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Gobble Up Local Fun 😋

Gobble Up Local Fun 😋

Discover what’s taking shape in PVD’s West End, a Comic Con recap that hits the highlights, holiday markets galore, + more!

November 18, 2025

We’ve hit that pre-holiday stretch where you’re torn between scrubbing the house top to bottom or pretending the outside world doesn’t exist – and let’s be real, neither is winning. But you know what does win? Pressing pause on the chaos and sinking into a little Rhode Island goodness. Consider this your soft landing before the holiday rush, a cozy reset packed with local news, festive happenings, and events you might even feel inspired to put pants on for. So slip into something comfy (mentally, not physically) and dive in.

Hope & Main Breaks Ground on Providence’s New West End Kitchens

Providence’s culinary future just got a big boost as Hope & Main officially begins work on West End Kitchens, a new shared-space hub set to uplift the next generation of Ocean State foodmakers. With three rentable kitchens, a high-volume production space, and room for 50 new startups in year one, the 2026 opening promises fresh flavors, new opportunities, and a whole lot of local creativity on the rise. Read more online.

^{• By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of Hope & Main}

Rhode Island Comic Con Brings Superheroes, Stars, and Serious Nostalgia to Providence

Providence turned into a playground for pop culture lovers as Rhode Island Comic Con brought caped icons, legendary actors, and comic artists under one very excited roof. From Paul Williams sharing stories in full Planet of the Apes glam to fans hauling home boxes of treasured comics, the weekend proved once again why RICC remains the Ocean State’s ultimate fandom fest. Read more online.

^{• By Jonah Major}

Presented by CIC Providence

CIC Providence Brings Community to Coworking in Rhode Island

In the heart of the Innovation and Design District, CIC Providence is where Rhode Island’s brightest ideas take root. Located at 225 Dyer Street, this hub of creativity brings together startups, entrepreneurs, and global enterprises under one roof, fostering collaboration that extends far beyond the Ocean State.

CIC, short for Cambridge Innovation Center, has built a worldwide network of campuses designed to help big thinkers tackle big challenges. The Providence location follows suit, offering flexible offices, coworking options, and event spaces that make getting to work effortless. With all-inclusive amenities, members can skip the setup and focus on what matters most: building, scaling, and connecting.

“Our spaces are built for innovators,” says the CIC Providence team, noting that the campus is also home to the Offshore Wind Hub, a testament to Rhode Island’s leadership in the clean energy revolution. Whether it is a startup seeking momentum or an established organization looking to join a community of forward thinkers, CIC’s flexible model empowers members to work, host, and collaborate seamlessly.

Community and convenience are among the most appreciated perks. Beyond its offices, CIC’s District Hall offers free coworking areas as well as rentable meeting and event spaces. It is a go-to destination for networking, brainstorming, or simply finding inspiration among other visionaries.

For those planning to celebrate the season, CIC is now accepting holiday event bookings, providing a modern setting with built-in support for everything from planning to execution.

Recently recognized on Providence Business News’ 2025 Fastest Growing & Innovative Companies list for Innovative Collaboration, CIC Providence continues to redefine what a workspace can be: dynamic, supportive, and community driven.

Ready to see where innovation meets possibility? Learn more about CIC Providence, explore its event spaces, or drop by District Hall to experience the energy for yourself at cic.com/providence.

A Holiday Book That Gives Back to Animals in Need

Bestselling author and stylist Fifi O’Neill is ringing in the season with Visions of Christmas, a self-published holiday decor book where 100 percent of proceeds support no-kill animal shelters nationwide. Featuring a Pennsylvania home dressed in its festive finest and a heart for rescue animals, the project brings together O’Neill’s signature style, Rhode Island ties, and a shared mission to help pets in need. Read more online.

