Summer is starting to fade, but these Newport County events will keep you in moment

As much as we hate to admit it summer weekends are becoming a shrinking asset as we officially enter August.

Whether you have kids heading back to school, or just like to lap up sun-filled days with those activities and events that only come during summer, it's time to realize the opportunities are fading.

Of course, the good news is there is still plenty to do and enjoy while the weather is the warmest.

This weekend offers plenty of family fun and the opportunity to experience some culture. And, there's always something happening on the water.

Check out these weekend events and start making your plans now.

Take Me Fishing Day

Head over to Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for Take Me Fishing Day.

Family activities will be available all day including:

• Saltwater poles with lures provided

• Surf Fishing Clinics with the Rhode Island DEM

• Casting and baiting demonstration  Fish hatchery truck with live fish! Japanese art of fish painting Children’s activities

• “Cool Casting” games

• Scavenger hunts

• Hover ball archery

• Fun handouts  …and more!

Black Sails Festival

The Japan-America Society of Rhode Island is holding the 40^th Black Ships Festival Friday through Sunday in Bristol and Newport.

Celebrating the friendship and cultural ties between Japan and the United States, the festival commemorates the arrival of Commodore Matthew C. Perry's "Black Ships" in Japan in 1853. This year celebrates the 170th anniversary of Perry’s voyage.

This year's festival will feature a variety of cultural events, including taiko drumming, martial arts, and other traditional Japanese arts. Included will be a special featured Cultural Marketplace Fair with local vendors selling food, crafts, and souvenirs, martial arts and craft demonstrations. Events include:

Festival Opening Ceremony

Friday, Aug. 11, 10 a.m. at Rockwell Park, Bristol

Colorful ceremonies to commemorate Rhode Island’s native son, Commodore Matthew C. Perry, and the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa.

Sushi Sake Sails

Friday, Aug. 11, 2 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 13, noon, at Goat Island Marina

Sail out of Newport Harbor aboard a Tall Ship while you sip sake from Gekkeikan and sample some great sushi. $75 per person.

Taiko Drum Performance 

Friday, Aug. 11, 6:30 p.m. at Rockwell Park, Bristol

Taiko drumming is a traditional Japanese art form that combines music and dance. There will be several taiko drumming performances throughout the festival. Free, family-friendly event.

Cultural Marketplace Fair

Saturday, Aug. 12, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Independence Park, Bristol

Experience fun at our Cultural Marketplace Fair filled with traditional Japanese arts and entertainment, martial arts including karate, judo, and kendo, ancient craft demonstrations, tasty food, one-of-a-kind shopping and souvenirs, all with a distinctly Asian twist. Free, family-friendly event.

Black Ships Festival Gala

Saturday, Aug. 12, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Ochre Court, Newport

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Black Ships Festival with seaside glamour at Ochre Court along Cliff Walk in Newport. Enjoy a unique evening that fuses both Japanese and American culture. Performances, dancing, an open bar, and a sit-down dinner prepared by McGrath's Catering. $200 per person. For more information visit www.jasri.org.

Commodore Matthew C. Perry Memorial Ceremony

Sunday, Aug. 13, 9:30 a.m. at Island Cemetery, Newport

Join us for the 40th annual Commodore Matthew C. Perry Wreath Ceremony. This year's ceremony will be even more special as we celebrate the long-term friendship between the United States and Japan. The public is invited to attend; free.

For more information on the festival visit jasri.org.

Portsmouth Family Fun Day

Join the town of Portsmouth Parks and Recreation in collaboration with the Four Hearts Foundation at Family Fun Day on Sunday from 1-6 p.m. at Glen Park on Gilbert Baker Road.

Bounce houses, town activities and demonstrations, face paint, concessions and more will be available along with the following performance schedule:

1:30-2:30 p.m. - Greggy Good Concert 2:30-3:30 p.m - David Garrity, Illusionist 4-5 p.m - Johnny the K - Kids Concert 5-6 p.m - Mary Pierce Women Folk Concert

Tickets are $10 for Portsmouth residents and $15 for non-residents. Only one ticket is needed per household and funds go to the Four Hearts Foundation to support the building of an adaptive and inclusive playground in Portsmouth. Learn more fourheartsfoundation.com

For more information or to purchase tickets in advance visit ticketstripe.com/familyday.

Safe Harbor Race Weekend

Embark on Safe Harbor’s 3rd annual Safe Harbor Race Weekend amidst the bustling cobblestone streets and seaside charm of downtown Newport.

Sailors with monohull and multihull vessels (30 feet or greater in length overall) are invited to the summer sailing regatta featuring a variety of classes including our Superyacht class slated for competition on Friday and Saturday. Enjoy three unforgettable days of shoreside events, revelries and racing excitement at Safe Harbor locations in Newport, Portsmouth and Jamestown, Rhode Island.

For more information visit shmarinas.com/safe-harbor-race-weekend

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Things to do in Newport Aug. 11-13: Black Sails Festival, Take Me Fishing