Although the end of summer is always a sad time in South County, the fun doesn’t necessarily have to stop after Labor Day.
After all, there are plenty of events in the late summer and early fall that make the area an excellent place to visit in the shoulder season, and you won’t have to fight the crowds if you take your South County vacation in September or October.
One such event is the Endless Summer Festival, which takes place at Narraganset Town Beach. The festival features music, food, and drinks in a scenic environment, giving attendees one more week of summer in the middle of September.
The 2022 version of the festival runs on Friday, September 16, and Saturday, September 17, giving visitors a couple of chances to enjoy the music.
Here’s what you can expect when visiting the 2022 Endless Summer Festival in Narraganset, RI.
The Music Lineup
The music festival lineup is relatively limited, but it will keep you entertained.
Everything kicks off on September 16 at 6:00 PM with Steve Smith & The Nakeds, a group that got its start in 1973 and was inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame in 2013. The group is iconic in coastal Rhode Island and will surely get your weekend off on the right foot with its performance.
On September 17, the festival picks up where it left off with a concert by AirPlay, a seven-piece cover band that plays a little bit of everything. AirPlay tours all over Rhode Island, and they’re the perfect opening act on the second day of this festival. This show begins at 3:00 PM and will run until about 5:00.
The Saturday headliner is Roomful of Blues, a blues and swing band from Westerly with a national following. The band has been around for over 50 years and has been nominated for five Grammy Awards in that time. Roomful of Blues will play from 6:00 until 7:30.
These concerts are entirely free and fun for the whole family. Make sure you take advantage of this wonderful event while spending time in South County.
Food and Drinks
The music isn’t the only thing going on at the Endless Summer Festival, as you can purchase beer, wine, and food from the vendors on the beach.
The festival’s parking lot will be full of food trucks, so you can wander up for a quick meal. Burgers, ribs, pulled pork, fries, and many other items are available, and there’s an ice cream truck for dessert.
You’ll also find a beer vendor right in the sand selling local craft beer and a selection of wine. There’s something special about enjoying a beer or two in the sand while the sun sets on a late summer’s day, and the Endless Summer Festival provides that exact opportunity.
Craft Vendors
The craft vendors at the Endless Summer Festival give it even more appeal, as you can pick up some souvenirs to remind you of your time in South County.
These vendors are scattered all over the beach, turning this oceanfront park into an artisan market during the festival.
You’d struggle to find a better spot to do your souvenir shopping while vacationing on the East Coast, and many items are hand-made and one-of-a-kind.
Children’s Activities
While the music and drinks make the Endless Summer Festival an adult party, it’s also kid-friendly, and there are activities available for the young ones.
First, there’s the beach, as it’s often warm enough during the day to enjoy the water at this time of year. The kids can make sand castles or wade into the water while parents groove to the music playing in the distance.
There’s a bouncy castle at the festival, too, giving your kids something different to do away from the water. The bouncy castle is always a hit, with many children calling it the highlight of their weekend.
What Else You Should Know
All concerts will take place at the Cabana Horseshoe on the north end of Narragansett Beach. There’s plenty of space to spread out in this location, and the Narragansett Bay backdrop makes it a one-of-a-kind concert venue.
You should know that coolers and tents are prohibited, and you must bring your own chairs or beach blankets if you want somewhere to sit. Pets are also banned from the beach.
Checking out the Endless Summer Festival is sure to leave you loving your end-of-summer vacation in Narragansett. Make sure you visit if you’re heading to South County in September.
