If you plan to visit South County in the spring, Misquamicut SpringFest Weekend should be on your list of things to do. This annual event will take place on May 10, 11, and 12 in 2024 and brings all kinds of action to Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly, making it well worth a visit.
Admission is $10 in advance or $12 at the gate for adults and free for kids under seven, and there’s complimentary on-site parking, as well. You’ll also have to purchase tickets for the amusement park, with the cost varying by ride.
Locals and visitors alike look forward to Misquamicut SpringFest Weekend every year. Here’s a look at what’s in store in 2024.
Rockwell Amusements
The amusement park is the main attraction for many who attend Misquamicut SpringFest Weekend. This year will be no different, as the carnival will be in full swing for anyone who wants to check out a ride or two.
Popular attractions Rockwell Amusements is bringing to town for the event include the super slide, tilt-a-whirl, fun house, Ferris wheel, and bumper cars. The Ferris wheel is particularly scenic because it offers views of Block Island Sound from the top.
There are also carnival games like pop the balloon, skeeball, and frog bog at the event, and you can win prizes when playing.
Tickets are $1.50 each, and rides take three, four, or five tickets. You can also buy a book 25 tickets for $25 or 40 tickets for $35. Unlimited ride wristbands are available between noon and 4:00 PM on May 12 for $35.
On-Site Entertainment
There’s plenty of entertainment once you enter SpringFest, most of which takes place at the music tent. On Friday, May 10, A Short Walk to Pluto will kick off the festivities at 5:00 PM, followed by John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band at 7:30.
On May 11, there will be performances by Rock Candy, Caswell & The Peel N’ Eats, and the Undaunted Professor Harp, while May 12 will bring the Robin Hathaway Big Mouth Blues Band and One Swift Kick to the stage.
The music is free once you pay for entry, and there’s a beer and wine garden by Grey Sail Brewing near the tent, so you can have a drink or two while enjoying the performances.
Vendors and Food Trucks
You’ll find vendors everywhere at the 2024 Misquamicut SpringFest Weekend, so you can pick up some souvenirs or crafts from local producers to take home with you. The festival typically has about 50 different vendors attend, so there’s plenty of selection.
You’re sure to get hungry while exploring SpringFest, which is why organizers bring in food trucks. This year, there will be 400 feet of food vendors on-site selling things like clam cakes, burgers, steak sandwiches, gyros, sausage, and tacos. You can also get dessert items like gelato, fried dough, cotton candy, and candy apples.
The Food Truck Rodeo and vendor market are the main attractions outside of the rides and music, so make sure you give them a look while attending the festival.
The Classic Car Show
The main parking lot at the beach will host the Annual Classic Car Show from 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM on Sunday, May 12. This show is held in memory of local car lover and former president of the Misquamicut Car Club, Big John Hodis, who passed away in 2016.
The event features trophies for best in show and people’s choice and offers the opportunity to check out some rare vehicles you might not see anywhere else. Or, if you happen to be driving a classic car to South County, you can participate in the show because all are welcome.
Fun For the Entire Family
This year’s SpringFest Weekend is sure to be memorable for all who attend, and it acts as the unofficial kickoff to South County’s summer season. The event runs from 5:00 PM until 11:00 PM on May 10, 11:30 AM until 11:00 PM on May 11, and 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM on May 12, giving you lots of time to get down there.
Book your Misquamicut vacation rental early to ensure you have a spot close to the action. You won’t regret your decision to visit Misquamicut SpringFest Weekend 2024 during your South County vacation.