The Weekend Roundup: May 5-7

Friday
May wouldn’t be complete without Cinco de Mayo festivities. Celebrate at The Beachcomber in Portsmouth where the beach-themed hot spot will be pulling out all the stops. Don’t miss out on dinner and drink specials, free giveaways and live music all night long. See which of your friends can dance the longest and have the best time at this fiesta. 506 Park Avenue, Portsmouth. 

Laugh it up with stand-up comedian and writer Julian McCullough at the Comedy Connection. Julian has conquered the New York comedy scene, performing at legendary clubs like Comedy Cellar and Caroline’s on Broadway, while opening for stars like Lewis Black and Dave Chappelle. Fans of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and MTV’s hit series Guy Code, both of which have featured Julian, can get a taste of their favorite shows live. 39 Warren Avenue, East Providence. 

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo by partying the night away at the Ocean Mist. The beachside bar will be running taco and drink specials, plus local party band Those Guys will be keeping the music going long into the night. It might not be south of the border, but sometimes South County is south enough. 895 Matunuck Beach Road, Matunuck.

Saturday
In Downcity is throwing their sixth annual spring party with Taco Fest. The free celebration is bigger than ever this year, and features Mijos Tacos, Laughing Gorilla, Poco Loco Tacos, Tallulah’s Taqueria and Fugo for savory options. Like No Udder and Millie’s Macaroon Cart are on board for something sweet. There will be cocktails available at Grant’s Block, kid-friendly drinks and live music all day. Plus, the Rock n’ Roll yard sale returns because nothing says spring like shopping downtown with a taco in one hand and a margarita in the other. 260 Westminster Street between Eddy and Mathewson streets. Providence.

Join the Roger Williams Park Conservancy for Celebrate Roger Williams Park. The day will have plenty of events to get you excited about the season, including food trucks, yoga at the Temple of Music and a guided trail walk. Added bonus: The Natural History Museum and Planetarium and the Botanical Center will offer free admission all day long. 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence.

More than 50 local artists are opening their studio doors for the Valley Arts Annual Open Studios. Stroll the Woonasquatucket River Valley and peek behind the scenes at Nicholson File (350 Kinsley Avenue), The Wurks (33 Acorn Street), The Steel Yard (27 Sims Avenue) and others. Providence. 

Don’t miss your chance at a stunning night view of the city with delicious cocktails to boot at REVEL! A Gala for the Wilbury Theatre Group. Party in the historic Superman Building while enjoying live music, savory bites and an open bar. 111 Westminster Street, Providence. 

Chalk isn’t just for kids – it’s for artists, too. The Chalk the Block drawing contest welcomes all ages to claim their 4 x 4 square, grab some chalk and turn the streets of East Greenwich into vibrant canvasses of color. Looking for some competition? The best chalk design not only gets bragging rights, but awards and prizes, too. Don’t miss the chance to chalk it up for the real winner, East Greenwich school art departments, who will receive a portion of the profits. 125 Main Street, East Greenwich.  

If it’s been a long time since you rock and rolled, ramble on to the Courthouse Center for the Arts and give a whole lotta love to Rhode Island-based Led Zeppelin tribute band Custard Pie. For years, they’ve been leaving audiences dazed and confused with their spot on recreation of Zep’s legendary sound. 3481 Kingstown Road, West Kingston. 

Sunday
Chuck Staton from Providence punk band Senior Discount and his buddy Brad are coming up on the 300-episode mark of their hilarious weekly podcast Agreeing to Disagree. In that time they’ve geeked out about all things pop culture and interviewed local comics, artists and musicians. To celebrate the milestone they’ll be recording their 300th episode in front of a live audience at Fete. 103 Dike Street, Providence. 

All Weekend
After decades of entertaining Rhode Islanders of all ages, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is taking a final bow at the Dunkin Donut Center. This won't just be their last visit to Providence, but the last show after more than a century of high-flying stunts and unbelievable performances. 1 LaSalle Square, Providence. 

The reenactment is coming! The reenactment is coming! Travel back in time with the General Nathanael Greene Homestead to watch the Revolutionary War unfold. The event is perfect for history buffs who want to see military camps, cannon demonstrations, battle scenes and tours of General Greene’s home. 50 Taft Street, Coventry.

Grab your fairy wings and get to Blithewold for Enchanted Fairy Fun in the enclosed garden. Each of the two weekends will feature live music to rock out to from the Fairy Queen, Mary King and Ladies of the Rolling Pin. There are crafts for the kids, including a special project for Mother’s Day that kids get to do with Mom and a magical Maypole dance for fairies of all ages to see. Plus there’s plenty to eat with food trucks at the event, including Paco’s Tacos. It’s all the perfect reason to dress up and make believe. Is that fairy dust we see? 101 Ferry Road, Bristol.