Celebrate Labor Day the Rhody Way! (8/29/24)

Ready to squeeze the last drops of summer out of Labor Day weekend? From Ocean State adventures to Rhody-inspired trail mix that’s tastier than your aunt’s potato salad, we’ve got the scoop. Plus, ethical fashion from PVD to keep you looking sharp.

Weekend Must-Do’s: Festivals, feasts, and fun!

Labor Day signals the unofficial end of the season, so why not live it up this weekend? Send off summer in style with cultural performances, live music, festivals, and more, plus historical programming from local orgs. Read the full list online at HeyRhody.com.

_{• By Abbie Lahmers, photo courtesy of Blackstone Valley Tourism Council}

Celebrate National Trail Mix Day with Rhode Island-Inspired Mixes

Trail mix, the ultimate customizable snack, is a favorite for its perfect blend of energy-boosting ingredients. This National Trail Mix Day, discover Rhode Island's locally sourced mixes that bring a taste of the Ocean State to every adventure. Read more on our latest blog at HeyRhody.com.

^{• By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of Canva.com}

Latest Episode of Hey Rhody Weekly  

Tune in to this week’s episode of Hey Rhody Weekly, where Newport gems and Pawtucket’s liquid gold collide. From seaside fun to distillery delights, here’s your Rhode Island adventure, just in time for the weekend!

Unlocking Talent at South County School of Performing Arts

Located in Wickford, the South County School of Performing Arts (SCSPA) offers a nurturing environment for aspiring performers of all ages. Founded by Marissa Maroni, SCSPA is a thriving hub for music education and personal growth, with a wide range of programs, from early childhood classes to advanced workshops. Read more online at HeyRhody.com.

^{• By Cheikh Higgs, photo by Derek Halkett, courtesy of South County School of Performing Arts}

Presented by PVDFest

PVDFest Turns Downtown Into a Spectacle September 6-7

The Creative Capital’s signature outdoor arts festival returns to the vibrant city center this year with a host of spectacles and sounds. Taking place September 6-7, PVDFest – presented by Mayor Brett P. Smiley; the City’s Department of Art, Culture, Tourism; and producing partner FirstWorks – will be one for the books.

Downtown is transformed into a stage for international and local performances, art installations, parades, artisan markets, and world-class cuisine. Among the thrills slated for this year is the return of eVenti Verticali, with a new performance: SPHERE. FirstWorks brings this gravity-defying group of five Italian aerial dancers to Providence, inviting audiences on a journey of reflection for the planet we call home – and did we mention they’ll be suspended from a crane 60 feet in the air? Catch the awe-inspiring act on Friday at 4:45pm and 7pm, and Saturday, 2:30pm and 7:30pm.

Other highlights include two events that will keep you grooving all weekend. On opening night Friday, new and seasoned salsa dancers alike can twirl around the dance floor for Salsa Night, with a free lesson by Providence instructor Rodney Eric Lopez at 7pm, followed by Lulada Club, an all-women salsa band from New York City, from 7:30-9pm. Closing out the festivities is djembe master Sidy Maiga’s 12th Annual Afrika Nyaga Drum and Dance Festival on Saturday, from 4:30-7:30pm. Celebrate West African music and dance with inspiring performances by Graca, Manolo Mairena & La Pura Vida, Haus of Glitter, Providence Drum Troupe, Sidy Maiga & The Bridge Where We Meet, and Valerie Tutson from the Rhode Island Black Storytellers.

From live music and food trucks in Kennedy Plaza and Burnside Park to maker spaces and cultural heritage festivals, downtown will be a dynamic hub of creativity, community, and celebration. For a full lineup and more information, visit PVDFest.com.

^{• By Abbie Lahmers, photo courtesy PVDFest}

Behind the Ethical Design of PVD’s Bela Monde

Bela Monde, the fashion brand founded by Lisa Limer and Johnnie Chace, seamlessly blends photography, interior design, and ethical sourcing in their Providence studio. Nestled in a historic Federal-style house, the brand is known for its exquisite, sustainably crafted garments, each piece telling a story of art and timeless style. Read more online at ProvidenceOnline.com.

^{•By Cheikh Higgs, photo courtesy of Bela Monde}