From the moment it hit the big screen, Jaws, directed by Steven Spielberg became one of the first summer blockbuster movies. Released in 1975, it scared beachgoers right out of the water (and some never went back in). If you’re a newbie to the film, it’s a fish-out-of-water story about a NYC police chief who moves his family of four to the sleepy New England island of Amity. All is calm until a great white shark begins chomping on swimmers and the town’s livelihood is at stake. While some of the filming took place on Martha’s Vineyard, there’s plenty for Rhode Island fans to get excited about right here. Check out these eight things you can do without ever getting drenched.
Whoever programs the Misquamicut Drive-In Theater must be a fan because according to our calculations, the original not only kicked off their season in May but runs four more times. They even throw a bone by running Jaws 2 – while the movie regroups much of the cast and crew (shout-out to Major-Minor fan favorite Fritzi Jane Courtney’s Mrs. Taft), it truly pales in comparison. Jaws: June 16; July 2, 9; August 4; Jaws 2: June 17. Westerly: MBADriveIn.com
What better place to see a movie about the terrors of the ocean than in the City by the Sea? This annual party typically has live music, beer tasting, merch, and swag. The fun starts at 6:30pm, followed by a screening of the movie at 7:30pm. July 20 and 21. Newport, JanePickens.com
An unassuming building in downtown Westerly is home to some of the best memorabilia available for public viewing, including a replica of Ben Gardner’s head (which, if you remember the scene, becomes detached in one of film history’s greatest “jump scares”). At the Living Sharks Museum, find books, posters, props, and original toys based on the award-winning film while your suggested donation helps support the museum’s mission to educate through a visual record of shark history, exploitation, and conservation. Westerly, LivingSharks.org
“Crush it like Quint” – which takes its cue from the famous scene of the salty shark hunter smashing an emptied can of Narragansett Beer in his bare fist – is a popular saying for Jaws fans and beer lovers alike. Pour one out for Quint with a visit to the actual brewery – an atmospheric bar with good food and river views. The website even has its own Jaws page under the Shop tab. Providence, NarragansettBeer.com
Help get the coolest plate into production: a rendering of a now-endangered mako by artist Paul McPhee. Nearly half of the proceeds of each plate purchase will go to the Wakefield research nonprofit, the Atlantic Shark Institute. The RI Department of Motor Vehicles requires that 600 plates get ordered and purchased to be put into production, so don’t be a chum and order yours now. AtlanticSharkInstitute.org/LicensePlate
For one week in July, high school sophomores and juniors interested in sharks, marine life, and biological sciences can enroll in Shark Camp at the University of Rhode Island. Students participate in classwork and conduct a trawl in Narragansett Bay where they examine sharks, fish, squid, crabs, whelk, and other marine life aboard the school’s research vessel, the Cap’n Bert. It’s a great way for young people to get their feet wet as they explore careers in marine biology. Begins July 17. Kingston & Narragansett Bay: Web.URI.edu
Interact with two species of shark – dogfish and bamboo – at Biomes Marine Biology Center, an education facility boasting the largest collection of New England marine life in the world! Demonstrations and feedings are typically held on weekend afternoons (best to contact first to confirm). You can even host a Shark Petting Birthday Party. Open daily, 12-5pm. North Kingstown, BiomesCenter.com
The shark in Jaws was described by character Matt Hooper as an eating machine and you can be one, too, at this authentic Peruvian restaurant serving fresh, delicious seafood in a relaxed atmosphere. Dine on items like Choros al Tiburon (chorus to the shark), a mussels dish, and wash it down with a Shark Drink cocktail. Pawtucket, SharkLoungeRI.com
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