In February 2022, the Rhythm and Roots Festival’s 70-year-old founder, Chuck Wentworth, announced that the event wouldn’t be taking place this year, and there was a fear it would be canceled for good. Wentworth was suffering from health issues, and navigating the challenges of organizing a family-run music festival just wasn’t in the cards.
Fortunately, Goodworks Entertainment, a Hartford-based music promoter, stepped up, and the 2022 Rhythm and Roots Festival is scheduled for Labor Day Weekend at Charlestown’s Ninigret Park.
The continuation of this event is a massive relief for local businesses that rely on the 10,000 end-of-summer visitors the festival brings to South County. It’s also great news for vacationers planning to visit the area between September 2 and 4.
Here’s a look at what you can expect when attending to 2022 Rhythm and Roots Festival in Charlestown, Rhode Island.
The Artist Lineup
Each day has a different lineup at Rhythm and Roots, giving attendees plenty of opportunities to check out a variety of acts.
Friday, September 2, will bring bands like Cowboy Mouth, The New Orleans Suspects, the Honey Island Swamp Band, and Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole to the stage starting at 4:00 PM. The music will continue until about 11:00, giving you a ton of time to enjoy it if you get there early.
On Saturday, September 3, the fun kicks off at noon and continues until 11:00 PM. Acts hitting the main stage on Saturday include Grace Potter, The Pine Leaf Boys, Donna the Buffalo, Willie J. Laws, and Los Texmaniacs.
The festival’s final day also runs between noon and 11:00 PM and features the music of Little Feat, Samantha Fish, Nick Bosse and the Northern Roots, and Planet Zydeco.
In addition to the main stage, the venue has two dancing tents where you can check out smaller acts in a more intimate environment. This feature ensures you can enjoy the festival whichever way you’re most comfortable.
Food Vendors
You’re sure to get hungry while enjoying the music at Rhythm and Roots, and, fortunately, you’ll have plenty of options available.
Local producers offering seafood, BBQ ribs, gyros, Middle Eastern cuisine, and dessert are ready to go for this year’s event, and there will be beer and wine vendors, as well.
Going hungry won’t be an option at Rhythm and Roots because these vendors will have whatever you’re craving throughout the weekend.
Artisan Crafts
The festival has a craft market, too, making it easy to pick up some souvenirs to commemorate your time in South County. These booths have all kinds of handmade jewelry, along with imported gift items. You can also grab some dance wear, a new air chair, some local honey, or a CD by a performer you enjoyed.
You can buy some Rhythm and Roots swag, too, if you’re looking to show off how much fun you had on your South County vacation.
Other On-Site Activities
The music, food, and artisan market sound like a lot, but there’s more going on at Rhythm and Roots that you’ll want to check out. That’s because the venue sits on the shores of Little Ninigret Pond, which has a beach and is a great spot to cool off if the weather is hot.
There’s a playground near the swimming area, as well, in addition to a nature area, a shade pavilion, and a water fill station. Little Ninigret Pond will likely become your escape during your time at the festival because you can head into the water to cool off any time you wish.
A Late Summer Vacation Destination
Tickets to Rhythm and Roots are $199 for all three days, $49 for just Friday, and $79 for Saturday or Sunday. You can also grab a two-day Saturday and Sunday pass for $149 or a Friday and Saturday pass for $119.
There’s a day parking area near the festival’s main entrance. This parking lot is spacious and free, so you should be able to find a spot.
Booking a vacation rental in the Charlestown area for Labor Day Weekend puts you close to the action at Ninigret Park. It’s even possible to walk to the festival if you secure a rental in the Charlestown Beach area, eliminating the need to walk anywhere while enjoying Rhythm and Roots this summer.