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Let’s Talk Turkey (Sandwiches) 🦃
Find Rhode Island’s best pre-Turkey Day sandwich stops, celebrate 40 years of Wickford holiday magic, see what’s happening this weekend, + more!
Is it just me, or is November acting like we’re already halfway into winter hibernation mode? Schedules are wild, calendars are full, and yet here’s your permission slip to pause and breathe for a moment with today’s newsletter. Set the to dos aside and settle in, because between can’t miss events, festive markets, and plenty more distractions, today’s edition is a cozy little break in your day.
Thanksgiving Sandwiches to Savor Before the Turkey Even Thaws
Rhode Island’s delis and cafes aren’t waiting for the holiday to serve up the season’s best flavors, piling turkey, stuffing, and cranberry into creations worthy of a pre-feast celebration. From classic comfort combos to chef-y twists tucked into focaccia and ciabatta, these Turkey Day sandwiches deliver all the joy of Thanksgiving without turning on the oven. Read more online.
• By Jenna Kaplan
Wickford Lights Up for 40 Years of Holiday Magic
Step into a storybook as Wickford’s beloved Festival of Lights returns for its milestone year, filling the village with twinkling bulbs, waterfront cheer, and old-fashioned holiday charm. From Santa’s nautical arrival to late-night shopping and cocoa-fueled strolls, it’s the kind of cozy community celebration that keeps the season shining bright. Read more online.
• By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of courtesy of Wickford Village Associations
A Fresh Look at America’s First Big Plot Twist
Ken Burns returns with The American Revolution, a six-part PBS deep dive that reframes the nation’s founding as a messy, emotional, and wildly complicated story with Rhode Island right in the mix. From reenactments to rarely heard perspectives, the series brings new meaning to an era we thought we knew. Read more online.
• By Ken Abrams, photo courtesy of PBS
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 |
|---|---|
Friday 11/14 | Juicy Market Holiday Shopping Event Kick off your festive shopping from 5-8pm at Proclamation Ale Company in Warwick, where Juicy Market brings together local makers, great beer, and delicious bites for a perfectly merry night out. Learn more online ⸻ Holiday Preview Weekend at Feminine Fancies Shop festive styles and score 20 percent off during Holiday Preview Weekend, happening November 14 through November 16 at Feminine Fancies in Barrington, where the holiday spirit arrives early and in style. Learn more online ⸻ HYPERGLOW Providence 2025 Dive into America’s largest glow party as HYPERGLOW takes over The Strand in Providence beginning at 8pm, lighting up the night with neon visuals, DJ sets, body painting, and high energy surprises that keep the whole crowd glowing. Learn more online ⸻ Rhode Island Holiday Light Show Celebrate the magic of the season on opening night of the 6th Annual Rhode Island Holiday Light Show™ at Confreda Greenhouses in Hope, and be among the first to drive through a mile of dazzling displays and festive scenes when the lights switch on at 5pm. Learn more online ⸻ Holiday Small Works Opening Reception Celebrate the season at the Holiday Small Works Opening Reception from 5-7pm at the Wickford Art Association in North Kingstown, and be among the first to shop original small-format artwork, meet the artists, and enjoy festive refreshments. Learn more online ⸻ Air Supply 50th Anniversary Celebration Celebrate five decades of timeless love songs when Air Supply brings their 50th Anniversary Tour to the Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket, performing beloved hits like “All Out of Love” and “Lost in Love” for an unforgettable night of romantic rock nostalgia. Learn more online ⸻ “The Bone Thief” Book Release Event Join bestselling author Vanessa Lillie for a discussion of her latest mystery, The Bone Thief, in conversation with fellow Rhode Island author Kristin Offiler, from 6-7pm at Charter Books in Newport, a free community event celebrating storytelling, suspense, and the secrets buried in small-town history. Learn more online |
