If you’re interested in Theatre or the performing arts, you won’t have to travel far. Rhode Island is home to many different performing arts venues that always have something different to offer. If you’re planning on visiting Providence or Rhode Island soon, you should check out these different venues to see if there is a performance during your visit!
Providence
Providence Performing Arts Center, photo via eventseeker.com
Providence Performing Arts Center – PPAC is the most popular theatre in Rhode Island. This 3,100 seat theatre becomes home to several different touring Broadway shows throughout the year. The beauty of PPAC with its elegant and historic feel makes seeing a show at this theatre feel like you are actually on Broadway!
Do you have a shop-a-holic in your group or family? Although Providence has many activities to keep you busy such as art galleries, historic tours, and plenty of beaches, it also offers an abundance of shops and retail stores. Get ready to shop til you drop after you hear our recommendations!
Providence Place Mall
Providence Place Mall, photo via providenceri.com
Providence Place Mall is the biggest shopping mall in Rhode Island, with over 170 stores and restaurants that could keep you busy for an entire day! Book-ended by Nordstroms, JC Penny, and Macy’s, Providence Place offers stores for all kinds of shoppers. If you catch Providence on a rainy day, not to worry! Providence Place is home to an IMAX Movie Theater that contains an additional 16 theaters for you to enjoy! There is also a Dave & Buster’s Arcade that will keep the whole family entertained.
There are a million and one events going on in Providence this weekend! Especially, music events. From the Blithewold Concert Series on Wednesday Night to the Alex and Ani Sunday Jazz Series on Sunday night and ever day in between! Don’t forget to check out the local Farmer’s Markets as well to get local treats!
Wednesday, August 5th
Blithewold’s Summer Concert Series: Music at Sunset – Honkey Tonk Knights: 5:00 p.m. Spread out a blanket and unpack the picnic basket, soak up the warmth of the summer sun, and enjoy the sunset over Narragansett Bay, all while savoring a kaleidoscope of musical performances over the summer.
KidInfo Story Time + Art in the Park: 10:30 a.m. Join us for STORYTIME in Burnside Park while local authors, illustrators, storytellers and performers bring stories and books to life!
2015 Burnside Music Series: 4:30 p.m. Join us every Thursday this summer for beautiful times in Burnside Park, replete with delightful bevs by Trinity Brewhouse, delicious food by Rhode Island’s greatest food trucks, casual jams by celebrity DJs, and, of course, the finest tunes Rhode Island has to offer.
Concert Under the Elms Concert Series: 6:30 p.m. Join us for the Concerts under the Elms, an annual outdoor summer concert series held Thursdays under the canopy of elms at the John Brown House Museum.
Family Fun Friday: 11:00 a.m. Bring a picnic, a blanket to sit on, and enjoy the show! Each week, dance and sing along with the kids to a variety of educational and interactive musical performances.
KidEye International Film Festival: 10.00 a.m. Films by and for kids are showcased in this special Red Carpet Premiere program at The Metcalf Auditorium at the RISD Museum.
AS 220 Foo Fest 2015: 1:00 p.m. FOO FEST is AS220’s annual summer block party, held outdoors and inside, on Empire Street in Providence, that highlights the incredible arts, music, creative, and cultural scene brewing right here in Providence, Rhode Island.
Manton Avenue Project Plays: The Manton Avenue Project (MAP) is proud to announce that plays from their most recent festival, “This Land is Our Land: the public park plays,” will be presented in a summer series as part of the 50th anniversary of the Roger Williams National Memorial.
Sunday, August 9th
The Providence Flea: 10:00 a.m. Featuring all the cool vendors from last summer’s Flea plus a slate of new vendors for even more one-of-a-kind Flea finds! Shop Local this season at the Flea.
Alex and Ani Sunday Jazz Series: 1:00 p.m. Attention jazz fans! Get ready to make your Sundays a little more musical with The Alex and Ani Sunday Jazz Series at Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard.
The City of Newport is one of Rhode Island’s largest visitors destinations. From the note worthy mansions, to the International Tennis Hall of Fame, there is never a dull moment in this sea-side city. Check out our list of fun activities for you to do while you’re in Newport.
