What's On in Bristol

Treat the special women in your life to a beautiful afternoon of delicious teas, delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and irresistible sweets. Our Mother's Day Teas are designed to offer an unforgettable experience in a charming setting, perfect for celebrating the love and appreciation we have for mothers. Seatings are limited to ensure an intimate and luxurious atmosphere, so be sure to secure your place early. Tea includes admission to the Manor and Grounds, so leave time for a stroll among the daffodils and spring flowers! We have a limited ability to accommodate only vegetarian diets, as well as nut and celiac allergies. Please specify when making a reservation.

Do you want to explore your creative side? Do you want to experiment with colors without fear of making a mistake? Join Lidia in this easy, magical, and...

Students bring their own bonsai tree to learn next-level care, including the science behind pH levels, proper soil, best lighting practices, fertilizing basics, and how it keeps our trees in optimal health. We then focus on the essentials of designing your bonsai tree and on the proper techniques for wiring the branches to maximize its beauty.

Ever wonder what that odd-leaved plant is, or that late-blooming tree or shrub? Want to get the inside scoop on rare plants? Join Director of Horticulture Dan Christina on a guided tour of the grounds to learn about some of the more unique specimens collected throughout the landscape's history. Discover the best fit for your own home garden and bewilder your guests with your horticultural prowess!

Blithewold’s elegant Event Tent and sweeping Great Lawn set the scene with all your local favorites for a quintessential New England summer party! Savor fresh seafood from Blount’s famous Clam Shack Food Truck as you twist and shout to the sounds of The Beatles with local favorite Walrus Gumboot. The VIP ticket reserves a table seat in the tent and early access to parking, food, and the cash bar.

Wednesday nights at Blithewold are the perfect way to enjoy summer with friends and family! Sit down and soak up the summer sun over Narragansett Bay, and enjoy a variety of musical performances by local musicians. Guests are encouraged to bring picnics, chairs, or blankets. Spread out on our 10-acre lawn, where you can enjoy the music and gorgeous sunset views over the bay. Local food trucks will be available for your dining pleasure. Registration is recommended due to limited parking availability.

Wednesday nights at Blithewold are the perfect way to enjoy summer with friends and family! Sit down and soak up the summer sun over Narragansett Bay, and enjoy a variety of musical performances by local musicians. Guests are encouraged to bring picnics, chairs, or blankets. Spread out on our 10-acre lawn, where you can enjoy the music and gorgeous sunset views over the bay. Don’t have time for a picnic? Don't worry! New this year, local food trucks will be available for your dining pleasure. Check the date for that week’s food truck.

Learn how to make a rain barrel and take it home for a fraction of the retail cost, while supporting local conservation efforts!

Come join us for Fauré’s peaceful and uplifting requiem and French masterpieces from the Belle Epoque!

Get a sneak peek at the glorious display of floral arrangements and specimens in the Visitors Center and throughout the Manor. This is an opportunity to see the freshly judged stems and arrangements in the manor at their best, as well as an opportunity to see the grounds at the height of Daffodil Days at a time usually closed to the public! Guests will enjoy delicious hors d’ouevres from The Kitchen at Blithewold and signature cocktails.

Join us IRL to explore fun tricks and tips on nailing photo composition like a pro! This is an in-person event where you'll get hands-on tips and tricks to make every picture pop. Whether you’re snapping with your phone or a fancy camera, come hang out, have fun, and see the world differently through your lens!

It all starts with a cookie…a tree cookie! A slice of a Blithewold tree trunk serves as the foundation to start building your fairy house. Delight the fairies in your yard with a beautiful home, created from an amazing assortment of natural materials, just in time for their Earth Day celebrations! Supplies and materials provided. Feel free to bring any special shells, pine cones, or special rocks you wish to include. Ages 6 to 12. An adult must accompany children. Space is limited to 1 adult per child.