Saturday 11/15 | The Herreshoff Family Unzipped: A Textile Show and Tell Dive into Bristol’s textile history from 10am-12pm at Bristol Historical & Preservation Society as Maria Vazquez leads a fascinating behind the scenes look at the Herreshoff family’s garments, revealing their craftsmanship, conservation stories, and the surprising fashion lives behind the famed boat building dynasty. Learn more online ⸻ Four Hearts Foundation’s Kids Artisan Market Head to the Common Fence Point Community Center in Portsmouth from 1-4:30pm for a fun and free afternoon where young makers sell their creations, enjoy crafts and games, and even grab a Bowie’s Donut. Learn more online ⸻ Grainsley’s 5-Year Anniversary Celebration Swing by Grainsley’s in Warwick for an all day celebration where they’re marking five years with endless apps, pizza, and plenty of cheers from open to close. Learn more online ⸻ 17th Annual Providence Fall Home Show Explore the latest in home improvement, design, and innovation at the 17th Annual Providence Fall Home Show on November 15-16 at the Rhode Island Convention Center, featuring over 100 exhibitors, live demonstrations, and industry experts showcasing solutions tailored to Rhode Island living. Learn more online ⸻ Bottles Fine Wine Grand Tasting Sip and celebrate at the Bottles Fine Wine Grand Tasting in Providence, rom 1-4pm, featuring 50+ wines to sample for free – just in time to find the perfect pairings for your Thanksgiving table. Learn more online ⸻ Community Care Day at The Space Join The Space in Providence for a full day of connection and creativity featuring a queer-centered clothing swap from 1-3pm, followed by a free evening screening of Come See Me in the Good Light at 6pm. Learn more online ⸻ Save One Soul Adoption Event at SOS Retail Pet Supplies Meet adoptable pups like Patch at the Save One Soul Animal Rescue League Adoption Event from 11am-1pm at SOS Retail Pet Supplies in Wakefield, and find your new best friend while supporting local rescue efforts. Learn more online ⸻ Kids’ Night Out: Sports Nation Parents can enjoy an evening off while kids dive into themed fun during Kids’ Night Out: Sports Nation at the Dwares JCC in Providence, featuring arts and crafts, games, a movie, and dinner from 6-8pm. Learn more online ⸻ Friendsgiving Dinner at Trágmar Ale Works Kick off the holiday season at Trágmar Ale Works in Bristol with their annual Friendsgiving Dinner, where doors open at noon, Waypoint BBQ is served from 3-6pm, and live country music by AK Cody plays from 6-9pm. Learn more online ⸻ Morgan Jay: The Goofy Guy Tour at PPAC Catch musician and comedian Morgan Jay live on stage during The Goofy Guy Tour at the Providence Performing Arts Center in Providence, beginning at 7pm. Learn more online ⸻ Be My Neighbor Day at Meeting Street Join Daniel Tiger for Be My Neighbor Day from 1-4pm at Meeting Street in Providence, and celebrate kindness with family-friendly activities like assembling birthday bags for neighbors, meeting community helpers, and snapping a photo with Daniel Tiger himself. Learn more online ⸻ PVD Artisans Holiday Shows Shop local and discover handmade gifts from over 90 artists during the PVD Artisans Holiday Shows on November 15-16 from 10am-4pm at the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence, featuring unique jewelry, art, pottery, and more with free parking and admission. Learn more online |
Sunday 11/16 | Lincoln Woods Fun Ride Hit the trails at Lincoln Woods from 9am-2pm for a signature NEMBA ride featuring technical singletrack, family friendly guided loops, REI bike tips, timed laps down Wiggle, and plenty of fun features to session in the North Lot. Learn more online ⸻ Proc Mania 7: Live Pro Wrestling Head to the Proclamation Ale Company taproom in Warwick from 12-6pm for an action packed day featuring an 18 foot ring, all star bouts, tag team showdowns, Teddi’s Food Truck, and the live debut of Rhode Island’s own 7 foot powerhouse, “Big Trouble” Ben. Learn more online ⸻ The Chocolate Expo 2025: Rhode Island Holiday Edition Treat yourself to the sweetest day of the season at Bally’s Event Center in Lincoln from 10am-6pm, where The Chocolate Expo brings chocolates, baked goods, local bites, tastings, demos, celebrity