Newport Mansions
The Newport Mansions are one of the most famous attractions you can find while you’re in Newport. Whether you want to take a guided tour, or participate in one of the many events held at these venues throughout the year, you definitely don’t want to miss out on these large spectacles while you are in town
The Breakers is one of the largest and most famous Newport Mansions. Known for being the summer home to the prominent Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, inventor of the New York Central Railroad, the Breakers is now open for tours throughout the week from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The Marble House
The Marble House was built as a summer home for the grandson of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt. Built in 1892, this home transitioned Newport from its small summer town to the extravagant reputation that it now possesses. The Marble House is open at 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekly.
The Elms
The Elms was the summer home for Mr. and Mrs. Edward Berwind. The construction of this mansion was completed in 1901. The Elms are open for tours beginning at 9:00 a.m. with the last tour leaving at 5:00 p.m.
Rosecliff was established by heiress Theresa Oelrich of Nevada. The home was built to resemble the garden retreat in Versaille. Rosecliff is open beginning at 9:00 a.m. for tours with the last tour leaving at 4:00 p.m.
For a full list of the Newport Mansions, their tour schedules and upcoming events please visit their website.
Historic Sites
Interested in seeing more of the history Newport has to offer? There are plenty of historic monuments for you to explore while your visiting this port-side city.
This historic landmark didn’t begin as a tennis hall or museum, in fact it was a lavish club entitled the Newport Casino. Built in 1880, this structure offered all sorts of activities. From shopping to horse shows to tea parties, the Newport Casino had it all back in the day! In 1986, the owners of the Newport Casino decided that tennis needed an establishment to honor the sport and decided to create what is now the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Today, the museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Built in 1799 and named after President John Adams, this historic landmark overlooks Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. In 1965, the Fort was taken on by the State of Rhode Island to become a part of Fort Adams State Park. Today, the park is known for many summer activities including, swimming, picnicking, and boating. Most famously, the park is known for its two annual events, the Newport Jazz Festival and the Newport Folk Festival, which bring thousands of people to the city every year.
The Newport Art Museum is home to many different historic and contemporary exhibits. A unique aspect of this museum is that it focuses on artists from Rhode Island and art produced in Rhode Island. Come to see different pieces of art regularly at the Newport Art Museum. The Newport Art Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. & Sunday from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The National Museum of American Illustration
The National Museum of American Illustration was opened in 1998 and houses illustrations from many different time periods and styles. The Museum is open Thursday-Sunday from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with guided tours at 3:00 p.m. on Friday’s.
Jane Pickens Theater and Event Center
Jane Pickens Theater and Event Center, photo via janepickens.com
As one of the oldest theaters still standing in the United States, the Jane Pickens Theater and Event Center presents a variety of movies from historically based, documentaries, and classics. The historic atmosphere of the theater creates an experience you will never forget! You will always be able to find the right movie for you and your family at the Jane Pickens Theater.
Tours
Whether by boat, bus, or on foot, there are plenty of ways you can tour the city of Newport and all the scenic views it has to offer.
The Cliff Walk is a 3.5 mile scenic walk that travels alongside the eastern boarder of Newport. Beginning on Memorial Boulevard and ending on Narragansett Avenue, the famous trail illustrates the beautiful seaside views of Newport while also experiencing the history of this city as you walk by the Newport Mansions. This is one of the most popular tours and tourist attractions the city has to offer.
Viking Guided Tours
The best way to see all the sites in Newport is to hop on one of the famous Viking Trolley Buses! Enjoy everything Newport has to offer with a guided tour that will give you ample information about the city’s history. For more information about specific tours and rates please visit their website.
Adirondack II Tour
Tour Newport Harbor on the Adirondack II, an elegant 80 foot sail boat! Experience Newport from the water! Buy tickets online or when you’re in person. The Adirondack II departs from Bowen’s Wharf several times throughout the day.
This selection is only a glimpse of the fun attractions there are in Newport. Between all of the wharfs, there are plenty of shops and restaurants for you to enjoy. In search of a relaxing beach day? Newport has got you covered. Check out our beach recommendations for the best spots in Newport County. Looking for a family friendly activity? Check out the local baseball team, The Newport Gulls, in one of their home games at Cardienes Field! There is one thing that is certain, you definitely won’t run out of things to do on your trip to Newport.
