41st Annual Charlestown Seafood Festival
The 41st Annual Charlestown Seafood Festival returns to Ninigret Park from Friday, August 7, through Sunday, August 9, serving up three days of fresh Rhode Island seafood, nationally known tribute bands, carnival rides, fireworks, artisan vendors, family activities, and one of the biggest summer celebrations on the South County calendar. Hosted by the Charlestown Chamber of Commerce, the annual festival combines the flavors of the Ocean State with the excitement of a county fair, creating a weekend that has become a summertime tradition for generations of families.
While seafood remains the headline attraction, the festival has grown into far more than a food event. More than 55 food vendors, two Beer & Wine Tents, a full midway, arts and crafts marketplace, Kid Zone, classic car show, strolling entertainers, and nonstop live music give visitors plenty of reasons to spend an entire day exploring the grounds. From fresh oysters harvested just miles away to nationally recognized tribute bands performing into the evening, nearly every corner of Ninigret Park offers something new to discover.
Whether you’re planning to feast on lobster rolls and chowder, spend the afternoon riding carnival attractions, browse handcrafted artwork, or end your evening beneath Saturday night’s fireworks, the Charlestown Seafood Festival delivers one of southern New England’s signature summer weekends.
Seafood Takes Center Stage
Rhode Island’s coastal heritage is on full display throughout the festival, with more than 55 food vendors serving everything from traditional New England seafood classics to creative modern dishes.
Festival favorites include:
- Fresh lobster rolls
- Whole steamed lobster dinners
- Native Rhode Island oysters
- Littleneck clams
- Shrimp cocktail
- Raw bars
- Clam cakes
- Fish & chips
- New England clam chowder
- Stuffed quahogs (“stuffies”)
- Steamers with drawn butter
- Tuna nachos
- Jonah crab rolls
Featured seafood vendors include:
- 401 Oyster Seafood Truck
- Ninigret Nectars & Blue Rocks Catering
- Roy Boys Clam Shack
- Newport Chowder Company
- 401 Oyster Company
- Matunuck Oyster Bar
- D & L Lobster
Main Stage Entertainment
Three full days of live music headline the festival.
Friday
- David Tessier and the All Stars
- Take It To The Bridge
- The Senders
Saturday
- Amber Rose and the Renegades
- Vyntyge Skynyrd
- Legacy (Journey • Foreigner • Styx Tribute)
- Dirty Deeds (AC/DC Tribute)
Sunday
- Ed Peabody and the Big Blue Thang
- Eight to the Bar
- Experience Queen featuring Jesse Agan
- Raise Your Hands (Bon Jovi Tribute)
Throughout the weekend, Stella Tunes Karaoke & DJ keeps the Small Stage near the carnival active from afternoon through evening.
Saturday Night Fireworks
One of the weekend’s biggest traditions returns Saturday night.
At 9:00 p.m., the sky above Ninigret Park lights up with a spectacular fireworks display, providing the perfect finale to a full day of seafood, rides, and live music.
Rain date: Sunday evening.
Carnival Midway
The midway, presented by Cushing Amusements, operates throughout all three days with rides and classic carnival games for every age.
Friday Ride Special
Ride all attractions from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for $35.
Kid Zone
Families with younger children will find plenty to keep kids entertained.
Activities include:
- Face painting
- Clowns
- Jugglers
- Balloon artists
- Cornhole
- Ladder Ball
- Seahorse Ring Toss
- Ocean-themed Tic-Tac-Toe
- Giant Connect Four
- Giant Jenga
- Coloring station
- Checkers
- Bubble activities
- Axe throwing
- Additional games and activities throughout the weekend
The Kid Zone is located near the front entrance by the picnic pavilion.
Throughout Saturday, performers including jugglers, balloon twisters, clowns, and other entertainers also stroll the festival grounds.
Arts & Crafts Marketplace
Take a break from the food and midway to browse dozens of local and regional artisans displaying handcrafted jewelry, artwork, home décor, woodworking, photography, pottery, and other one-of-a-kind creations.
The arts and crafts area has become one of the festival’s most popular shopping destinations, making it easy to find a unique gift while supporting local artists.
Beer & Wine Tent
The Charlestown Chamber of Commerce operates two Beer & Wine Tents, the only locations inside the festival serving alcoholic beverages.
Available beverages include:
- Beer
- Wine
- Prosecco
- Hard seltzers
- Non-alcoholic beer
Sunday Car & Bike Show
Sunday also features the popular Charlestown Seafood Festival Car & Bike Show, presented with the Rhode Island Street Rodding Association.
The show begins at 11:00 a.m., with participating vehicles arriving between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. at Gate 1.
All makes and models are welcome, with antique vehicles (30 years or older) joining modern classics in one of the weekend’s most popular attractions.
Festival Information Tent
Need directions or have questions?
Stop by the Charlestown Chamber of Commerce Information & Merchandise Tent where volunteers can help with festival information while offering official apparel and souvenirs.
Admission
Adults: $14
Seniors (65+): $10
Military with ID: $10
Children 10 & Under: FREE
Parking
Parking is free.
Visitors are encouraged to make the suggested $2 donation, which benefits local scholarship and fire department programs.
Event Details
Event: 41st Annual Charlestown Seafood Festival
Dates:
Friday, August 7, 2026
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Sunday, August 9, 2026
Location:
Ninigret Park
5 Park Lane
Charlestown, RI 02813
Daily Schedule At A Glance
Friday
- Gates open at Noon
- Seafood vendors
- Carnival
- Arts & Crafts
- Kid Zone
- Live music
- Karaoke
Saturday
- Gates open at 11:00 a.m.
- Full entertainment schedule
- Carnival
- Kid Zone
- Arts & Crafts
- Fireworks at 9:00 p.m.
Sunday
- Gates open at 11:00 a.m.
- Car & Bike Show
- Southern New England Witch Dancers
- Queen Tribute
- Bon Jovi Tribute
- Festival closes at 9:00 p.m.
More Information
Additional schedules, entertainment updates, ticket information, and vendor details are available by clicking the Event Website link at the bottom of this page.
