted to original works of art.  Pricing: Free Newport Kite Festival Where/When:  Brenton Point State Park/Ocean Drive State Park, Ocean Drive, Newport, 02840 | Saturday and Sunday, July 9 through 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Why Go: Not only will you be able to witness hundreds of …

Fireworks at the North Kingstown Town Beach Where/When:  The North Kingstown Town Beach at the end of Beach Street | Monday, July 4 at 9 p.m. Why Go: Eye candy, anyone? Get up close and personal to the town fireworks display this Fourth of July. What better way to celebrate our independence? Pricing: Free Fireworks at Narragansett Town Beach Where/When:  Narragansett Town Beach, Narragansett | Sunday, July 3 at 9 p.m. Why Go: The Dunes Club is teaming up with the Town of Narragansett to put together this year's professional fireworks display. According to the town's website, in the event of…

Rhode Island National Guard Open House Air Show Where/When: 210 Airport Street, North Kingstown | Saturday and Sunday, June 25 & 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Why Go: To see the Blue Angels, of course! Keep in mind, everything one brings to the show is subject to security searches. Also, leave the cooler at home as it won't be permitted beyond the gate. Lawn chairs are allowed, though! So, pull up a seat, put on some sunscreen and watch our servicemen and women in action! (Check out our guide here.) Pricing: Free although a $10 suggested donation for Hasbro Children's Hospital will be collected …

Don't let another bout of dreary weather predictions put a stop to your weekend activity. Below are five "berry, berry" good ideas for fun times this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Strawberry Festival Where/When: Smith's Castle, 55 Richard Smith Drive, North Kingstown | Saturday, June 18 from noon to 4 p.m. Rain date is Sunday, June 19. Why Go: Enjoy a day of family entertainment and Smith's Castle's famous strawberry shortcake. According to the Smith's Castle website, the Narragansett Indians and the colonists both relished the tantalizing berry from which the cake is derived.  Pricing: $7/…

Don't let scattered showers put a damper on your weekend. Here are a few ideas for fun-filled times this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Beavertail State Park Where/When: Beavertail State Park, Beavertail Road, Jamestown | Friday, June 10 from sunrise to sunset Why Go: Though there are projected showers for Friday morning, Friday evening looks like it might be the perfect time to visit this state gem. Located on Beavertail Road in Jamestown, Beavertail State Park boasts some of the most scenic coastal overlooks in the state. Whether you're new to Rhode Island or a lifelong resident, Beavertail …

Summer is on its way to southern Rhode Island. Pull the kids away from the video games this weekend and take advantage of the sunny skies and starry nights ahead! 1. Frosty Drew Nature Center & Observatory Where/When: Ninigret Park, 62 Park Lane, Charlestown | Friday, June 3 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Why Go: Those in the market for an out-of-this-world experience will love the nature center and observatory. Take advantage of the clear skies projected for Friday night by getting away from the hustle-and-bustle and enjoying the serenity of a brilliant, starry night.  Pricing: Free and open to the …

The symbolic start of the summer is finally upon us. Memorial Day festivites - barbeques, parades and fun with friends and family will mark the beginning of the beach-going season. Patch found the most festive activities to help you celebrate this weekend: 1. Horse Play: Annual Open House Where/When: Horse Play, 143 Gilbert Stuart Rd, Saunderstown | Saturday, May 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Why Go: Horse Play Equine Rescue & Sanctuary is having its annual open house. There will be raffle prizes, a silent auction and festivities for everyone including food, drink, a meet-n-greet with the horses…

Get out and live your weekend to the fullest, North Kingstown and towns nearby have some very happening events to offer and we better see you out there! 1. Showcase in Yo' Face Where/When: North Kingstown High School, 150 Fairway Drive, North Kingstown | Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14 from 7 - 10 p.m. Why Go: Support the NKHS Theater Department and enjoy the annual showcase of student-directed one-act comedies presented by Northeater and Thespian Troupe 6945. Pricing: $5 2. Cindy Wilson at Voila Where/When: Voila, 31 West Main St., Wickford | Friday, May 13 from 6 - 8 p.m. Why Go: Meet …

This weekend in North Kingstown it’s time to embrace the spring and the newfound opportunitiesbrought to light with the warmer weather. This week Patch has found nearby opportunities for funfor families and couples alike. 1. Artist Reception At Voila Where/When: Voila, 31 West Main St., North Kingstown | Friday, May 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. Why Go: Meet our featured artist and enjoy light refreshments while exploring the feats of local artists  Pricing: Free to all.   2. Free Live Music At Sonoma Pub Where/When: Sonoma Pub, 7366 Post Road, North Kingstown | Fridays and Saturdays throughout May from…

65 degrees and sunny? All weekend? As if that's not enough reason to get off the couch and out in the world this weekend, we have five truly great events happening right here in North Kingstown for you to check out. What better way to usher in this fabulous weather than with Wickford's Daffodil Days? There will be a local grade-school artists displaying their artwork throughout the village, a bagpiper, a fashion show in Updike Park and even a dog parade. For more information, check here. Ever want to try out kayaking? Well, this weekend's here to provide you with a golden opportunity. The …

It's time to dress up and head out for a weekend of good (and hopefully dry) indoor fun in NK! While you might be feeling pretty lousy after a grueling work week of gray and rainy weather, Patch found five ways to take control and have a little fun this weekend, puddles and all. 1. Beechwood Senior Trip Where/When: The Beechwood Bus leaves the parking lot of Stop & Shop, located at 1300 Ten Rod Road, and heads to Boston at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 15 and the bus will retrun around 5 p.m. Why Go: This Friday the Beechwood Senior Center is heading up to Boston for a delicious seafood luncheon …

Looking for some family appropriate fun times this weekend? Here are some great ideas nearby: 1. Hairspray The Musical When: Saturday, April 9 at 8 p.m. Where: Courthouse Center for The Arts, 3481 Kingstown Rd, West Kingston Why Go: Turn off the tube this weekend and bring the family down to Kingston for some good old fashion live entertianment. This '60s era musical shows the journey of big-haired teenager as she aspires to reach her dreams of dancing on television. Pricing: $34 adults, $30 seniors, $19 students and children 2. The Pet Refuge's Spring Baazar When: Saturday, April 9 from 9 a.…

Don't retreat back into a state of winter-inspired seasonal depression just because this week has been a little colder than spring should be. Patch found five fun activities to help you forget all about the most recent snowfall.  1. The West Bay YMCA Presents "A Night To Shine" Benefit Dinner & Auction Where/When: Quidnesset Country Club, 950 North Quidnesset Road, North Kingstown | Friday, March 25 from 6 - 10:30 p.m. Why Go: Support the YMCA and local families on Friday with an evening of dining and dancing, complete with a live silent auction. Proceeds will benefit the West Bay YMCA's …