Lafayette Band summer season begins with two RI250 concerts in June

It’s time to enjoy another summer of free live music as the Lafayette Band of North Kingstown launches its schedule of 10 free performances in 2026. The season begins with a pair of RI250 concerts – one in North Kingstown and another in East Greenwich – celebrating Rhode Island’s role in shaping American history over the past two-and-a-half centuries.

Yet another schedule highlight is North Kingstown’s traditional Independence Day event, this year on July 4, beginning with a concert from 7 to 9 p.m., followed by the town’s professional fireworks display after dark over Wickford Harbor. Other performances on the schedule include joint appearances with associated musical groups, an ice cream social event, and a concert at the town library.

The nonprofit Lafayette Band was founded more than 140 years ago, making it one of the oldest bands in Rhode Island. Its mission is to strengthen North Kingstown and surrounding communities through music. Performances feature patriotic and classical music, show tunes, marches and more, led by Music Director Charles Johnson. Admission is always free. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating.

The Lafayette Band’s full schedule for spring/summer 2026 is:

Wed., June 10, 7 p.m.
RI250 Concert
Lafayette Band Stand
North Kingstown Town Beach

Sun., June 21, 5 p.m.
RI250 Concert
Varnum House
57 Peirce Street
East Greenwich

Wed., June 24, 7 p.m.
Joint concert with R.I. Wind Ensemble
North Kingstown Town Beach

Sat., July 4, 7 p.m.
Independence Day Celebration
Sponsored by Dave’s Fresh Marketplace
Concert followed by Fireworks at 9 p.m.
(Rain date: Mon., July 6)

Wed., July 8, 7 p.m.
St. John the Divine
Church Way & Willett Rd., Saunderstown
Ice Cream Social following concert

Sun., July 12, 5 p.m.
Historic Music of Newport
Touro Park, 128 Mill Street, Newport

Wed., July 15, 7 p.m.
Joint concert with N.K. Community Chorus
North Kingstown Town Beach
(Rain date for chorus: Wed., July 22)

Wed., July 22, 7 p.m.
North Kingstown Town Beach
Sponsored by Center for Mediation Rhode Island

Wed., July 29, 7 p.m.
North Kingstown Town Beach

Wed., Aug. 5, 6:30 p.m.
N.K. Free Library
100 Boone St., Wickford (indoors)

In case of rain, any concert held at the North Kingstown Town Beach (except July 4) will be moved inside the adjacent N.K. Community Center, if possible. For updates, go to lafayettebandri.org, or facebook.com/LafayetteBand.RI.