guests, and even an epic holiday balloon display all under one festive roof. Learn more online ⸻ Paint & Sip with Paul Santos Spend your Sunday unwinding at Track 15 in Providence from 2-5pm, where artist Paul Santos leads a laid back Paint & Sip filled with real techniques, moody daisy painting, a drink from the bar, and even the football game playing while you create. Learn more online ⸻ Queer Clothing Swap Join Semi Sweet and Kitty Levesque for the Queer Clothing Swap at the Creative Reuse Center of Rhode Island in East Providence from 12-3pm, and trade clothes, enjoy N/A drinks, and connect with the community at this pay-what-you-can, all-genders-welcome event. Learn more online ⸻ Fall Holiday Market Shop local at the Fall Holiday Market from 10am-2pm at the Garden City Center Gazebo in Cranston, featuring makers, farmers, and artisans, plus live music from Kara McKee. Learn more online |
Monday 11/17 | Mahjong at Gooseneck Vineyards Sip, snack, and sharpen your tiles at Gooseneck Vineyards in North Kingstown at 1 PM, where a relaxed Mahjong session pairs wine and charcuterie with friendly play and guidance for both newcomers and seasoned pros. Learn more online ⸻ 5th Annual Veteran Voices Event Join Trinity Rep and the Providence Clemente Veterans’ Initiative at 5:30pm at the Providence Public Library for an inspiring evening of stories, songs, and poems from local veterans, with free admission and a post show reception to follow. Learn more online ⸻ Table of Remembrance at the Gloria Gemma Foundation Join the Gloria Gemma Foundation from 6-8pm in Lincoln for a heartfelt, multilingual Table of Remembrance event where guests can honor loved ones by bringing a photo or keepsake. Learn more online ⸻ Legacies Poetry Performance Head to the Trinity Rep Theatre in Providence from 7-9pm for a powerful pay what you wish evening where spoken word meets dance in dynamic duets exploring memory, meaning, and the stories we hold. Learn more online |
Our Rhody Rec list is refreshed with every newsletter, so be sure to check back for the latest events!
Cranberry Season Shines at Tiverton’s Thanksgiving Market
Tiverton’s beloved Cranberry-Craze Specialty Farmers Market returns November 23 with all the cozy vibes, local makers, and berry-themed treats a Rhode Islander could dream up. With 45 vendors, live music, and free admission, it is the perfect Sunday stop for grabbing gifts, snacks, and a little seasonal cheer. Read more online.
• By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of courtesy of Tiverton Farmers Market
A West Side Home That Turns Into a Holiday Wonderland
Providence hospitality pro Brendan Chipley Roane invites readers inside the charming 1955 home where he channels decades of creative experience (and a lifetime of holiday spirit) into a festive, elegant, and joy-filled decorating ritual. From safari-worthy décor rotations to late-night candle placement checks with a glass of wine in hand, his approach proves that great holiday design is equal parts style, sentiment, and pure Rhode Island magic. Read more online.
• By Ann Martini, photo courtesy of Brendan Chipley Roane
⭐ Looking for a simple way to brighten a furry friend’s day? The Jonnycake Pet Pantry is calling on the community to help stock its shelves with donations of wet and dry food, treats, and new pet supplies. Drop offs are welcomed Monday through Saturday from 10am-3pm at the rear of the Jonnycake Center in Westerly.
⭐ Why wait to feel the thrill of “The Circle of Life” when you can snag your tickets now? Disney’s The Lion King makes its roaring return to PPAC for a three-week run starting May 20, bringing its iconic puppetry, music, and larger-than-life magic back to Providence. Tickets go on sale November 14, so mark your calendar and get ready to claim your seat for one of Broadway’s most beloved shows.
⭐ Who doesn’t love a Thanksgiving freebie that actually makes your holiday prep easier? Gansett Wraps is celebrating five years of community love with its Annual Turkey Giveaway on November 22, handing out 400 turkeys across six Rhode Island and Connecticut locations. It is first come, first served from 2-5pm, so spread the word and help make someone’s holiday a little brighter.