June 7 GREAT CHOWDER COOK-OFF. Restaurants from across the nation and around the globe cook up over 3,000 gallons of chowder and compete for the titles of Best Seafood, Best Creative and Best Clam chowders. Admission: Adults $15 ($10 in advance), children under 12 free with an adult. 11 AM–6 PM. Newport Yachting Center, 4 Commercial Wharf, Newport; 401-846-1600; www.newportfestivals.com.

June 7 SVF FOUNDATIONVISITORS DAY. For the second time since its inception, SVF will open its gates to the public for a selfguided tour through the historic property of Swiss Village. Numerous rare breeds of cattle, sheep and goats will be on display, along with sheep-shearing and cryogenic demonstrations. This event is free to the public and parking is available at Fort Adams (directly across from SVF).Trolleys will transport visitors back and forth from the parking area. No parking will be allowed on site. 9 AM–3 PM. www.svffoundation.org.

June 8 STRAWBERRY THANKSGIVING. The gift of friendship is the strawberry. Celebrate the harvest with delicious strawberry foods, storytelling, song and dance and theThanksgiving ceremony. 1–4 PM. Tomaquag Indian Memorial Museum, 390 Summit Rd., Exeter; 401-539-7213; lorenspears@tomaquagmuseum.com; www.tomaquagmuseum.com.

June 10 FEDERAL HILL STROLL. Stroll through one of Providence’s most culturally appealing and historically inviting neighborhoods, while sampling signature cuisine and enjoying exclusive discounts at fabulous eateries and specialty boutiques.Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. 4:30–7:30 PM. Atwells Avenue, Providence; 401-456-0200; www.federalhillstroll.com.

June 28 ZOOBILEE 2008: FEASTWITHTHE BEASTS. You’re invited to the Rhode Island Zoological Society’s 15th annual fundraising bash for the Roger Williams Park Zoo! Partygoers can explore the zoo and sample specialties from dozens of the area’s best restaurants, caterers and bars. Plus music, a raffle and a silent auction. Tickets $125 for nonmembers, $100 for members. 7–11 PM. Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence; 401-941-3910; www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org.

June 29 SAKONNET FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL. Guests will sample the culinary best of a dozen or more female chefs creating wonderful food. Wine will be supplied by Sakonnet Vineyards plus other area vineyards along with beer from local breweries. This event will benefitWomen Chefs & Restaurateurs. Advance reservation required. Tickets $80 per person. 1–4 PM rain or shine at Sakonnet Vineyards in Little Compton; 800-919-4637; www.sakonnetwine.com.

July 4 FOURTH OF JULY PARADE PICNIC. Located on the parade route, Linden Place offers bleacher-style seating, tables and chairs under linden trees, a continental breakfast and picnic lunch, restroom facilities and elbow room! $50 for adults, $35 for children. 8 AM–2 PM. Linden Place, 500 Hope St., Bristol; 401-253-0390; www.lindenplace.org.

July 6–19 PROVIDENCE RESTAURANT WEEKS. Restaurants throughout Providence will feature special prix fixe menus. www.providencerestaurantweek.com.

July 26 FIESTA VERDE. This annual fund raiser for the Aquidneck Island LandTrust has become one of the most anticipated summer bashes on Aquidneck Island and is filled with plenty of good local food and drink. A cocktail reception followed by dinner, music and dancing, a silent auction and raffle make this an evening to plan for. The 2008 Fiesta Verde will be held at Newport Vineyards, an ALT conserved property. Advance tickets required. 401-849-2799; www.ailt.org.

Aug. 1–3 THE 24th ANNUAL CHARLESTOWN CHAMBER SEAFOOD FESTIVAL. A gastronomic extravaganza of Rhode Island’s best seafood—lobster, steamers, chowder, fish and chips, clam cakes, corn on the cob, a raw bar and more! Plus arts and crafts, amusement rides, rock-climbing wall, children’s shows and classic car show. Ninigret Park, 4470 Old Post Rd. (Route 1A), Charlestown; 401-364-4031; www.charlestownrichamber.com.

Aug. 6 LOCAL FOOD FEST. An evening at Castle Hill Inn & Resort to benefit Farm Fresh RI celebrating Rhode Island farmers, fishermen and food artisans. Featuring food from a dozen local farmers and producers, each teamed up with a local chef. Plus local wines, beers, a raw bar and a silent auction. Advance tickets required. Visit www.farmfreshri.org  for more information.

Aug. 13–17 WASHINGTON COUNTY FAIR. Rhode Island’s largest agricultural event. Admission is still $9 (10 and under free), which includes all daily concerts, special acts, access to the giant midway (all ride tickets separate), with an all new kiddy-land area, exhibits and displays, livestock, tractor pulls, a farm museum, fireworks and much, much more. www.washingtoncountyfair-ri.com.

Aug. 30–Sept. 1 THE 11th ANNUAL NEWPORT WATERFRONT IRISH FESTIVAL. Experience the Emerald Isle in the City by the Sea. This three-day community event celebrates Irish cuisine, music, culture and crafts. 11 AM–6 PM. Newport Yachting Center, 4 CommercialWharf, Newport; 401-846-1600; www.newportfestivals.com.