Free Summer Activities in Westerly, Rhode Island

From the beach to the park, Westerly, Rhode Island, is the place to go when searching for free summer activities for all ages. What's unique about Westerly is that the historic town can provide big city fun in its downtown and waterfront activities just minutes away in the seaside section of Misquamicut. For visitors, that means free summer activities in Westerly can be found every day On The Beach, In The Park or Throughout Downtown.

ON THE BEACH
Summer in Westerly means free weekday activities along the beachfront of Atlantic Avenue. For the 2007 summer season, the schedule offers movies, music, classic car shows, fireworks and much more.

Every Monday from July 9-August 13 at 8:45pm, there's Fireworks On The Beach for free at Westerly Town Beach, Atlantic Avenue, Misquamicut. Every Tuesday night in July and August, it's Big Screen Movies On The Beach for the whole family. Movie night alternates among various Misquamicut beaches, and admission and parking is free. For what's playing, times and locations, call the Westerly Chamber of Commerce at 401-596-7761.

Every Wednesday night at 6pm in July and August, the Town of Westerly sponsors free Blues On The Beach. Performers include such Blues greats as Roomful of Blues and Al Copley. The free concert takes place at Westerly Town Beach, Atlantic Avenue, Misquamicut. Also on Wednesdays along the Westerly waterfront it's Hermit Crab Races at The Purple Ape, 17 Winnapaug Road, Misquamicut Beach. The races start at 7:30pm and they're free.

Thursdays in Westerly during summer brings Classic Car Shows. The free event takes place every Thursday through September 27 from 5:30pm until dusk at Paddy's Bayside Lot, 159 Atlantic Avenue, Misquamicut Beach. View a wide array of classic cars and have a chance to talk to their owners while enjoying music by WBLQ Oldies DJ, JJ MacDade.

IN THE PARK
In Westerly, the center jewel of the town is the historic Wilcox Park, an 18-acre Victorian strolling park. In itself, Wilcox Park at 44 Broad Street in downtown Westerly provides a host of free summer activities, from tossing a Frisbee in the open meadow area to touring its arboretum-quality collection of tree species, dwarf conifer collection and perennial and annual gardens. There are also eight monuments throughout the park to view on a walking tour, as well as a fishpond and fountain.

In addition, Wilcox Park hosts a variety of free summer activities. A crowd pleaser is the traditional Summer Pops concert, planned for June 23, 2007. The famed Chorus of Westerly joins with the renowned Boston Festival orchestra and special guests to present a program of popular music selections. In keeping with tradition, bring a blanket and picnic basket and enjoy the pre-show at 6:30pm, followed by the concert at 8pm and a spectacular fireworks display immediately following the concert. Admission is free. Rain dates are June 24 or June 25.

Summer in Wilcox Park also means Shakespeare in the Park. The Colonial Theatre presents Shakespeare Festival 2007 at 8pm every Tuesday-Sunday from July 12-August 5. The performed plays are selected for their suitability for all ages. And since the performances take place in an outdoor park setting, be sure to bring lawn chairs or a blanket for seating, as well as a picnic dinner. The performance is free, however donations are accepted.

THROUGHOUT DOWNTOWN
Downtown Westerly combines the quaint feel of a small town main street with the many amenities of a big city's downtown. As with many small towns, parades are in full swing during the summer months, and Westerly is no exception. Start off with the Fireman's Memorial Parade on June 10 at 9am and then be sure to catch the Summer Solstice Festival on June 21, with a host of activities, including a festive parade.

On the evening of July 7, downtown Westerly becomes aglow during River Glow. Starting at dusk, floating bonfires glow along the Pawcatuck River on Broad Street, Route 1, while entertainment takes place along the river's edge. Free entertainment includes fire jugglers, stilt-walkers, life-size puppets and live music.

Another popular downtown Westerly free summer activity in the evening is Westerly Arts Night. It's held the first Wednesday of every month from 5pm-8pm. During Westerly Arts Night, participants can visit the galleries and studios in the downtown area for free to view their exhibits and new works.