Legacy, Style, & Local Love 🤍

Honor the legendary Judge Frank Caprio, explore the next wave of Rhody style, watch our latest Weekly, + more!

With the recent passing of Judge Frank Caprio, Rhode Island feels just a little less bright this week. And since the skies aren’t exactly doing their part, we’re hoping today’s newsletter can slip some sunshine into your inbox and maybe spark a smile. Here’s to savoring the little joys that keep us glowing, even when the weather (or the week) feels gray.

Rhode Island Mourns Judge Frank Caprio’s Lasting Legacy

Beloved for blending compassion with accountability, Judge Frank Caprio passed away this week at 88, leaving Rhode Islanders and fans worldwide reflecting on his humanity in the courtroom. His decades on the bench turned everyday cases into viral lessons on dignity, kindness, and the power of grace. Read more online.

• By Jenna Kaplan

Stripes Set Sail in Rhode Island Style

From espadrilles to anklets, Rhode Island shops are embracing the timeless sailorcore trend with bold stripes for every age and style. Whether you’re strolling Newport or shopping Providence, local boutiques are stocked with nautical flair that channels effortless coastal cool. Read more online.

• By Elyse Major

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.

We love spotlighting local businesses and events, but nothing tops our love for the Hey Rhody fam. You asked for more ways to plan ahead, so here it is: Rhody Recs, your weekly roundup of what’s happening around the state. Consider it your built-in excuse to rally the crew early, instead of scrambling on Thursday night. Because let’s be real, life’s too short to leave the fun for last minute.

Date

Event

All Weekend Long:

2025 Annual Greek Festival

The Assumption Church Greek Festival in Pawtucket brings a weekend of authentic food, music, and dancing that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean. Learn more online.

Milestone Wines Release Weekend

Newport Vineyards in Middletown is toasting 30 years of winemaking with a special release weekend, debuting its limited-edition Milestone Blanc and Milestone Red. Learn more online.

Bloom PVD Opening Weekend

Bloom PVD on Wickenden St. kicks off its opening weekend in Providence with a fresh mix of art, music, and community vibes designed to celebrate local creativity in full color. Learn more online.

Friday 8/22

Ace the Taste at Fame Fest
Newport’s International Tennis Hall of Fame hosts a new food truck festival featuring local favorites like Blount Clam Shack, Friskie Fries, and Del’s Lemonade. Learn more online.

Juicy Market Event

Juicy Market pops up at Greenvale Vineyards in Portsmouth on August 22 with local artists, makers, food trucks, and plenty of dog-friendly fun from 3-6pm. Learn more online.

Free Family Viewing Night
Brown’s Ladd Observatory in Providence opens its doors for free stargazing from 7-9pm. Learn more online.

Motif Magazine Battle of the Bands
Narragansett Brewery hosts the preliminary round where local bands compete for a spot in the PVD Fest finale. Learn more online.

Saturday 8/23

Bristol Street Fair
Downtown Bristol’s Hope Street comes alive with vendors, live music, food, and family fun at this annual summer highlight. Learn more online.

LitArts RI Communal Write-In
Tiverton’s Yellow House bookstore and sculpture garden host a communal writing session to spark creativity and connection from 12-4pm. Learn more online.

Silent Book Club Event

Silent Book Club takes over Ellie’s in Providence, inviting readers to bring their current book and enjoy a cozy afternoon of quiet reading and community from 4-6pm. Learn more online.

80’s Party with Michael Jackson Tribute
Medici Lounge in Providence brings neon vibes and Michael Jackson’s hits to life with tribute artist Joby Rogers. Learn more online.

Sunday 8/24

Dog Days of Summer Adoption Event
Cowesett Inn invites families to meet adoptable pups from local rescues at this end-of-summer adoption event. Learn more online.

Crispy Club at Club Frills
Club Frills on Ives Street in Providence serves up Portland’s Crispy Gai fried specialties alongside bold cocktails.. Learn more online.

Rhode Island Folk Festival

The Rhode Island Folk Festival returns to Crescent Park in Riverside with three stages of live music, 40+ artisan vendors, food trucks, and a beer garden. Learn more online.

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

Check Out Our Latest On Youtube: Rhody Buzzes with Glen Powell Sightings, New Restaurant News, & Viral Bill-Splitting Debate

The Hey Rhody crew dishes on a Hollywood production filming in Rhode Island (yes, with Glen Powell sightings), the bubbly return of Champagne and caviar on Atwells, and the spicy online debate over splitting restaurant bills.

Fact-based news without bias awaits. Make 1440 your choice today.

Overwhelmed by biased news? Cut through the clutter and get straight facts with your daily 1440 digest. From politics to sports, join millions who start their day informed.

Rhody Recipe: Maggie Mulvena Pearson’s Grilled Summer Swordfish

Local chef and cookbook author Maggie Mulvena Pearson proves that swordfish is the ultimate summer catch with a quick, flavor-packed recipe. Her grilled swordfish, topped with a rich sun-dried tomato butter, delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Read the full recipe online.

• By Maggie Mulvena Pearson

Want to cheer on the home team and fight hunger too? On August 30, Rhode Island FC takes on Charleston Battery, with $4.01 from every ticket benefiting the RI Community Food Bank. Fans can also bring nonperishables to the match, turning game day into a win for the whole community..

  Have a story to tell or a hidden gem to share? Hey Rhody Media Co. wants to hear from locals about the people, places, and flavors that make the Ocean State shine. From food finds to community snapshots, submissions may be featured in an upcoming issue across Providence Monthly, So Rhode Island, The Bay, or Hey Rhody.