We have a lot going on this week in Providence! Especially, our WaterFire to support RI defeats Hep C. The Steeple Street Music Stage is back at this WaterFire. Come enjoy live performances by Rose Weaver and Greg Abate. Lighting begins at 8:25 p.m.
Wednesday, July 29th
Windmill Wednesday’s at Prescott Farms: 3:30 p.m. Explore how this amazing machine works and learn about the importance of grist milling on Aquidneck Island.
PechaKucha Night Providence: 7:30 p.m. It’s time once again for one of your favorite PechaKucha Nights of the year: We return to the beautiful outdoor space and community garden at The Avenue Concept!
Thursday, July 30th
KidInfo Story Time + Art in the Park: 10:30 a.m. Join us for STORYTIME in Burnside Park while local authors, illustrators, storytellers and performers bring stories and books to life!
Children’s Workshop-Rocks Rock!: 1:00 p.m. Ballard Park is holding a nature workshop for children! The one and a half hour program will feature hands-on activities focusing on the natural elements found in Ballard Park.
Concert Under the Elms Concert Series: 6:30 p.m. Join us for the Concerts under the Elms, an annual outdoor summer concert series held Thursdays under the canopy of elms at the John Brown House Museum.
Family Fun Friday-Rolie Polie Guacamole: 11:00 a.m. Bring a picnic, a blanket to sit on, and enjoy the show! Each week, dance and sing along with the kids to a variety of educational and interactive musical performances.
The Providence Flea: 10:00 a.m. Featuring all the cool vendors from last summer’s Flea plus a slate of new vendors for even more one-of-a-kind Flea finds!
Alex and Ani Sunday Jazz Series: 1:00 p.m. Attention jazz fans! Get ready to make your Sundays a little more musical with The Alex and Ani Sunday Jazz Series at Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard.
Providence has a well known historical neighborhood known as College Hill. Throughout this neighborhood, there are plenty of different museums and historical houses for your to explore during your trip to Providence! Check out some of our favorite historic spots in Providence that are a must see while you’re staying with us!
Henry Lippitt, Rhode Island Governor from 1875-1877, designed and built this historic Victorian spectacle in 1865. Since then, generations of the Lippitt family occupied the house for almost 115 years. Today, it is open to the public as a historic representation of the Victorian Era. For more information about tour times and dates please visit their website.
The John Brown House
John Brown constructed this house in the late 1700’s. As a prominent family at the time and one of the early benefactors to Brown University, it is said that many famous politicians, such as George Washington, have visited the house on multiple occasions. In 1942, The Brown Family donated the house to the Rhode Island Historical Society for preservation. Today, you can take guided tours of the John Brown House. For more information about the house and the tours available please visit their website.
There are five former State Houses in Rhode Island that still survive. Most specifically, this historic structure on Benefit Street in Providence, gained its name “The Old State House” after the new State House on Smith Hill was built in 1901.
Benefit Street: A Mile of History
Enjoy a walking tour of one of the most historic streets in Providence. Throughout the summer, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. enjoy historic Providence with a walking tour of the College Hill Neighborhood. The tour begins at the John Brown House and explores many other 18th and 19th century homes.
Come to the Museum of Work and Culture to enjoy the stories and celebrate the people that traveled to Rhode Island in search of a brighter future during the booming 19th and 20th centuries. Learn about their work in the mill town’s historic mills and more!
The Rhode Island Historical Society
Want to learn about Rhode Island’s history, but don’t know where to begin? Then you should definitely stop by the Rhode Island Historical Society. This building is home to 5,000 manuscripts, 100,000 books, and 400,000 photographs. It is the fourth oldest state historical society in the entire United States! You won’t want to miss this.
Slater Mill – Pawtucket, RI
In 1793, a local firm brainstormed and built a mill on the basis of the idea that they would be able to manufacture items solely by waterpower. Hence, Slater Mill was created as the first successful cotton spinning factory in the United States. In 1921, a group of business men came together to purchase Slater Mill and restore it as a piece of Rhode Island’s history. Tickets to tour the museum must be purchased online here.
The Providence Athenaeum is Providence’s own historic library. This member-supported library is free and open to the public. It has been open to several famous writers in the past such as Edgar Allen Poe and HP Lovecraft.