^{•By Caitlyn Bailey, photo courtesy of Fifi O’Neill}

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 11/19	Live Mural Painting at CRU PVD with Heather Mara Watch muralist Heather Mara bring CRU PVD’s interior to life November 19-21 as she transforms a restaurant wall into a 6-foot interactive artwork celebrating local history, community, and the spirit of New England creativity. Learn more online ⸻ DIY Thanksgiving Centerpiece Class with Bloom Flower Bar Join Jennifer of Bloom Flower Bar at Track 15 in Providence from 6-8pm for a cozy, hands-on workshop where you’ll craft your own Thanksgiving centerpiece while sipping a complimentary glass of wine or beer. Learn more online ⸻ Farm to Fragrance Lavender Workshop Join Water Way Farm’s Candace Clavin at Mount Hope Farm in Bristol from 6-8pm for a soothing hands-on workshop exploring the magic of lavender through history, scent, and DIY essential oil creations. Learn more online ⸻ Christmas Ornament Workshop at The Smith–Appleby House Museum Head to the Smith–Appleby House Museum in Esmond from 6–8pm for a cinnamon ornament–making workshop that includes a house tour, light refreshments, and all materials needed for this festive hands-on craft night. Learn more online ⸻ Reharvest Repair Community Gathering Join Repairatelier at RISD from 6-8pm for a free, hands-on community gathering where makers, artists, and fixers can share repair projects, map creative resources, and swap ideas for transforming discarded materials into imaginative new works. Learn more online
Thursday 11/20	Thanks for Giving Party at Noon Designs Celebrate the season at Noon Designs’ final Thanks for Giving Party from 4–8pm in Pawtuxet Village, featuring new holiday products, raffle prizes, snacks, and festive shopping to kick off the holidays. Learn more online ⸻ Book Swap and Bookmark Making Spend your evening at Now or Never in Providence from 6–8pm enjoying a relaxed mix of book swapping, creative bookmark making, and friendly hangs hosted by the Providence Book Swap Society. Learn more online ⸻ Speed Dating at Long Live Beerworks Meet new people over craft brews at Long Live Beerworks in Providence at 6pm, with separate sessions for under-35 and 45-plus daters and a charcuterie board to keep the mingling going. Learn more online ⸻ REDUX Dance Concert at Salve Regina University Catch REDUX at Newport’s historic Casino Theatre from November 20-22, where Salve Regina University’s Dance Program presents an inspiring mix of revived works and bold new choreography that celebrates dance’s past, present, and future. Learn more online ⸻ Winemaker Dinner with Mark Gamache of Mon Premier Wines Savor a four-course tasting menu paired with exquisite Sonoma County wines at Gracie’s in Providence from 5:30-8pm, where winemaker Mark Gamache guides guests through an intimate evening of storytelling, craft, and exceptional flavor. Learn more online ⸻ A.J. Croce: Croce Plays Croce Catch A.J. Croce live at the Historic Park Theatre in Cranston from 7:30-10pm as he blends his own soulful songwriting with the legendary hits of his father, Jim Croce, in a heartfelt performance celebrating music, memory, and legacy. Learn more online
Friday 11/21	Bristol Holiday Preview Night 2025 Stroll through downtown Bristol from 5–9pm as the annual Holiday Preview Night brings twinkling lights, late-night shopping, trolley rides, and festive cheer from dozens of local merchants. Learn more online ⸻ URI College of Pharmacy Exploration Day High school and transfer students are invited to URI’s campus in Kingston from 1-3pm for an interactive look at the College of Pharmacy, featuring hands-on activities, lab tours, wellness stations, and opportunities to explore careers in pharmaceutical science. Learn more online ⸻ Wicked: For Good Release Party Join The United Theatre in Westerly at 7pm for a Wicked-themed celebration featuring a Defying Gravity sing-off, costume contests, signature pink and green cocktails, themed treats, and a magical photo booth inspired by Broadway’s favorite duo. Learn more online ⸻ Holidays at the Newport Mansions Starting November 21, the Newport Mansions light up for the season as The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms, and Chateau-sur-Mer transform with dazzling decorations, sparkling outdoor displays, and festive experiences including the beloved Sparkling Lights walk. Learn more online ⸻ Dinner Party Ceramics Workshop Join Slow Bloom Ceramics at Machines With Magnets at 6pm for a one-night-only workshop featuring Central American–inspired dishes, crafted drinks, and hands-on clay creations perfect for the holiday season. Learn more online ⸻ Providence Place Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration Kick off the season at Providence Place as Mayor Brett Smiley helps “light up” the holidays with a festive tree lighting at 5pm, live performances, Santa’s new Arctic Clipper experience, and plenty of family-friendly magic in the Level 1 Garden Area. Learn more online ⸻ Newport Classical: Saxophonist Valentin Kovalev Experience saxophonist Valentin Kovalev’s electrifying Newport Classical debut from 7:30-9:30pm at the Newport Classical Recital Hall, where he’ll perform a dynamic program ranging from Romantic classics to contemporary showstoppers. Learn more online ⸻ Providence Bruins FallFest Chuck-A-Puck Celebrate the season with the Providence Bruins at the Amica Mutual Pavilion, where fans can chuck pucks for prizes, enjoy festive holiday vibes, and help support Hasbro Children’s Hospital as the annual toy drive kicks off. Learn more online ⸻ The Wonder of