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Crush-Worthy Content Inside 💘

Crush-Worthy Content Inside 💘

February’s here and so are our hot-off-the-press issues, cocktails kissed with romance, global rhythms taking over PVD, + more!

February 03, 2026

In a surprise to absolutely no one, Punxsutawney Phil has predicted six more weeks of winter – which means it’s time to bundle up, give in to those cozy cravings, and soak up all the charm Rhode Island’s chilliest season has to offer. With Phil’s forecast in mind, there’s no better moment to make a plan. Today’s newsletter is your trusty guide to winter fun, from can’t-miss local happenings to a Newport bartender mixing up cocktails perfect for fireside sipping. Grab your mittens and your appetite for fun, because winter in Rhode Island is just getting started.

Local Love is in the Air (and on Every Page)

The only thing sweeter than your favorite candy bar? Our February issues! This month, we’re diving into the world of local chocolate makers and chocolatiers who are handcrafting swoon-worthy treats across the state – consider it our love letter to all things cocoa. Planning your big day? Say “yes” to our Hey Rhody Annual Wedding Guide, packed with inspiration for every kind of couple. Plus, Providence Monthly, So Rhode Island, and The Bay are brimming with craveable restaurants, hidden-gem destinations, and thoughtful gift ideas perfect for treating yourself – or someone you love. And because adulting is a thing, our annual Finance Guide is here to help you show your future some love, too. Grab your copy and fall head over heels for Rhode Island all over again!

Newport Bartender Kerri Ayers-Kelleher on What’s Shaking for February

At Newport Harbor Island Resort, bartender Kerri Ayers-Kelleher is leaning into February with a cozy, romantic cocktail duo designed for fireside sipping, from a sultry Black Cherry Manhattan to a bright, bubbly Sparkling Strawberry. Equal parts balance, craft, and mood, these His & Hers Valentine drinks prove winter in Newport is best enjoyed with a well-made cocktail and a giant pretzel on the side. Read more online.

RI VegFest Returns to Providence with 90+ Vegan Vendors at WaterFire Arts Center

RI VegFest returns to Providence’s WaterFire Arts Center February 21–22 with more than 90 vegan and vegan-friendly food vendors, makers, and restaurants from across the country. Now in its sixth year, the festival has grown from a local gathering into a destination event that pairs big flavor with Providence’s food-loving spirit and a strong commitment to sustainability. Read more online.

Rhody Recs is your weekly roundup of what’s happening across the state, a built-in excuse to rally the crew early instead of scrambling for plans at the last minute. Because let’s be real, life’s too short to leave the fun for last minute.

