August 2026 Highlights From the Audubon Society of Rhode Island
An evening of music, dancing, drinks and fun!
MUSIC – DANCING – DRINKS – FUN
Audubon Concert for Conservation
Join Audubon and Playing Dead (Grateful Dead Tribute Band) for a summer concert on the lawn to support Audubon’s conservation efforts.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI; August 8, 2026
(July 7, 2026) – Enjoy the sounds of summer at Audubon! Invite some friends for an evening concert on the lawn, or head out on the trails to discover the harmonies found in nature.
Unless noted, registration is required for all programs. Register online and view a complete listing of programs through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.
Audubon Concert for Conservation
With Playing Dead (Grateful Dead Tribute Band)
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 8, 2026, 4:00-8:30pm
We’re Grateful for Nature! Join Audubon and Playing Dead for an evening of dancing, drinks, and fun—all to support Audubon’s conservation efforts. Playing Dead is a tribute to the spirit and sound of the Grateful Dead and have been performing across New England for over 20 years!
Pivotal Brewing will be serving craft beers, and food trucks will be on-site. Make your own tie-dye shirts, meet a real terrapin at Audubon’s Terrapin Station, and enjoy up-close encounters with Audubon’s Avian Ambassadors. With plenty of opportunities to give back, come dance the night away and help protect our natural world!
Bring the kids! This is a family-friendly event. Purchase tickets at asri.org/calendar.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope St, Bristol, RI; Fee: $30/member, $35/non-member; Ages: All.
New! Outside with a Guide
Audubon Small-group Tours
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
Offered Wednesdays and Fridays through August 2026.
Bring friends and family to explore the great outdoors with your own Audubon guide! Marvel at an owl or hawk in a close-up encounter, discover life on the wildlife refuge, buzz through blossoms in the pollinator garden, and explore marine life in the aquarium. Come wander and wonder with a naturalist at your own pace! Learn more at asri.org/nature-center.
Includes: Private Naturalist Guide, Close-up Encounter with a Hawk or Owl, Exploration of Trails and Gardens, Aquarium Visit, Options for Adult-only or Groups with Children.
2.5 Hours; Maximum 10 per Group.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $40/member; $50/non-member; $30/child under age 13. Ages: 5 and up. Book your private adventure at asri.org/nature-center.
Audubon Animal Ambassador Meet & Greet
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 1, 2026; 11:00am-12:00pm
Visit the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium to meet one of Audubon’s animal ambassadors and make your own ambassador animal craft to take home! Each month will feature a different animal ambassador. No need to register. Program is free with admission.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.
Audubon Nature Tales Storytime
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 6, 2026; 10:00-10:45am
Join Audubon for our monthly Nature Tales Storytime designed especially for children ages 3 to 5. Each session features a nature-themed story followed by hands-on activities that connect the story to the natural world and encourage curiosity and learning.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $8/member child, $10/non-member child. Ages: 3-5. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Adult Eco-Craft Series at Audubon: Recycled Candle Making Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 6, 2026, 6:00-7:30pm
Join Audubon once a month for eco-inspired craft programs designed for adults who enjoy creativity with purpose. In August, get creative while learning about sustainable, eco-friendly candle-making! Using recycled glass jars, make two small candles to bring home. Decorate your candle jar and choose from nature-inspired scents to make your own personalized candles. Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $25/member; $30/non-member. Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Birding for Beginners
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 8, 2026, 9:00-11:00am
Join an Audubon naturalist to learn the basics of birding. Start with a presentation on bird ID tips and tricks followed by a guided hike of the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge to put your new birding skills to the test! No prior experience needed, just bring your binoculars for a fun, bird-filled morning.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Bird Banding with Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 8, 2026; 8:00-10:00am
Learn more about birds by observing bird banding, where experts capture, band, measure, and release songbirds. Birds will be gently removed from tall “mist nets” set in Audubon’s shrubby habitats. The techniques of identifying, measuring, weighing, and banding the birds will be demonstrated before they are released. The migratory habits and life history of each captured species will be discussed. Bring a camera and binoculars. Please register early.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope St. Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member, $25/non-member; Ages: 10+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Sensory Hike with Audubon
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
August 8, 2026; 10:00am-12:00pm
Join an Audubon naturalist for a morning of exploration at Fisherville Brook using your five senses. Explore with a variety of games and activities along the trails. This is a great family program for children 5 and up.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Rd, Exeter, RI; Fee: $10/member, $14/non-member; $5/member child, $7/non-member child; Ages: 5 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Night Singers at Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge
Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
August 13, 2026; 7:00pm-9:00pm
Take a walk through the forest and field with an Audubon naturalist while listening to frogs, toads, crickets, and katydids. Enjoy the beautiful and relaxing songs of a summer evening and learn about the animals creating these sounds. Wear sturdy shoes/boots, bug spray and bring a flashlight! This program will be postponed or cancelled for inclement weather. Park your vehicle and meet in Parking Lot #1 on Maple Valley Road.
Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Maple Valley Rd, Coventry, RI; Fee: $10/member, $14/non-member; Ages: 12 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Bristol Biweekly Bird Walk with Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 14, 28, 2026; 9:00-11:00am
Join an Audubon naturalist for a morning stroll through the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge in search of birds. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, you’ll enjoy spotting and learning about resident species and seasonal visitors. Bring your binoculars and experience the sights and sounds of birding!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Stamp & Sip
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 20, September 24, 2026; 6:00-8:00pm
There is beauty to be found in every season! Create handmade cards inspired by late blooming flowers, beautiful sunsets and the natural world. Sign up now to join this relaxing, hands-on creative experience. Create three designs using a variety of techniques. Materials are provided and all skill levels are welcome.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope St, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member, $25/non-member; Ages: 21 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Shorebird Van Trip
Southern Rhode Island Birding
August 20, 2026; 7:00am-3:00pm
Hop aboard the Audubon van with an expert guide and visit some of Rhode Island’s best shorebird locations: Charlestown Breachway, Quonochontaug Breachway and Succotash Marsh. Please bring a lunch, optics, old sneakers or water shoes, towel and bug repellent. Be prepared to get wet up to your waist for this program. Meet at Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge at 7:00 am.
Departs from Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Rd, Exeter, RI; Fee: $60/member, $75/non-member; Ages: 12 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Birds Without Borders
Colt State Park, Bristol, RI
August 22, 2026; 10:00-11:00am
Join Audubon and the Bristol Historical & Preservation Society for a unique bird walk throughout Bristol. Observe migrating and resident birds and explore how movement and immigration have shaped the town over time. Learn the fascinating history of Bristol while highlighting shared stories of travel and adaptation. Programs are free, but registration is required.
Colt State Park, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Bank of America Free Family Fun Day
Coastal Exploration
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 29, 2026; 10:00am-3:00pm
Thanks to Bank of America, once a month the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is open free to the public with programs and activities throughout the day. Bring the kids for animal discoveries, crafts, hikes, and more! No need to register.
Schedule of events:
All Day: Craft Table
10:00am: Nature Story
11:00am & 2:30pm: Tidepool Touch Tank
1:00pm: Coastal Investigation – Take a walk along the shore and discover the incredible plants and animals that live where the land meets the sea!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.
Edible & Medicinal Plant Walks
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 22, 2025; 3:00-5:00pm
September 29, 2026, 2025; 4:00-6:00pm
Join Maggie Hatzpanian the herbalist and founder behind Maggie’s Healing Path as she leads participants on a walk along the wild edges of the Nature Center’s grounds. With discussion covering plant ID, habitat, and native versus bio-regional versus invasive. The uses and applications of the medicinal plants will be covered…plus participants can join Maggie in snacking on some wild edible plants on your walk.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; See dates and times above. Fee: $20/member, $25/non-member; Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Full Moon Walk at Caratunk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
August 28, 2026; 7:00-9:00pm
Late summer evenings offer warm temperatures and comfortable nights that come with heaps of animal activity. Join an Audubon naturalist for a moonlight walk to observe and hear diverse wildlife like deer, turkey, fox, frogs, tree crickets, and a variety of birds taking advantage of plentiful food and good weather. Wear sturdy shoes, bug spray, and bring a flashlight.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Ave, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member, $14/non-member; Ages: 5 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
The Creative Naturalist: Art Exhibit by Tracey Hall
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
Through August 31, 2026; 9:00am-4:30pm
An Audubon educator and Camp Director for many years, Tracey Hall is well-known in communities across Rhode Island for engaging all ages in nature programs and outdoor explorations. Drawing and painting since a young child, her pen and ink drawings are popular and beloved illustrations that appear on Audubon camp tee-shirts each summer. Hall also wrote and illustrated “Zach the Raven”, a book about an Audubon avian ambassador.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.
Photos:
Outside with a Guide: Audubon Educator Kaylee Finch with an Audubon Red-tailed Hawk Ambassador.
Audubon Hosts Bank of America Free Family Fun Day: Coastal Exploration on August 29, 2026.
Biweekly Bird Walks or Birding for Beginners. Red-bellied Woodpecker by Jason Major.
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Hope M. Foley
Media Relations
Audubon Society of Rhode Island
401-486-1503
hfoley@asri.org