Christmas Bazaar & Crafts Fair Visit the Shrine of the Little Flower in Burrillville on November 21 and 22 for a festive holiday bazaar filled with sweets, raffles, handmade décor, Christmas carols, and evening bingo at this beloved annual community celebration. Learn more online ⸻ Dreams: A Celebration of the Music of Fleetwood Mac Head to Myrtle in East Providence for a Fleetwood Mac tribute night from 8-11pm featuring multiple local acts, with all proceeds supporting Sojourner House’s vital work for survivors of domestic violence and trafficking. Learn more online ⸻ Author Talk with Susannah Cahalan and Annie Hartnett Swing by Symposium Books in Providence at 7pm for a lively conversation between bestselling authors Susannah Cahalan and Annie Hartnett as they dive into their newest books, share stories behind the pages, and sign copies for fellow book lovers. Learn more online
Saturday 11/22	Rhode Island Christmas Festival Head to the West Warwick Civic Center on November 22 and 23 for the annual Rhode Island Christmas Festival, a two-day holiday extravaganza featuring over 150 makers, live entertainment, and festive food trucks. Learn more online ⸻ Quonset Tavern By The Green Annual Sip & Shop Shop local at Quonset Tavern By The Green in North Kingstown on November 22 and 23 from 9am-4pm, where dozens of makers and small businesses gather for a festive weekend of gifts, treats, and all-day sips from the bar and kitchen. Learn more online ⸻ Salsa Bash Dance the night away at the Salsa Bash from 7:30pm-3am at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick, where workshops, live performances, and nonstop DJ-led social dancing bring New England’s Latin dance community together for an unforgettable night. Learn more online ⸻ Hope Street Annual Winter Lights Stroll Bundle up for the Winter Lights Stroll on Hope Street in Providence from 10am-5:30pm, featuring live music, treats, raffles, hot drinks, dancing, and a festive lighting ceremony at 5pm outside Kreatelier. Learn more online ⸻ Plants, Pots & Pints Expo Browse rare plants, tropical greenery, and handmade pottery at Narragansett Brewery in Providence from 12-7pm, as Pothos Plant Shop and Anyhow Studio transform the taproom into a lush indoor jungle with plenty of sips and shopping. Learn more online ⸻ Gansett Wraps 5th Annual Turkey Giveaway Stop by Gansett Wraps locationsfrom 2-5pm for their 5th Annual Turkey Giveaway, where 400 free turkeys will be distributed across Rhode Island and Connecticut on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more online ⸻ Holiday Epoxy Board Workshop Roll up your sleeves at Newport Harbor Island Resort from 5-7pm for a creative night of swirling holiday colors into your very own resin charcuterie board, complete with festive snacks and all the good vibes. Learn more online ⸻ Ocean House Author Series: Lifestyle Design Panel Head to the Ocean House from 4-6pm for an inspiring design panel featuring Genevieve Wheeler Brown, Amanda Reynal, Christopher Spitzmiller, and Ashley Whittaker as they share creative insights and home decor inspiration. Learn more online ⸻ The Good Trade Makers Market at WaterFire Arts Center Browse nearly 100 independent makers at The Good Trade’s 5th Annual Makers Market on November 22 and 23 at WaterFire Arts Center in Providence, a festive weekend of holiday shopping, community spirit, and creative small-business energy. Learn more online ⸻ Newport Boxfit Fall Fury VI Charity Exhibition Cheer on local fighters at Fall Fury VI from 3-7pm at St. George’s School in Middletown, a high-energy exhibition boxing event benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Newport County with concessions available on-site. Learn more online
Sunday 11/23	SkateMate: A Beginner-Friendly Skate Session Join SkateMate from 9-11am at United Skates of America in Rumford for a beginner-friendly roller-skate session designed to build confidence, community, and movement-based mindset boosts. Learn more online ⸻ Thanksgiving Cranberry-Craze Market Swing by Tiverton Middle School from 10am-2pm for the annual Cranberry-Craze Market, a festive farmers market packed with seasonal goods and holiday spirit. Learn more online ⸻ Art Battle Pawtucket Catch the action from 5-9pm at The Industrial in Pawtucket, where artists face off in live competitive painting rounds before their works go up for auction in this high-energy, all-ages creative showdown. Learn more online ⸻ Friendsgiving Brunch at Harbor Lights Celebrate your crew at Harbor Lights in Warwick from 11am-2pm, where a cozy family-style Friendsgiving brunch brings all the fall flavors, from apple crisp pancakes to chocolate bread pudding, to the Back 9 Event Space for a laid-back, delicious Sunday together. Learn more online. ⸻ Barks & Brews Coat Drive Bring a new or gently used coat (and your pup) to Ragged Island Brewery in Portsmouth from 2-6pm for an afternoon of craft beer, community, and canine fun benefiting the Buy Nothing Day Coat Exchange. Rhode Island Christmas Festival Learn more online. ⸻ Providence Flea at Farm Fresh RI Shop 85-plus local artisans, vintage vendors, and food makers from 11am-3pm at Farm Fresh RI in Providence, complete with coffee, cocktails, food trucks, and plenty of holiday-season finds. Learn more online. ⸻ Mouse Fest 2025 Gather at Pump House Music Works in Wakefield from 1-7pm for Mouse Fest, a lively all-ages music fundraiser honoring beloved pup Mouse and supporting the Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island with performances from local bands and a full day of community spirit. Learn more online.