The State House
Rhode Island’s State House offers free guided tours year-round. Come see the third largest unsupported dome structure in the world!
Downtown Pawtucket Historic Walking Tour
Take a self-guided tour of downtown historic Pawtucket, Rhode Island! The tour features over 40 different historic sites throughout the city. Some of the stops along the tour include, the Old Pawtucket Post Office, Slater Mill Historic Site, and Pawtucket City Hall.
Governor Stephen Hopkins House, photo via Wikipedia.
Governor Stephen Hopkins House
Home to the Rhode Island State Governor and the Declaration of Independence signer, this historical landmark is open to the public for guided tours from May to November as a part of the “Mile of History” Program. For more information please visit the Stephen Hopkin’s House Facebook Page.
Although Rhode Island is known for its beaches and coastline, there is plenty to do for all the nature lovers out there. Here are some of our recommendations for the best hiking and biking trails throughout the state.
Hiking Trails
Arcadia Trail – Exeter, RI
Arcadia Trail is located in Rhode Island’s largest protected area near the town of Exeter in South County. With almost 14,000 acres of land, the Arcadia Management Area has plenty of trails and sights to see for avid hikers. The park includes four bodies of water, Breakheart Pond, Beach Pond, Browning Mill Pond, and the Wood River. You definitely want to check out some of the trails this park has to offer!
George Washington Management Area – Pascoag, RI
Located in Pascoag, Rhode Island, this area is perfect for hikers of all experience levels. The Walkabout Trail here allows hikers to customize the hike length and difficulty to their preferences.
Cliff Walk – Newport, RI
This 3.5 mile trail offers hikers the opportunity to experience historic Newport in all of its glory! The trail follows the ocean where hikers are able to see a glimpse of Newport’s beautiful views. On the opposite side, hikers are able to walk alongside the famous Newport Mansions.
Clay Head Trail – Block Island, RI
Located on the small island only a short ferry ride away from Rhode Island, this trail is said to have some of the most breathtaking views of any trail in the state.
Sachuest Point National Wildlife – Middletown, RI
This 242 acre refuge is home to over 200 different species of birds! Join them and hike through this seaside trail. From salt marshes, grassland, and beaches this trail has it all.
For a full list of hiking trails in Rhode Island, please visit this link.
Bike Paths
Rhode Island offers over 60 miles of off-road bike paths for you to enjoy! Here are a few of our recommendations for excellent bike paths that you should check out while you’re visiting Rhode Island.
Blackstone River Bikeway
The Blackstone River Bikeway follows the Blackstone river, connecting Woonsocket to Cumberland for 11.6 miles. This scenic bike bath passes by views of the river, waterfalls, marshes and wildlife. The bikeway ends in Cumberland . However, riders can find their way from Cumberland to Providence where they can pick up the East Bay Bike Path. On-Road Markers Map »
East Bay Bike Path
East Bay Bike Path travels from India Point Park in Providence to Independence Park in Bristol for a total of 14.5 miles. The path is mostly flat and easy terrain.
Washington Secondary Bike Path
This bike path stretches 19 miles, making it Rhode Island’s largest bike path. Washington Secondary Bike Path travels from Cranston to Coventry. However, it is often referred to as the names of the components it was given; Trestle Trail, Coventry Greenway, Warwick Bike Path, and Cranston Bike Path. There are plans to extend this bike path which will eventually be completed adding an extra 5 miles onto the existing path.
South County Bike Path
Also known as the William C. O’Neill Bike Path, this path is the fourth largest bike path in the state with a length of 7.8 miles. It connects Kingston Station Narragansett.
For a full list of Rhode Island’s bike paths please visit Bike Rhode Island.
From the long stretch of beaches in South County, to the more quaint island of Block Island, with over 400 miles of coastline, there are plenty of beaches for you to explore while you’re visiting The Ocean State!
You can find most of the beaches in Rhode Island in three main areas, Newport County, South County, and on Block Island.
Newport County
Newport County is home to many beaches. From large to small, surfers to family friendly, you will always find the perfect beach here! All beaches are only a short drive (or walk) from historic Downtown Newport.
The three most famous beaches in Newport County can be recognized by locals in the order they appear on Aquidneck Island, 1st, 2nd, or 3rd. However, we will refer to them using different names here.
