15 Best Performing Arts Venues in Rhode Island, USA

A great way to experience the Newport mansions is at one of the 30 or so classical music concerts presented every July during the Newport Music Festival. Performances by world-class artists are scheduled at the Elms, the Breakers, and other venues. Selected works are chosen from 19th-century chamber music, vocal repertoire, Romantic-era piano literature, opera, and even Broadway and popular music. Every year features free opening and family concerts.

The Newport Folk Festival has been going strong since 1959, when it introduced musicians such as Joan Baez and the Kingston Trio. Held the last full weekend in July, the festival's acts now span folk, blues, country, bluegrass, folk rock, alt-country, indie folk, folk punk, even reggae. Lineups mix veteran performers like Brandi Carlisle, Joni Mitchell, Phil Lesh, and Grace Potter with younger stars like Hozier, Molly Tuttle, and Bonny Light Horseman. The festival is held rain or shine, and seating is general admission on a large, uncovered lawn. Purchase tickets early; they go on sale in February and sell out quickly.

Since 1933, directors, choreographers, and performers have been coming from New York City to present a season of summer musicals, concerts, and events (including a children's festival) in an old 500-seat barn theater a quarter mile from the ocean. This is high-quality summer stock. Arrive early for dinner at the bistro on the property and to enjoy the garden bar.

Formerly the Dunkin' Donuts Center, and now dubbed "The Amp," this 14,000-seat arena hosts major rock, R&B, country, and other musical acts, as well as Providence College basketball games and the American Hockey League's Providence Bruins.

This independent movie theater on Thayer Street, near Brown University, screens primarily art-house, independent, and foreign films. The College Hill theater's art deco styling dates back to its opening in 1938.

It's all about comedy here—local comics, improv, audience participation, even some geared to children. Management of the 75-seat theater tries to keep all shows PG-13, but there's no guarantee. It's BYOB; you can buy water and soda.

The grandfather of all jazz festivals, founded in 1954, takes place over three days at the end of July and/or beginning of August. The festival showcases both jazz veterans and up-and-coming artists, playing traditional and avant-garde styles. Performers in recent years have included Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Kendrick Scott, Norah Jones, and Diana Krall. The festival is held rain or shine, with open-air lawn seating. Tickets go on sale in February and sell out quickly.

Since 1983, this dinner theater has offered a varied schedule of comedies and musical shows, and tickets include a hearty buffet with homemade meatballs, pasta, turkey, ham, and lots of veggies and sides. The adorably intimate theater puts you practically in the play, and after the show you'll see the performers again as they put on a musical/comedy cabaret show at the bar.

Enjoy documentary films curated from film festivals around the world thanks to this nonprofit group, which hosts outdoor screenings and mini festivals in various outdoor spaces around Newport, with programming for both adults and students throughout the year.

Historic Benefit Street is an appropriate location for the oldest continuously running little theater in the United States. The Players have been taking the stage every year since 1909 and at the Barker Playhouse since 1932---a pretty good run for an amateur theater group. The actors may not get paid, but performances are nothing short of professional: talent fairly leaps off the stage at the former church built in 1839. Past shows have included everything from Shakespeare to Christmas plays, original works by Providence playwrights to Stephen Sondheim musicals.

The 3,100-seat center, which opened in 1928 as a Loew's State Theater, hosts concerts, national tours of hit Broadway shows, and other large-scale performances and events. Major renovations to this building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, restored the stage, lobby, and arcade to their original splendor. The mighty Wurlitzer organ is a particular source of pride.

Live music concerts, plays, lecture series and free movies are presented at this restored Vaudeville-era theater, built in 1926 and revived in 2001. Orchestra and balcony seating are available in the main theater; the smaller Marquee room has 26 tables for four, ideal for more intimate events. Bar service is available, and there are a number of good dining choices within walking distance of the downtown Woonsocket theater.

A past Tony Award winner for outstanding regional theater company, this troupe presents classic plays, intimate musicals, and new works by young playwrights, as well as an annual version of A Christmas Carol—all in a renovated former vaudeville house. Shows are presented on two separate stages: the 500-seat Elizabeth and Malcolm Chace Theater and the 250-seat Sarah and Joseph Dowling, Jr. Theater.

This 2,000-seat auditorium has a proscenium stage and an exquisite interior; it hosts concerts, operas, and comedy and dance performances. From September to May, the Vets is the home of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra.

This gallery hosts juried arts shows and sponsors the Wickford Art Festival in July. The association's gallery at the North Kingstown Town Beach stages exhibitions by local artists and association members and offers painting classes.