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

Presented by Foundry Artists Association

Rhode Island’s Creativity Shines as The Foundry Show Returns for Year 43

The beloved Foundry Artists Association Holiday Show is back at the Pawtucket Armory this December, gathering more than 65 regional makers for two festive weekends of handcrafted art, community giving, and local pride. With free admission, a heartwarming silent auction honoring longtime member Suzanne Tanner, and the annual “bring a can or ten” tradition for the RI Food Bank, it remains one of the Ocean State’s most cherished holiday markets. Read more online.

^{• By Hey Rhody Staff, photo courtesy of Foundry Artists Association}

⭐ Need a little help keeping your furry best friend fed this season? The Kibble Closet, a pet food pantry tucked inside Village Paws Grooming in Greenville, is making sure no local dog or cat goes without a full bowl. They’re offering free pet food to anyone in need, so spread the word and lend a paw to neighbors who could use the support.

⭐Looking for an easy way to spread a little holiday goodwill? From November 28 to December 21, Wright’s Dairy Farm and Bakery is inviting customers to Round Up for Rhode Island, with every extra cent supporting the Rhode Island Food Bank. Even better, Wright’s will match all donations, making your small gesture go twice as far in the fight against hunger.

⭐ Ready for a night that does more than dazzle? Aldersbridge Communities is hosting its annual Adding Life to Years gala on December 4, inviting guests to the Crowne Plaza for an evening of celebration, storytelling, and support for older adults across Rhode Island. With dinner, auctions, and a mission-driven program emceed by WPRI’s T.J. Del Santo, the event helps fund the essential care and enriching experiences that make every resident’s life brighter.

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