Easton’s Beach (1st Beach) – Middletown, RI
Easton’s Beach is located only a mile from Downtown Newport and is a short walk from the famous Cliff Walk. If you’re looking for a family friendly environment, Easton’s beach is the place for you. They come fully equipped with everything a young family would need, playground, snack shack and even a carousel! Need a cool beverage? The Del’s Lemonade Truck is at Easton’s Beach every day!
Most tourists aren’t aware of Sachuest or 2nd Beach because it is hidden behind Purgatory Chasm, but we’re going to give you the inside scoop! Grab your surf boards and paddle boards and head down the road from Easton’s Beach to 2nd Beach! Sachuest Beach has almost 1.5 miles of shoreline and includes its very own “Surfer’s End” which is designated for all you water sports lovers out there! Don’t have any equipment? Join in on the fun and rent your board of choice from the Island Surf and Sport Truck that is stationed at Sachuest Beach every day. Never surfed before? Don’t worry! You can even take lessons with on of the Island Surf and Sports employees.
Don’t worry if you’re not into the big waves or surfing, follow us just down the road from Sachuest Beach and you’ll come upon 3rd Beach! Here, there are much calmer waves and smaller crowds, the perfect place to take small children for the day! Walk along the shore and you’ll enter Peabody’s Beach, a small locally owned beach. Although, Third Beach does not come equipped with a concession stand, Peabody’s beach does! Stop by here for hot dogs, burgers, and other summer treats. Continue down the beach and you’ll find what the locals call “Crab Town”, an area of rocks where you can find all sorts of sea creatures! The perfect place for children to explore.
If you’re staying in Newport for the weekend and are in search of a beach in walking distance to downtown, Gooseberry is the place for you! This small beach with calm waters is tucked away on the shore of beautiful Newport, RI, only a short distance from Ocean Drive. Gooseberry has a Snack Shack and umbrella rentals for your convenience.
Entry Fee: Free Parking Fee: $20 daily
Reject’s Beach – Newport, RI
You don’t have to be a reject to come to Reject’s Beach in Newport. In fact, Reject’s is where many Newporter’s go if they’re looking for some sunshine and an ocean breeze. Only a short walk from Thames Street and with no parking, this is the perfect spot to go for an afternoon or only a couple hours. Reject’s is separated from the private Bailey’s Beach by a rope that extends into the water.
Entry Fee: Free Parking Fee: No parking, walking only.
South County
South County has the most beaches out of any area in the entire state of Rhode Island! Many of the beaches in South County are larger and get a big crowd especially on the weekends, however there are always some quaint spots to find in Little Rhody. Let’s take a look at some of the breathtaking beaches South County has to offer.
Narragansett Town Beach – Narragansett, RI
Narragansett Town Beach
Narragansett Town Beach is open to locals and tourists a like. With surfing lessons, a play ground and a concession stand, this beach has every amenity a beach go-er would hope for!
Although, one of the smaller beaches in South County, Salty Brine State Beach is still popular amongst all. Located conveniently near many restaurants and the Block Island Ferry. Come to this beach and watch all of the boats sail away throughout your day. Afterwards, enjoy a quick bite to eat at George’s of Galilee, Champlin’s Seafood or any of the other restaurants nearby.
Another larger beach in Narrgansett, Scarborough beach offers large waves and a grass area where, oftentimes, families picnic while enjoying the summer sun.
Off the beat and path you’ll find East Matunuck State Beach in South Kingston, RI. This half mile long beach is a beautiful area that tends to not get too crowded! After your long day at the beach don’t forget to stop by the Matunuck Oyster Bar on your way home! It is one of the most popular Oyster Bar’s in Rhode Island.
You may have heard about Watch Hill since the famous pop-star, Taylor Swift, owns a house here. However, that is not the only attraction this area has to offer. Watch Hill Beach is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a quiet get away. There are shops, an antique carousel and plenty of water sport rentals to keep you occupied!
Entry Fee: $8 for adults/$4 for children ages 13-17/$2 for children ages 2-12
Parking Fee: No beach parking lot, must park nearby.
