Looking for something fun to do this Columbus day weekend? Check out these cool events happening in Rhode Island!
Friday, October 9
Questival Providence: Questival is a 24-hour team social adventure race that takes place across the greater Providence area! There is also an Saturday adventure if you’d rather participate there. Tickets are available for the 24h and Saturday events http://questival.cotopaxi.com/questivals/providence2015/ For more information, visit questival.cotopaxi.com
The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular: A nighttime display of 5,000 illuminated jack-o-lanterns all along the beautiful Wetlands Trail, with well over 100 of the pumpkins carved into veritable works of art. Located at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, opens at 6 p.m.
Visiting for this weekend’s full WaterFire? Check out these other events happening in Rhode Island!
Friday, September 25
Wine and Food Festival at the Newport Mansions: At the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, one Grand Tasting admission price allows you to experience a tasting tour around the world with wine and food samples showcasing the finest vintages and cuisine available. Plus, Grand Tasting parking is complimentary at Easton’s Beach on Memorial Boulevard, with free shuttle service to and from Marble House. Ticket sales are non-refundable. All attendees must be 21 or over.
To Search: Investigations of the Virtual and Material Lives of Objects: This two-day conversation highlights the double lives of objects—- their local, intimate, and concrete quality as they reside in museums and their global, ubiquitous, and permeable virtual representations in digital media. It investigates the structures of knowledge and emergent network systems whose architectures and formal characteristics facilitate our encounters with objects. 1 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology
Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Check out these cool events happening in Rhode Island!
Friday, September 18th
Downtown Abbey Cooking Class: You will prepare a 3 course menu of delicious, original recipes from the 1920’s. Menu: Broiled Oysters With Peach and Paprika, Apricot Stuffed Pork Tenderloins, Château Potatoes, Julianne Carrots with Lemon Cream and Floating Islands with Lemon-Scented Custard Sauce and Raspberries. 6:30 p.m. located at 41 Lookout Ave, North Providence, RI 02911. $70 per person.
Chris Distefano at Comedy Connection: Described as a high energy comic, Chris Distefano acts out a variety of characters derived from his life, typically leaving you on the edge of your seat. 8:00 p.m. ;located at Comedy Connection, 39 Warren Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914. Tickets are $15.
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!
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.
This week celebrates the anniversary of the attack and burning of the HMS Gaspee in Providence. Throughout the weekend, there will be several events to commemorate this day including, guided tours and a Full WaterFire lighting. Also, this weekend is the Providence International Arts Festival, an experience like no other! Come join us for performances and art installations throughout the city Thursday-Sunday.
Wednesday, June 10
Thursday, June 11
Providence International Arts Festival Discover the city center as it comes to life with firsts in arts, culture, music, food, and spectacle. Experience an extravaganza of performances and art installations throughout the city and join the parade converging on Kennedy Plaza during this signature showcase event. 8:30 a.m.- midnight
2015 Festival of Historic Houses 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Since the first Festival, more than 50 years ago, The Providence Preservation Society has showcased contemporary living in historic homes.
Imagination Playground Providence Children’s Museum presents Imagination Playground where kids invent their own ways to play as they stack and build with huge blue foam blocks of all shapes and sizes. Event is from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Rock ‘N’ Roll Yard Sale The Providence Public Library downtown will host a Rock ‘N’ Roll Yard Sale from 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Enjoy live music and dj while browsing the vendors’ tables.
Gaspee Day at the John Brown House John Brown, the Providence merchant who promoted the attack on the Gaspee, later built and resided in a magnificent 18th century mansion. The John Brown House Museum at 52 Power Street will be open from 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. with guided tours at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Self-guided audio tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis. We will emphasize John Brown’s role as organizer of the Gaspee event and will make sure that everyone sees the painting in the museum that records the burning of the Gaspee. 10:00 a.m- 7:30 p.m.
