Fresh Flicks & Local Picks 🎥

Power up your weekend plans with top local picks, 4 film premieres to see at RIIFF, our updated Hey Rhody Weekly, + more!

July 31, 2025

August is rolling in on a heatwave – and with beach parking turning into a full-contact sport, consider this your cooler (and calmer) alternative. We’ve packed today’s newsletter with sizzling events, premieres to put on your radar, and more ways to activate weekend mode without breaking a sweat. So grab an iced coffee, find some shade, and let’s make your weekend plans a breeze.

Weekend Must-Do’s: Jazz, Chowder & Carnival Thrills Hit Rhode Island

August kicks off with a jam-packed weekend of seafood feasts, live jazz, and family fun across the Ocean State. From the iconic Newport Jazz Festival to classic carnivals, Italian cooking classes, and wellness workouts, there’s something for everyone to savor. Read more online.

• By Caitlyn Bailey and Ken Abrams, photo courtesy of Charlestown Seafood Festival

4 Must-See Premieres Lighting Up RIIFF 2025

Rhode Island International Film Festival returns August 5–10 with over 250 films and four standout premieres that blend global talent, local voices, and bold storytelling. From a lakeside thriller to a moving transgender doc, this year’s lineup proves Providence is a rising hub for cinematic discovery. Read more online.

• By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of RIIFF

Presented by PVDFest

PVDFest Returns to Downtown Providence

PVDFest is back! Get ready to take over the streets of Downtown Providence on September 5–6, 2025, as Mayor Brett Smiley, the City’s Department of Art, Culture and Tourism, and Producing Partner FirstWorks bring you the ultimate celebration of creativity, culture, and community.

Encounter talking jaw-dropping performances from around the globe, live music that’ll have you dancing in the streets, larger-than-life art installations, a buzzing makers' market, a parade for all, and delicious eats from the best local and international food trucks. Whether you're a local or just visiting, PVDFest is your chance to experience the electric energy of the Creative Capital like never before. Mark your calendar, grab your crew, and don’t miss the most unforgettable weekend of the year. PVDFest is a free event. For more information, visit PVDFest.com.

Check Out Our Latest on Youtube: Coffee Culture, Venda Ravioli, and Sunfish Sightings

The newest episode of Hey Rhody Weekly rolls out our latest revamp – now spotlighting trending local topics every week. From viral moments to hot-button issues, we’re diving into what Rhode Islanders are really talking about right now.

⭐ Craving a crisp summer sip? Celebrate National White Wine Day early at Sakonnet Vineyard on Sunday, August 3 with 10% off white wines by the glass or bottle. Enjoy estate-grown favorites like Vidal Blanc and Riesling, perfect for pairing with coastal bites.

⭐ Looking for a Saturday that checks all the summer boxes? Head to Clark Farms in Matunuck on August 2 from 11am-4pm for their Summer Market, featuring 40+ vendors, local bites, live music, and seasonal blooms. With park access and the sunflower stroll in full bloom, it’s the perfect day to eat, shop, and stroll.

 ⭐ Love art, auctions, and community? On Saturday, August 9, Newport Art Museum hosts Wet Paint, a lively celebration of creativity featuring live demos, family activities, and a high-energy art auction. Now in its 32nd year, the event supports the Museum’s exhibitions and education programs. Learn more online.

 ⭐ Love coastal cities and fine art? From August 2 to September 14, Spring Bull Gallery presents Cities By The Sea, a juried exhibition celebrating seaside charm from Newport to Porto. Stop by the opening reception on Sunday, August 3 from 3-5pm to meet the artists and view selections curated by acclaimed painter Cindy Baron.

Willow Smith and Zach Tenorio-Miller Bring Genre-Bending Jazz to Newport

The Newport Jazz Festival returns with a boundary-pushing lineup, spotlighting rising stars like Willow Smith and her keyboardist Zach Tenorio-Miller. After a Grammy nod and a stadium tour with Coldplay, the duo brings their jazz-infused sound to Fort Adams this Saturday, reflecting the festival’s evolution into a hub for genre fusion and youthful reinvention. Read more online.

• By Ken Abrams, photo courtesy of Zach Tenorio-Miller