Mohegan Bluff
Block Island
Take a trip on the Block Island Ferry for a day long get-a-way to this beach filled island. Block Island inhabits 6 beaches and plenty of other attractions that are sure to catch your eye. Whether you bring your bike or rent a bike or a moped there, you can travel the length of the island to see all sorts of landmarks such as Mohegan Bluffs and the South East Lighthouse. Having so much fun that you don’t want to leave? Stay at one of the Island’s cozy B&B’s or hotels.
Follow this link to Rhode Island’s Tourism website for a full list of all the beaches our beautiful state has to offer!
Did we miss your favorite beach? Let us know in the comments.
Providence Restaurant Week: Providence Restaurant Week continues this week. Check out what restaurants are participating and their offers here
FringePVD: 5:00 p.m. Join us and experience the Providence Fringe Festival where there will be over 100 performing artists all week long. Check it out!
KidInfo Storytime + Art in the Park: 10:30 a.m., join us for STORYTIME in Burnside Park while local authors, illustrators, storytellers and performers bring stories and books to life!
Best of Rhode Island Party: 6:00 p.m. Don’t miss the party of the year as Rhode Island Monthly, for the 22nd year, celebrates over 300 statewide “Best Of” winners in food, wellness, shopping, and fun selected by our readers and editors as their August issue premiers!
Family Fun Friday Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys: 11:00 a.m. Bring a picnic, a blanket to sit on, and enjoy the show! Each week, dance and sing along with the kids to a variety of educational and interactive musical performances.
Providence Roller Derby: 6:00 p.m. Season Opener – The Old Monkey Honey’s vs. The Sakonnet River Rats
Woander Exhibit Opening Reception 6:00 p.m. The Grin Art Gallery is pleased to present Woander Exhibit, a cross-media exhibition featuring four artists dealing with memory, exploration, purpose and self, Curated by Corey Oberlander and Lindsey Stapleton.
Manton Avenue Project Plays: 6:30 p.m. The Manton Avenue Project (MAP) is proud to announce that plays from their most recent festival, “This Land is Our Land: the public park plays,” will be presented in a summer series as part of the 50th anniversary of the Roger Williams National Memorial.
Alex and Ani Sunday Jazz Series: 1:00 p.m. Attention jazz fans! Get ready to make your Sundays a little more musical with The Alex and Ani Sunday Jazz Series at Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard.
There’s a lot to do this upcoming weekend in Providence. Between Farmer’s Markets and Concert Series, there is always something going on! Check it out.
Thursday, July 9th
KidInfo StoryTime + Art in the Park At 10:30, join us for STORYTIME in Burnside Park while local authors, illustrators, storytellers and performers bring stories and books to life! Stay for ART IN THE PARK where resident creative genius Ricky Katowicz leads us into The Great Green Room!
Glenn Miller Orchestra 8:00 p.m. The most popular and sought after big band in the world today, will perform for both listening and dancing at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston Thursday evening, July 9. Presented by the Rotary Club of Providence
Friday, July 10th
Paddle into the Past: Lower River, Native American History and Archaeology 5:30 p.m. Join us for a Friday evening paddle through Providence. Joseph N. (Jay) Waller, Jr. is a senior archaeologist with The Public Archaeology Laboratory, Inc., will share how the river changed from European settlement to industrialization to present.
Manton Avenue Project Plays 6:30 p.m. The Manton Avenue Project (MAP) is proud to announce that plays from their most recent festival, “This Land is Our Land: the public park plays,” will be presented in a summer series as part of the 50th anniversary of the Roger Williams National Memorial.
Shakespeare in the Spirit 7:30 p.m. This year’s concert,Shakespeare in the Spirit, blends gospel music to scenes from Shakespeare and both soar to new and unique heights.
Providence Restaurant Week Experience the destination that Travel + Leisure readers voted the #1 City in the U.S. and Saveur magazine named “one of the notable
small dining destinations in the world.”
We have a lot going on in Providence this week! From farmers markets, to concerts, to plays, you won’t have to look far for something to do! Check out some of the upcoming events happening in our great city this weekend.
Wednesday, June 17th
Hi Neighbor! Block Party 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Enjoy food on site or bring your own picnic basket, lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the warm weather (finally!) on the green, green grassy lawn. Event is free!