Gaspee Day at the Governor Stephen Hopkins House Make time to see The Governor Stephen Hopkins House located at 15 Hopkins Street (off Benefit Street) and open for tours between 1:00 and 9:30 p.m. Admission is free, donations are always welcome. 1:00 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.
Waterfire: Full Lighting Sunset: 8:21 p.m. Lighting time: 8:46 p.m. The fires will remain lit until 12:30 a.m.
Hao Ni “Ghost Hit Wall” Reception Yellow Peril Gallery is pleased to present “Ghost Hit Wall” by Hao Ni, featuring an eclectic series of video, mixed media installations, sculptures, and drawings from June 11 – July 19, 2015. The opening reception is Saturday, June 13 from 6PM – 9PM.
Imagination Playground Providence Children’s Museum presents Imagination Playground where kids invent their own ways to play as they stack and build with huge blue foam blocks of all shapes and sizes. Event is from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The Providence Flee Shop Local this season at the Flea. Every Sunday, rain or shine, from 10 am – 4 pm, June 7 through September 13 on the Providence River Greenway, South Water Street (across from 345 South Water Street) in Providence, RI. (No admission fee)
Therese a lot to do this week in Providence and a lot of great fresh Farmers markets to visit. From ballets, historic tours, even learning the best way to use your audible spaces. We all hope you can get out and enjoy what the city has to offer this week. Will see you next week with more.
This week is filled with great arts events, from gallery openings to comedy collections to theatre productions. It’s a great opportunity to take advantage of Providence’s artistic side and see what wonders this community has created.
This week is filled with great arts events, from gallery openings to comedy collections to theatre productions. It’s a great opportunity to take advantage of Providence’s artistic side and see what wonders this community has created. As always, if you have any upcoming events to suggest, feel free to drop us a line.
Join the Providence Public Library for a guided architectural tour of the historic 1900 library building at 10:30 am every first and third Tuesday of each month. Please meet at 225 Washington Street entrance. The tour will last approximately one hour.
FREE, Five-week Yoga Class Starts Wednesday June 4th at noon. Please join the yoga lessons and find your center in the center of the beautiful urban oasis that is Roger Williams National Memorial. These classes will go every Wednesday from 12:00pm-1:00pm until June 30th. Yoga is known to keep you fit, and what better way to benefit from that than with your entire community on a lovely summer day in the park?
ArtProv gallery’s newest exhibit, “FIber Works,” will run from July 14, 2014, to August 2, 2014, and will feature the textile works of four artists: Liz Alpert Fay, Michelle Sirois-Silver, Mary Jane Andreozzi and Judith Larzelere. An opening reception will be held during Gallery Night Providence on July 17 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. The gallery will also be open on the following days during the Handweavers Guild of Americas Convergence in Providence: July 14 – July 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The gallery is also open by appointment.
“Summer Selections” Opening Night: Cate Charles Gallery, a new art gallery located in Providence’s SOMA (South Main Street) district, will open its newest exhibit titled “Summer Selections” on July 17, 2014, for Gallery Night Providence 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The show will run through August 17th.
RIBHS’s “Many Faces” gallery will present visitors with historic photos of African Americans in Rhode Island. The opening reception will be on July 17th at 5:30pm in John Brown House Museum.
What is the Grand Slam Championship? The Providence Poetry Slam’s highly successful 2013-2014 season is culminating in its biggest night of the year: the Grand Slam Championship.
The Theatre Company of Rhode Island has the mission of bring quality theatrical productions to Northern Rhode Island, and making theatre more accessible to actors.
It’s here folks, the beginning of Providence Roller Derby’s home season, the moment you’ve all been waiting for. On July 19th, the first bout of the 2014 home season, the Sakonnet River Roller Rats skate against the Mob Squad at Thayer Arena.
Comedy Connection of Rhode Island presents $5 Funnies, a showcase of Rhode Island’s best comedy. For only $5, you can enjoy a night of laughs and entertainment. This event is for ages 18+.
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 
