by kelly / May, 29 2019 01:30

Boats and people at the Great Salt Pond on Block Island, Rhode Island

June on Block Island is packed with events from music to racing to food and fun. If you want to make the most of your summer vacation (and don’t forget to pack the sunscreen on your trip) – hit the Block in June. Here’s a roundup of the upcoming can’t miss events.

Poor People’s Pub Pig Roast & Kickoff Weekend – June 7-9

It’s an ode to summer at the Poor People’s Pub Pig Roast & Kickoff weekend. Enjoy three full days of music, food, and dancing.

Friday night the event starts at 10pm with Pub fave DJ Libre. After you’ve recovered from a night dancing – get in on their annual pig roast on Saturday from 1-4PM with music courtesy of Rhythmic Circus. Oh and if you didn’t get enough dancing on Friday night, DJ Libre returns on Saturday night at as well.

Recover on Sunday at the Pub’s Sunday Rehab Brunch starting at 11:30AM. Then relax and listen to some Jazz Grooves there from 1-4PM.

Block Island Restaurant Week – June 9-14

Taste some of what Block Island has to offer during Block Island’s restaurant week.

You’ll find exceptional deals anytime of the day - with prices ranging from $10-$14 for lunch and $21-29 for dinner. Imagine getting a gourmet three-course prix-fixe meal for only $29? That’s pretty sweet.

Check the Block Island Chamber of Commerce's site for a list of participating restaurants, menus, and deals. Also make sure you make reservations in advance as some restaurants can get busy.

Block Island Walking Festival – June 10-12

Take in all of Block Island’s beauty and history while getting a little exercise with a special guided walking tour.

Block Island Recreation is hosting its second Walking Festival. For $40 you are taken on three-guided walks per day. You’ll discover that over 47% of the island is dedicated to nature reserve while learning about the history and topography of the island.

For details and to sign up for the event here is a link to Block Island Recreation’s Eventbrite page.

Block Island Film Festival – June 11-15

Hollywood is coming to Block Island. The inaugural Block Island Film Festival will take place in the historic Water Street district by Old Harbor. You’ll be able to check out film screenings at Ballard’s Inn and the National Hotel, along with other presentations, programs, and special sessions.

You can find the latest information, ticket prices, and program calendar for the festival at www.blockislandfilmfestival.org.

Block Island Music Festival – June 11-16

If you love music you won’t want to miss this FREE event with two stages, 6 days and 48 music acts!

The Block Island Music Festival is in its 19th year and brings the best up-and-coming musical acts from the Northeast to Captain Nick’s. During the early evening starting at 5pm everyone is welcome to catch any of the four daily acts on the outdoor “Sunshine Stage”. Bring the kids!

From 9PM-1AM only adults 21 and over are allowed in to see the four acts on the indoor Main Stage. Did I mention food is free at the events (well until supplies run out)? So come sample some delicious BBQ and all types of music.

Block Island Farmers' Market – June 15

The Block Island Farmers’ Market returns on June 15 and runs through October 12.

Rain or shine the market will be there every Saturday morning from 9-11:30 AM at Legion Park.

And if for some reason you can’t make it on Saturdays – the market will also be at Spring House Field every Wednesday morning through Labor Day.

Sample and buy delicious local fruits, veggies, cheese, honey, dips, and more. Or let the little ones partake in some arts and crafts. There are treats for everyone at the Block Island Farmers’ Market.

Block Island Race Week – June 23-28

It’s a sight to behold as huge sailboats race through the Block Island Sound. Around 150 boats and their crew will make their way to the island for Race Week, an event hosted every other year by the Storm Trysail club.

I’m not a sailing expert but it’s sounds like a racing enthusiasts dream - there will be One Design racing for all classes that participate, mixed fleet racing under PHRF, ORC, and IRC rating rules and much more. But if that sounds like another language to you, like it does to me, just come and enjoy some cool looking boats.

Locals say the best views of the race are from the beaches and elevated points, especially from Mohegan Bluffs.

Marsh Mucking with The Nature Conservancy – June 24

What’s better than splashing around in the water, scavenger hunting, and learning about nature? Nothing! And you can do it all every Monday at 9AM starting on June 24th through September 1st.

Every Monday morning the Nature Conservancy will host its Marsh Mucking walks - taking kids and adults on a scavenger hunt through the salt marsh at Andy’s Way. Learn about the plants, animals, birds, and sea life of the marsh all for free.

Block Island Ferry Wind Farm Tours – June 26

Block Island is home to the America’s first offshore wind farm. Just 3.3 miles of the coast of the island – five turbines create enough power for 17,000 homes. Wow!

If you want to see these impressive wind turbines for yourself – narrated one-hour tours aboard high-speed Block Island ferries leave Old Harbor every Wednesday and Friday at 3:45 PM from June 26 – August 28.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for kids 5-11 and tickets can be reserved at www.blockislandferry.com.

Block Island Arts and Crafts Guild Fair – June 30

Finding one of a kind unique gifts and keepsakes is really hard these days but not at the Block Island Arts and Crafts fair. There you’ll discover handmade paintings, sculptures, jewelry, fabrics, and more. It’s also a great way to support local members of the community.

The fair runs several times this summer (June 30, July 21, August 18, September 1, September 22, and October 12) from 9AM to 2PM on the lawn of the Block Island Historical Society. It’s free and open to all.