Trinity Repertory Company Presents: Melancholy A Play 7:30 p.m. Melancholy Play: a new chamber musical by Sarah Ruhl Music by Todd Almond Directed by Liesl Tommy Meet Tilly. She’s a bank teller, and she’s depressed. But she’s so beautifully, alluringly depressed that everyone she meets falls in love with her, including her therapist and her tailor. But what happens when she stops being so sad?
Thursday, June 18th
Summer Writing Conference at URI Enjoy three days of lively interaction and instruction with local, national, and internationally acclaimed writers and teachers on URI’s picturesque Kingston Campus. Writers of all levels and experience will find master classes, craft sessions, workshops in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and screenwriting; networking opportunities, and one-on-one consultations.
Gallery Night Providence 5:30p.m. Gallery Night Providence offers free, carefully curated guided tours of What’s New in the Providence Art scene every third Thursday from March to November.
URI Feinstein Providence Campus Presents: Baggage A Play 7:30 p.m. URI Feinstein Providence Campus Presents the premiere of the play Baggage June 18-19 @ 7:30pm Written and Performed by Frank V. Toti Jr. The play explores the journey through life through the eye of the playwright. Baggage explore those ‘things’ we carry with us, ‘things’ we collect along the way, and the decision to reevaluate and repack before moving on.
Food Truck Friday at Roger Williams Park 4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Fridays in June head to the Carousel Village in Roger Williams Park to enjoy a smorgasbord of great food from some of the area’s best food trucks. Find out which trucks will be at the Carousel Village each week by visiting the Food Trucks In website.
Professor Chef Cooking Class: New England Clam Boil 6:30 p.m. Learn how to shop for fresh seafood, select it and whip up an easy one-pot meal. Then we’ll show you how to combine it all to create a clam boil that includes a whole Maine lobster, crab, shrimp, clams, mussels, potatoes and corn on the cob. We’ll supply all of the tips and some of the tools you’ll need. We will send you home prepared to share your new skills with friends and family.
RI PrideFest & Illuminated Night Parade Noon – 8:30 p.m. Held on South Water Street in Providence featuring live performances, Beer Wine & Spirits Garden, Kids Zone, Vendor Marketplace, and more. The Illuminated Night Parade kicks off at 8:45pm in the streets of downtown Providence.
The Bluffs Exhibit Opening Reception Opening Reception 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Bluffs by Joseph Leroux constructed imagery comparable to the process of a musical composition. Notes, distortion and rhythm translate into texture, color, form and design. The Bluffs will be on display at The Grin, a contemporary art gallery located at The Plant in the historic Olneyville District of Providence, Rhode Island.
Manton Avenue Project Plays 6:30 p.m. (MAP) is proud to announce that plays from their most recent festival, “This Land is Our Land: the public park plays,” will be presented in a summer series as part of the 50th anniversary of the Roger Williams National Memorial.
Downtown Sundown Concert Series 7:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, a blanket, and maybe even a picnic dinner and sit on the lawn at the beautiful Roger Williams National Memorial and enjoy a FREE concert series by some of the best songwriters RI has to offer. There is limited parking available at the park. Lots of street parking and pay lots available. All ages are welcome.
The Providence Flee 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Featuring all the cool vendors from last summer’s Flea plus a slate of new vendors for even more one-of-a-kind Flea finds! Shop Local this season at the Flea.
Alex and Ani Sunday Jazz Series 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Attention jazz fans! Get ready to make your Sundays a little more musical with The Alex and Ani Sunday Jazz Series at Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard. We invite you to bring lawn chairs and blankets and visit Carolyn’s Café for a bite to eat and the perfect glass of wine.
Jaws 40th Anniversary 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. Dare to relive the terrifying masterpiece? Select Showcase Cinemas, Cinema de Lux, and Multiplex Cinemas theatres, in partnership with Fathom Events, Turner Classic Movies and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment invite you to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the one of the most popular American thrillers of all time when Jaws (1975) returns to select cinemas nationwide for a special two-day only event!
a Management Area has plenty of trails and sights to see for avid hikers. The park includes four bodies of water, Breakheart Pond, Beach Pond, Browning Mill Pond, and the Wood River. You definitely want to check out some of the trails this park has to offer!
East Bay Bike Path 
