In Charlestown, Rhode Island, you’ll find a great vacation destination with a stunningly beautiful coastline, old-world charm, and ample activities for all ages.

Charlestown won’t disappoint when it comes to finding things to do. If you’re a fan of the beach, explore the miles of pristine and untouched coastline including great public areas like East Beach, Charlestown State Breachway, and Quonochontaug Beach. The parks away from the coast will impress you as well. Areas such as Burlingame State Park and Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge are picture perfect and will give you opportunities to partake in some swimming, bird watching, and more. If you’re with the family make sure to stop by Adventureland, Fantastic Umbrella Factory, and Water Wizz of Westerly. Charlestown also lays claim to some can’t miss community events. The annual Rhythm & Roots Festival has established itself as one of the best music-centric events in the region and is the perfect event to introduce you to the area.

The Rhythm & Roots festival has been bringing the best in roots music to Rhode Island for nearly 20 years. This family friendly event is great for everyone and attracts more than 10,000 attendees each year. Held at the beautiful Ninigret Park, the music will be on point and surroundings are scenic, giving the festival a unique feel. You’ll encounter a variety of activities at the event including dancing, dance lessons, as well as vendors selling a variety of items and a great assortment of food options. This event is perfect for kids thanks to a free music camp, fun games to enjoy, storytelling and more. On top of that, you will have access to all the fun activities that Ninigret Park can provide. What better way to wrap up your summer than a trip to beautiful Charlestown for the great music and activities of the Rhythm & Roots Festival? ResortsandLodges.com got the opportunity to interview Laurie Ramaker, Marketing Specialist for the festival, to talk all about this unique music expierece.

RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.

LR: This will be the 19th year of Rhythm & Roots Festival. We’ve typically seen a large turnout, and this year we expect between 10,000 and 12,000 people in attendance. Demographically we see couples, families, singles and groups of friends. Everyone is encouraged to come out and have a great time at the festival.

RAL: What makes this event unique?

LR: It’s a combination of quality music (Cajun, Zydeco, Americana and Blues), food, dancing and a beautiful natural setting. Combine all these factors and our event really sets itself apart. You won’t find many music festivals like ours.

RAL: What can attendees expect for activities?

LR: Here is a quick list.

  • Four music stages (main, dance, roots & family)
  • Dance lessons
  • Free Cajun kids music camp
  • Games
  • Storytelling
  • Crafts

RAL: Will there be dining options?

LR: Yes, there will be dozens of tantalizing food vendors. You’ll find a variety of options including seafood (clam cakes, chowder, fish, shrimp), Cajun, smoked meats, oysters, Thai, Greek, American, desserts, frozen lemonade and beer and wine.

RAL: What is the overall environment like?

LR: Rural Charlestown is scenic, laid back and relaxing. The festival is only minutes from beautiful Rhode Island beaches in a grassy field at Ninigret Park.

RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?

LR: Yes, with over 10,000 people entering the community we see a significant bump in sales during and around event time.

RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community? (School funds, etc.)

LR: Our festival supports the local food bank RICAN, VSA Arts, and builds awareness of the Rhode Island Native American culture by partnering with the Tomaquag Museum. They perform the opening ceremony blessing and offer various activities in the kids tent.

RAL: Does lodging hit max occupancy during the event?

LR: Yes it can since this a popular festival in a beach community. Camping on-site is recommended.

RAL: Why should people come to your event?

LR: It is a place where couples, families and friends come together for reuniting, relaxing and to enjoy four stages of great live music. We see many of our patrons return year after year as a tradition. In fact, many families have their annual family reunions at the festival. You get hooked! Kids have many activities like the family stage with storytelling, crafts, dance, music, and movies. There is a playground and swimming pond on festival grounds as well. There isn’t a better place to be on Labor Day weekend!

By: Thomas Schultz  posted Mon, Aug 15, 2016 in SPECIALINTEREST