Smell the sea, and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly - by Frank Picozzi

Taking this great advice from singer Van Morrison to heart, the city has a full seasonal lineup of family-friendly events planned to help you do just that.

Picturesque Narragansett Bay is the backdrop for the annual Rocky Point Park marketplaces, where plenty of vendors, live music, and food trucks have made these events perennial favorites. Garry Hopp and Friends, the Playing Mantas, Cee Cee & The Riders, and the Down City Band are scheduled performers.

There’s nothing quite like an evening concert, and the summer series won’t disappoint! Bring your blankets or lawn chairs, grab some food from local food trucks, and settle in to enjoy the talents of some of Rhode Island’s favorite bands at great parks and seaside locations throughout Warwick. To Be Continued, Stone Cold Gypsies, Aftershock Allstar Big Band, Roadside Attraction, Cee Cee & The Riders, and Whiskey Rhode are on the lineup.

Evening summer skies are often bright with fireworks, and there are three special shows planned: the June 1 Gaspee Days extravaganza, the July 3 Independence Day celebration, and August 6 during National Night Out. Shows begin approximately at 9 p.m./dusk. Pack a cooler full of snacks and bring a blanket to watch the fireworks in comfort!

Speaking of Gaspee Days, it’s now in its 59^th year, celebrating the true first act of rebellion leading to the Revolutionary War. A full slate of activities is again planned throughout May and June. For information on these family-friendly events (there is a block party limited to individuals 21 and older), please visit gaspee.com/events.

The Central RI Chamber of Commerce will again present “Movies in the Park” – a community favorite - at Rocky Point. Shows are June 20 (Jaws), July 11 (Minions: The Rise of Gru), and July 25 (TBA), with rain dates of August 8 and 22. These family-friendly evenings also feature food trucks and vendors. Movies begin at dusk.

Summer also means Oakland Beach Cruise nights, sponsored by the Greater Warwick Lions Club and held Tuesdays from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. through September 10. Come down to the seawall to enjoy displays of classic cars, oldies music, and good food while supporting the Lions’ great work.

There’s also nothing quite like fresh, locally-grown fruits and veggies during the summer, and Warwick doesn’t disappoint! The West Bay Community Action farm stand is Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. from June 27 to October 10. The Goddard State Park farmers’ market is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays through October 11. The new Conimicut Village market is scheduled 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays through September 28. Morris Farms, a fourth-generation, family-run farm, is open daily, offering mouthwatering produce (their sweet corn is legendary), beautiful flowers, plants, and more.

But don’t visit Warwick just for the day! With a myriad of things to do and see and 16 hotels offering a range of accommodations, you can stay here conveniently and also see all that Rhode Island has to offer.

Please go to visitwarwickri.com for lodging options, detailed information about all the events mentioned here, and suggestions about what else to experience during your stay.

Frank Picozzi is the mayor of the city of Warwick, R.I.