Things to do in Pawtucket

Vibrant Pawtucket, Rhode Island: Culture, Creativity, and Recreation

Pawtucket, Rhode Island, is a city rich in cultural heritage and creative energy, offering a variety of activities for all interests. The city is famously home to the Slater Mill Historic Site, a landmark of the American Industrial Revolution, now a museum that provides a fascinating look at early American industry. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the Pawtucket Arts Festival, an annual event that showcases local and national artists across multiple disciplines. The city's thriving arts scene is also evident in its numerous galleries and studios, particularly in the Arts and Entertainment District. For sports fans, McCoy Stadium offers a chance to catch a minor league baseball game in a family-friendly atmosphere. Additionally, the Blackstone River provides scenic paths for biking and walking, enhancing Pawtucket’s appeal as a place of both historical significance and modern-day leisure.

What's it like to live in Pawtucket?

Shopping & Things To Do

This renovated mill is a mixed-use commercial space building with several different venues, restaurants, and businesses. You can see a live music show at The Met, go bowling at Breaktime Bowl & Bar, or peruse Twenty Stories bookstore for a gift. Hope Artiste Village is also home to the Wintertime Farmers Market, held on Saturday afternoons from November to March.

A true gem for people who love antiquing and finding novel pieces of furniture and decor for their homes. You can find anything here — jewelry, knick-knacks, paintings, furniture, and artifacts of all kinds. Plus, the price range fits anybody’s budget, whether you want to spend $10 or $1,000 (or more).

Located right in the middle of downtown, this beautifully restored and maintained historic site was built in 1793. It was one of the first water-powered cotton-spinning mills of its time and is considered as “the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution” in America. The mill is now a museum filled with textile machinery from the 18th century to the early 20th century. Visitors can tour the mill and exhibits to see these unique and preserved tools. It’s a lot of fun and only $12 for adults.

Great places to try

We’d be remiss not mentioning at least a few “classic” local spots! For breakfast, definitely check out Modern Diner for their historic train car restaurant and hometown atmosphere. Then stop by the Garden Grille for a vegetarian or vegan treat (don’t knock it till you try it!) And finally, grab a spot at the ever-popular Rasoi for an Indian dish you won’t believe. For the after-dinner crowd, go to Murphy’s Law to watch a sports game or shoot pool!

Pawtucket Breweries

Pawtucket has suddenly become a “hot spot” for beer. Grab a tour, have a tasting, or attend events throughout the year! Here are some great breweries to visit:

Recreation & Activities

Pawtucket’s most popular outdoor recreation space with 200 acres of greenery, sports facilities, dog parks, and nature preserves. The park is home to the historic Looff Carousel, which is the oldest Loof stander carousel in the world (built in 1895). Slater offers a wide range of sporting fields and courts, including 11 ballfields, 10 tennis courts, and one basketball court. The Pawtucket Fall Festival is thrown here every year and you can attend free exercise classes in the summer months.

Fairlawn Veterans Memorial Park

Nestled right behind Nathanael Greene Elementary School, this 20-acre park is a perfect spot to bring your dog or have a summer picnic. It has the only outdoor public swimming pool in the city. Sports facilities include six ballfields, four tennis courts, and one basketball court.

Pawtucket recently put two million dollars into renovations for this riverfront park. It’s home to the famous Dragon Boat Races & Taiwan Day Festival event every year, where you can watch teams paddle their way through obstacles and  “capture the flag” games, plus live entertainment on the pier. It’s also just a nice place to sit and relax and enjoy the view (or go fishing!)

A two-mile bike path connecting Slater Park to the Kimberly Ann Athletic Fields in East Providence. It’s a scenic route along the James Turner Reservoir and follows the natural curving landscape, unlike other bike paths in the state.

An annual arts festival celebrating Pawtucket’s creative and cultural life. It’s a month-long celebration from September 1 – 30th, with many public indoor and outdoor exhibitions throughout the city.

A private country club and 18-hole golf course originally built in 1902. It has withstood the test of time and in still considered one of the best golf courses in RI. They offer members a pro shop, full-serving dining and banquet facility, and an Olympic sized swimming pool.

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