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Meet the craft taking over your feed, Rhodyās newest talent hunt heating up, our latest Hey Rhody Weekly, + more!
Did you know that today is National Absurdity Day? Honestly, it tracks. And while the universe is fully committed to being a little unhinged, we promise weāre not pulling any yarn-based tricks with todayās newsletter. From crochet trends stitching their way across your feed to local events worth untangling yourself from the couch for, todayās newsletter is serving cozy vibes, creative inspo, and just the right amount of charming chaos. Letās dive in.
The Search RI Lights Up Rhode Islandās Creative Scene
A brand-new artistic movement is taking shape in the Ocean State, and itās giving emerging performers the spotlight theyāve been waiting for. The Search pairs homegrown talent with powerhouse mentors to create a community-driven platform where Rhode Islanders can grow, shine, and tell their stories on a stage worthy of their dreams. Read more online.
ā¢ By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of The Search RI
Holiday Shop and Stroll Returns to Tivertonās West Place Animal Sanctuary
The West Place Animal Sanctuary is kicking off the season with a cozy two-day celebration filled with rescued animals, handmade holiday goods, and plenty of feel-good community spirit. Itās the sweetest way to trade Black Friday chaos for heartwarming moments with horses, pigs, and the East Bay's most charming farm residents. Read more online.
ā¢ By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of West Place Animal Sanctuary
Presented by Little Rhody Laugh Riot
Lil Rhody Laugh Riot Returns to Providence in March with Star-Studded Lineup
If laughter really is the best medicine, Providence is about to get a full prescription. The Lil Rhody Laugh Riot returns from March 26-29, transforming the Creative Capital into New Englandās comedy capital. For four days, the cityās grandest stages and coziest clubs will fill with punchlines, applause, and the kind of laughter that leaves your cheeks sore in the best possible way.
Presented by The Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The VETS), the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), and PFM Corp, the festival spotlights the best in stand-up from across the country while celebrating the local comedy scene that gives Rhode Island its edge. āLil Rhody Laugh Riot is where the countryās top comics collide with the cityās sharpest locals,ā said Amanda Bonafine, Director of Concerts and Comedy for PFM. āProvidence isnāt just hosting comedy anymore, weāre setting the tone for it.ā
The second annual event expands across downtown with shows at The VETS, PPAC, the newly reopened Uptown Theater, and the Comedy Connection. The lineup reads like a whoās who of stand-up royalty. John Mulaney and Andrew Schulz will headline at PPAC. The VETS welcomes Bob the Drag Queen and MonĆ©t X Change, Andrew Santino, Zarna Garg, Chelsea Handler, and Mark Normand. The Uptown Theater joins the fun with Demetri Martin, Jessica Kirson, Marc Maron, and Kristin Key, while the Comedy Connection hosts Jay Pharoah all weekend long.
Festival organizers are also extending the fun beyond the stage with partnerships from local favorites like Aloft Hotel, Moniker Brewery, Malted Barley, Track 15, Moonshine Alley, and Yellow Door Taqueria. āWeāre creating a weekend that feels rooted in this community,ā said Daniel Schwartz, General Manager of The VETS.
Mayor Brett Smiley summed it up perfectly: āThis celebration of comedy brings people together from all across the country, filling our city with laughter, connection, and shared joy.ā Tickets and full festival details are available at LilRhodyLaughRiot.com.
Rhody Recs is your weekly roundup of whatās happening across the state, a built-in excuse to rally the crew early instead of scrambling for plans at the last minute. Because letās be real, lifeās too short to leave the fun for last minute.
