As you might know, calamari is Rhode Island’s official state appetizer, so it makes sense for the area to hold an annual festival in its honor.
The 2024 Rhode Island Calamari Festival will take place on Saturday, September 21, at Veterans Park in Narragansett, giving locals and visitors the chance to sample squid from multiple local restaurants.
The event is one of Narragansett’s most popular festivals, attracting thousands of people and serving more than 1,500 pounds of calamari. It runs from 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM, so you’ll have plenty of time to try all the vendors.
Here’s everything you need to know about attending the 2024 Calamari Festival in Narragansett, Rhode Island.
About the Event
The concept behind the Calamari Festival is simple: you buy a ticket, show up, and sample calamari from multiple Rhode Island restaurants.
The cost of your ticket, which is very reasonably priced at $20 in advance or $25 at the door, includes your calamari tastings. From there, you can hang out and enjoy the atmosphere all day long.
There’s also a competitive element to the event, as there will be prizes for the best overall dish, the most original recipe, and the most spirited team.
If you love calamari and a good party, buy your tickets to the 2024 Rhode Island Calamari Festival in advance to take advantage of the early-bird pricing.
Competitors in 2024
The lineup of restaurants at the 2024 festival will ensure fierce competition and delicious food. All of these spots serve calamari regularly and will bring their A-game for the event.
For starters, Narragansett’s own Coast Guard House will be competing. This restaurant is right across the street from the venue and is one of the region’s most popular eateries.
Other local Narragansett restaurants competing in 2024 include multi-time winner George’s of Galilee, Iggy’s Doughboys and Chowderhouse in Point Judith, and The Surf Shack.
Restaurants from other parts of the state will also appear at the festival. These spots include Rosa’s Tavern from East Providence, Dune Brothers Seafood in downtown Providence, and Mona Lisa Restaurant from Providence’s Federal Hill neighborhood.
These eateries will be cooking up some of the fresh squid that comes into the Port of Galilee daily, and there’s a very good chance you’ll find the best calamari you’ve ever tasted.
Other Food Options
Of course, not everyone likes calamari, but you don’t have to miss out on a fun event just because you’re not a seafood lover.
That’s because the venue will have other food trucks on-site, including Friskie Fries, Del’s Lemonade, Haven Brothers, Sunset Beach Aquaculture, and Sam’s New York System.
You’ll have to pay for your food from these trucks, but it’s a nice touch that ensures you can still enjoy the festivities, even if you aren’t a calamari fan.
On-Site Entertainment
A festival wouldn’t be the same without some entertainment, and this event has you covered in that regard.
First, there will be music by Pleasure Sounds Unlimited and DJ Joe Vingi all day. Vingi is a popular South County DJ, and he’ll keep the tunes pumping all day long while you enjoy the festivities.
That’s not all, though, as there’s a beer garden serving local craft beers and other drinks from nearby vendors. Whether you want a pint, some wine, or a cocktail, the beer garden has what you’re looking for and probably a whole lot more.
Tickets and Parking
The Rhode Island Calamari Festival will surely be an all-day party with some of the best calamari you’ve ever tried, making it well worth your time during your South County vacation.
Remember, you can buy tickets online ahead of time or grab them at the door, but keep in mind that they always sell out as the day progresses.
Kids 12 and under are free but don’t include tastings. If your kids want to try some calamari, they’ll need an adult ticket.
All the beach parking lots will be open throughout the day to accommodate visitors, with the best option being Narragansett Town Beach because it’s only about a five-minute walk from the festivities.
If you’re visiting South County this September, book your vacation rental nearby and make the Rhode Island Calamari Festival part of your plans.