Date	Event
Wednesday 2/4	Say It Loud: Honoring Seven Decades of the Saint Martin de Porres Center Honoring Black History Month, this free midday celebration at the Providence Performing Arts Center brings live music, storytelling, and community reflection to the historic stage at 12pm, spotlighting the lasting impact of the Saint Martin de Porres Center and its future vision. Learn more online ⸻ Symposium Book’s Author Event: Stephen Fishbach Discusses Escape! Head to Hotel Providence in downtown PVD from 6-7pm for a can’t-miss reading, Q&A, and book signing with Survivor alum Stephen Fishbach as he dives into the wild twists of his debut novel, Escape!. Learn more online ⸻ Fine Jewelry Workshop Treat yourself to an evening of sparkle at Johnnycakes Design & Vintage in Providence from 6:30–8pm, where you’ll craft a custom bracelet using pearls and semi-precious stones, learn pro finishing techniques, and sip wine while enjoying sweet treats. Learn more online
Thursday 2/5	Heart of RI "Puppy Love" Fundraiser Head to The Event Factory in Warwick from 6–8:30pm for Heart of RI’s tail-waggingly adorable Puppy Love fundraiser, featuring local vendors, raffle prizes, tasty treats, and cuddles with adoptable pups. Learn more online ⸻ ZenFlower Workshop From 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Anchored Soul in Wickford, get crafty with seashells, sea glass, driftwood, and crystals while you design your own everlasting flower. Learn more online ⸻ Craft Rave From 7 -10pm at The Bimbo Factory in Pawtucket, get your craft on with Easy Baked Knit and DJ Bimbo Jackie while you dance, DIY, and play with yarn, sparkles, and all things handmade. Learn more online
Friday 2/6	Shepherd’s Run Galentine’s Market From 4-8pm at Shepherd's Run in South Kingstown, sip, shop, and celebrate friendship with women-owned vendors, live music, wine, spa treatments, and sweet cotton candy from Le Petit Pouf. Learn more online ⸻ Galentines Charcuterie Workshop Celebrate Galentine’s the delicious way at Artisan Bites in Cranston, where you’ll build your own charcuterie board, sip your favorite BYOB drink, and enjoy good vibes and great company from 6:30-pm. Learn more online ⸻ Diamond Blues Live at Pump House Music Works Grab your Valentine or your besties for aDiamond Blues brings two high-energy sets of Jerry Garcia Band and Grateful Dead favorites to Pump House Music Works in Wakefield, taking the stage from 7-10pm for a night of soulful jams, deep cuts, and classic grooves. Learn more online. ⸻ Valentine Paint & Wine Night at Varsity Grab your Valentine or your besties for a creative night out at Varsity Providence, where a guided paint-and-sip experience with Wine & Design by Amber kicks off at 6pm and includes step-by-step instruction, music, food, and a complimentary glass of wine. Learn more online
Saturday 2/7	Wicked Best Martini 2026 Providence’s cocktail scene takes center stage at RI Night Market’s Wicked Best Martini 2026, where local bartenders pour their best creations at The Reserve on Dorrance from 1-3:30pm for an afternoon of sipping, voting, and friendly competition, all benefiting animal welfare organizations. Learn more online ⸻. Love Sucks Comedy Show Skip the romance and bring on the laughs at Book Around in Pawtucket from 8-10pm, where a killer lineup of comedians takes the mic for a night dedicated to anyone who's ever rolled their eyes at Hallmark holidays. Learn more online ⸻ Pet Adoption Event at Petco Head to Petco in Cranston from 10am-12pm to meet adorable, adoptable dogs and maybe even find your new best friend – same-day adoptions available with pre-approval. Learn more online ⸻. Tarot and Paint Night Tap into your creative side at Sons of Liberty in South Kingstown from 3-5pm, where you’ll paint a tarot-inspired canvas, sip on cocktails, and enjoy a personal tarot reading in a relaxed, beginner-friendly setting. Learn more online ⸻ The Oddities Market Jordan’s Jungle in Pawtucket hosts this two-day Valentine’s market with a dark twist, running from 10am-5pm on both days and featuring local vendors, spooky art, handmade curiosities, jewelry, spiritual readings, and all things delightfully eerie. Learn more online ⸻ Valentine’s Vendor Fair Shop local from 9am-3pm at Phantom Farms in Cumberland with 12 vendors offering handmade gifts, treats, and Valentine’s goodies, plus plenty of cozy vibes and cafe bites to enjoy while you browse. Learn more online ⸻ Newport Singles Spotlight Watch friends hype up their favorite singles at Sport and Leisure in Providence, where the crowd mingles, connections spark, and the spotlight shines from 7-9pm in this playful twist on matchmaking. Learn more online
Sunday 2/8	Tiverton Farmers Market’s Annual Valentine’s Specialty Market Celebrate Valentine’s weekend with local flavor at the Tiverton Farmers Market’s Annual Valentine’s Specialty Market, held at the Middle School from 10am-2pm, featuring handcrafted goods, artisanal eats, and live acoustic music in a festive indoor setting full of Rhode Island charm. Learn more online ⸻ Superbowl Tailgate Party Catch all the game-day action at Medici in Providence with a tailgate party full of food, drinks, and football fun, kicking off at 5pm and rolling late into the night. Learn more online ⸻ Galentine's Floral Arranging Class Celebrate friendship at this hands-on floral arranging class in Pawtucket from 12-2pm, where you’ll create your own bouquet, enjoy a fun photo booth, and spend a sweet afternoon with your besties. Learn more online ⸻ Medium Night at George's of Galilee Join Sandy Waters at George’s of Galilee in Narragansett from 4-5:30pm for an intimate group reading where she connects attendees with loved ones who have passed, offering messages of comfort and connection by the sea. Learn more online ⸻ Superbowl Watch Party at Track 15 Track 15 in downtown Providence is pulling out all the stops from kick-off through the final whistle with chef-driven game-day specials, buckets of beer, big screens, and even a salsa dancing lesson before the halftime show. Learn more online

Our Rhody Rec list is refreshed with every newsletter, so be sure to check back for the latest events!

The Women’s Summit® Returns to Rhode Island for Its 29th Year

Rhode Island’s biggest day for bold ideas and meaningful connection is back as The Women’s Summit® returns to Bryant University on March 19, 2026, bringing together more than 1,000 women from across New England. With inspiring keynotes, forward-thinking breakout sessions, and a theme centered on turning values into action, the Summit promises a powerful reset for anyone ready to lead with purpose. Read more online.

⭐ Looking for an excuse to sip, stroll, and shop local this winter? East Greenwich’s Sip & Shop returns to Main Street on February 7, from 12-5 pm, turning downtown into a feel-good afternoon of browsing, treats, and community vibes. With a lineup of beloved local shops, wellness stops, coffee, candles, jewelry, and more, it’s the perfect reminder that supporting small businesses can be just as fun as it is rewarding.

⭐ Ready to let your soul groove its way through chaos to connection? Salve Regina University’s dance program brings Soul Traffic to life February 5-7 at Newport’s historic Casino Theatre, with a powerful lineup of jazz-fueled, emotion-driven performances by guest artists, alumni, and student choreographers. Expect everything from high-energy group pieces to intimate reflections on identity, resilience, and joy, all set to the sounds of Ezra Collective, KOKOROKO, and more.

⭐ Looking for a sweet way to say I love you this Valentine’s Day? Munroe Dairy has brought back its fan-favorite Love Potion #9 Ice Cream, a dreamy mix of vanilla, raspberry swirls, and raspberry-filled chocolate truffles from Warwick Ice Cream. You can grab a pint (plus their beloved Strawberry Milk) via home delivery or at the Sacred Cow Scoop & Market in East Providence.

A Global Soul Sound Is Headed to Providence

Providence’s live music scene is getting a global glow-up as FirstWorks brings South African powerhouse Nomfusi to the beautifully restored Uptown Theater for a one-night-only show on February 7. Blending Afropop, gospel, township rhythms, and classic soul, Nomfusi’s voice and story promise an evening that’s equal parts electric, empowering, and unforgettable. Read more online.

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