Get Out: Balloon Fest, Nature Photography, Open Windmill

• 
  Where/When: Norman Bird Sanctuary on Saturday, July 23 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.  
  Why Go:  If you’ve always wanted to get those amazing shots of nature that you see other people taking, bring your digital camera. In this first of three classes taught by award-winning photographer Kim Botelho, participants will learn the technical side and take part in outdoor exploration in search of the perfect shot. (You must know how to change your camera settings or have a manual.)
  Pricing: Three session class is $125/members; $135/non-members; Pre-registration required 

• South County Hot Air Balloon Festival
  When/Where: URI Athletic fields, off Route 138, South Kingstown, Friday through Sunday, July 22-24. Hours are 4-10 p.m. Friday, from 5 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.  Yes, that’s 5 a.m. – hot air balloon often launch early when the air is still.
  Why Go: Lots to do, even if you don’t ride the balloons – Racing Pigs, music, kids’ activities, kite demonstrations, crafts, food, fireworks at 9 p.m. Saturday. This was voted one of Yankee Magazine’s Top 20 Summer Events in RI.
  Pricing: Adults, $10; Kids 14 and under, $5; Families (two parents, two children) $25

• 35th Annual Save the Bay Swim
  Where/When: Coaster's Harbor Island Beach, Naval Station, Newport and Potter Cove Beach, Jamestown | Saturday, July 23 at 8 a.m.
  Why Go: Support Save the Bay advocacy efforts and enjoy some time in the sun. While swimming registration is now full, registration is still open for those that wish to kayak the route. For more information on kayaker qualifications, click here.
  Pricing: $20/person for kayak registration; free for non-participants

• 
  Where/When: Grange Hall on Thursday, July 21 from 2 to 6 p.m.
  Why Go: Pick up all sorts of locally harvested and produced goodies from honey to lobster and vegetables to baked goods.
  Pricing:  Free admission

• STORYTIME WITH MISS LYNNE
  Where/When: Barnes & Noble on Friday, July 22 10:30 a.m.
  Why Go: Get out of the 90+ degree heat and chill out with the kids while enjoying the story of Itsy Mitsy Runs by Elanna Allen.
  Pricing:  Free

• 
  Where/When: Third Beach on Sunday, July 24 at 8 a.m.
  Why Go: Worship services will be lead by the Portsmouth and Cavalry Methodist Church Reverands Amy Alletzhauser and Bill Taylor throughout the summer (weather permitting) on Sundays in the sand overlooking the Sakonnet River. Attendees should set up their own beach chairs or blankets.
  Pricing:  Free

• 
  Where/When: Paradise Park on Sunday in July, August and September from 2 to 4 p.m.
  Why Go: Visit the only eight-vaned windmill in the country during this seasonal opportunity to see it in action.
  Pricing: Free; Donations accepted.

• Robert Cray Band in Newport
  When/Where: Newport Yachting Center, 6 pm, Friday, July 22.
  Why Go: This promises to be a great show from bluesman Robert Cray; part of the Nantucket Nectars Sunset Music Series. All seats are good in this venue.
  Pricing: $35 up

• Newport Music Festival
  When/Where: This is the last weekend; there are three or four daily concerts running through July 24.
  Why Go: Beautiful music in Newport County’s most beautiful settings, including the Mansions.
  Pricing: Varies by concert.

• Comedian Jeff Dunham Brings Smiles to Newport
  When/Where: Newport Yachting Center, two shows for Jeff Dunham on Saturday, July 23, first is at 6; second is at 9:15 p.m. Gales open an hour before each show.
  Why Go: An all ages comedy show with one of the country’s most popular comedians. So popular, that a second show was added!
  Pricing: $65

• New Exhibit at Victoria Munroe Art Gallery
  When/Where: July 24, 3-5 pm, opening, Victoria Munroe Art Gallery at Tiverton Four Corners.
  Why Go: This exhibit will feature 18th and 19th century drawings of architecture, decorative arts, and natural history. The exhibit runs daily through  Aug. 10, from 10-5.
  Pricing: Free.

• Polo, Times two
  When/Where: Glen Farm polo field, Saturday, 5 p.m., for the Newport Cup, and Sunday, 5 pm, interclub matches.
  Why Go:  Polo is very popular, so popular, in fact, that Sunday sessions have been added. Saturday still features the City Series and International Series (This week is the Newport Cup) and now Sunday sessions feature Interclub Matches. These regional matches aren’t part of the International Series, but they are fun to watch and a more intimate setting. You should still be able to get a good tailgate space an hour before the match, just like the “old days!”
  Pricing: Sundays are free.

Patch Calendar Editor also contributed to the above listings.