Date | Event |
|---|---|
Friday 11/21 | Davina Cucina Grand Opening Davina Cucina officially makes its debut at Medici, bringing a fresh wave of flavor to the Providence dining scene. Learn more online āø» Bristol Holiday Preview Night 2025 Stroll through downtown Bristol from 5ā9pm 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 āø» URI College of Pharmacy Exploration Day High school and transfer students are invited to URIās 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 āø» 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 Broadwayās favorite duo. Learn more online āø» 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 āø» Dinner Party Ceramics Workshop Join Slow Bloom Ceramics at Machines With Magnets at 6pm for a one-night-only workshop featuring Central Americanāinspired dishes, crafted drinks, and hands-on clay creations perfect for the holiday season. Learn more online āø» Providence Place Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration Kick off the season at Providence Place as Mayor Brett Smiley helps ālight upā the holidays with a festive tree lighting at 5pm, live performances, Santaās new Arctic Clipper experience, and plenty of family-friendly magic in the Level 1 Garden Area. Learn more online āø» Newport Classical: Saxophonist Valentin Kovalev Experience saxophonist Valentin Kovalevās electrifying Newport Classical debut from 7:30-9:30pm at the Newport Classical Recital Hall, where heāll perform a dynamic program ranging from Romantic classics to contemporary showstoppers. Learn more online āø» 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 Childrenās Hospital as the annual toy drive kicks off. Learn more online āø» 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 dĆ©cor, Christmas carols, and evening bingo at this beloved annual community celebration. Learn more online āø» 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 Houseās vital work for survivors of domestic violence and trafficking. Learn more online āø» 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 | 30th Anniversary Wine Tasting Celebration Raise a glass to 30 years of winemaking at Newport Vineyards rom 3-6pm, where five curated wine-and-bite stations, live music, barrel tastings, and anniversary discounts turn this milestone into an elegant afternoon worth savoring. Learn more online āø» Pies for Hunger Community Bake Sale Matriarch Boutique in Newport is rolling out pies, breads, bagels, muffins, and all the cozy carbs from 8am-1pm to support the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Newport. Learn more online āø» 8th Annual Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair Kick off your holiday shopping at the 8th Annual Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair in Cumberland from 10am-4pm, where 30-plus local makers, festive treats, Santaās Village, and more than 100 penny social prizes turn the day into a cozy, family-friendly celebration. Learn more online āø» A Moment With Santa at Artistry Beauty Collective Head to Artistry Beauty Collective in Newport from 11am-4pm for A Moment With Santa, a cozy holiday kickoff where kids can share their wishes, families can snap festive photos, and grown-ups can sip and shop a Loreleiās for Littles pop-up while theyāre there. Learn more online āø» Pop-Up Holiday Market at Casey Farm Fill your holiday table and tackle your gift list at Casey Farmās Pop-Up Holiday Market from 10am-2:30pm, where more than twenty local vendors bring fresh produce, artisan gifts, and festive foodie finds to the final market of the season. Learn more online āø» A New England Thanksgiving Celebrate the season at Coggeshall Farm in Bristol rom 10am-4pm where costumed historians cook an authentic 18th-century Thanksgiving meal over the hearth, carve wooden spoons, demonstrate muskets, and offer a festive, hands-on glimpse into early New England holiday traditions. Learn more online āø» 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 āø» 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 āø» 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 Englandās Latin dance community together for an unforgettable night. Learn more online āø» 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 āø» 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 āø» 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 āø» 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 āø» 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 āø» The Good Trade Makers Market at WaterFire Arts Center Browse nearly 100 independent makers at The Good Tradeās 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 āø» Newport Boxfit Fall Fury VI Charity Exhibition Cheer on local fighters at Fall Fury VI from 3-7pm at St. Georgeās 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 | Turkey Dance Drag Brunch at Black Sheep Shake your tail feathers at the Black Sheep in Providence, where a Thanksgiving-themed Turkey Dance Drag Brunch brings a brunch buffet, big laughs, DJ Paulyās beats, and fabulous performances from Viza D. Klein, Gia Devaroux, and Jealousy Jonz during two seatings at 10am and 1pm. Learn more online āø» Superchief Trio Live at Imago Gallery Imago Gallery in Warren is kicking off Sunday fun with a lively Subterranean Honky-Tonk set from the Superchief Trio from 4-6pm inviting music lovers to grab a seat, tap their toes, and enjoy an evening of good-time tunes from one of Rhode Islandās longtime local favorites. Learn more online āø» 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 āø» 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 āø» 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 āø» 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 āø» 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 āø» 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 āø» 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 |
Monday 11/24 | Resin Ornaments Class Get crafty at Paint and Vino in Pawtucket from 7-9:30pm, where you can sip a complimentary drink, settle into a cozy studio vibe, and paint your own resin ornaments during a fun, hands-on holiday class. Learn more online āø» Thanksgiving Floral Arrangement Class at Clark Farms Create the perfect holiday centerpiece or hostess gift at Clark Farms in Wakefield from 6-7pm, where a fun, hands-on floral arranging class brings all the festive fall vibes. Learn more online āø» Coffee and Curls at Brewology Styled by Savannaha and Brewology are teaming up for Coffee and Curls, a sold-out, hands-on night of hair tutorials, cozy drinks, raffles, and good vibes in Cranston from 7-9pm. Learn more online āø» LitArts RIās Horror, Thriller and Weird Fiction Group Join fellow spooky storytellers online from 6-8pm for a laid-back writers group that swaps critiques, craft tips, and all the eerie, offbeat conversation your horror-loving heart could want. Learn more online āø» Holiday Charcuterie Skills Workshop Learn to build swoon-worthy holiday boards at Blithewold Manor in Bristol from 6 -8pm, where Private Events Manager Genie Correia will guide guests through creating their own take-home charcuterie masterpiece using expert pairing, slicing, and design techniques. Learn more online |
Our Rhody Rec list is refreshed with every newsletter, so be sure to check back for the latest events!
Hey Rhody Weekly: 4 Things to Do This Weekend in Rhody!
Nick and Jenna are back with another round of weekend inspo, and this week theyāre breaking down 4 things to do this weekend in Rhody that promise big vibes, cozy moments, and a whole lot of Ocean State charm. From festive pop-ups to foodie finds and events youāll actually want to put pants on for, theyāve got your weekend plans covered so you donāt have to scroll for hours.
The Crochet Comeback Is Turning Holiday Decor Into Handmade Magic
Crochet garlands and festive fiber crafts are trending, and local yarn shops are packed with beginner-friendly classes to help crafters jump in before the holidays hit. From cozy Learn to Crochet sessions to granny-hexagon cardigans and adorable mini Christmas trees, thereās no shortage of ways to stitch your way into the season. Read more online.
ā¢ By Jenna Kaplan
āIs Rhode Island ready for its next breakout starsā¦ who also happen to have paws, feathers, or fins? Heart of Rhode Islandās annual pet calendar contest is back with a Real Housepets of Rhode Island theme, letting every glamorous, goofy, or totally down-to-earth companion shine while raising funds for local rescue animals. With one-dollar votes supporting veterinary care and the top pets earning a coveted calendar spot, this feel-good contest is all about community, cuteness, and helping animals find their forever homes.
ā Looking for a gift that says āI love you AND I want you to stop running on fumesā? Blue Sky Spaworks in Warwick has gift cards that unlock an oasis of Aveda-powered relaxation, where expert therapists help melt the stress, knots, and chaos right out of your week. With tranquil treatment rooms, plant-based products, and a team dedicated to restoring balance from head to soul, a Blue Sky Spaworks gift card is the most Rhode Island way to give someone the peace they desperately deserve.
ā Ready to celebrate all things local? Join us for the First Annual Hey Rhody Market at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, a one-of-a-kind community event honoring 110 years of this iconic venue with dozens of local vendors, live music, food, drinks, and a showcase of Rhode Islandās best makers and designers. Admission is free and family-friendly. RSVP now to be part of this brand-new Rhody tradition!