You can feel it when a Rhode Island weekend starts to come together. A few good ideas turn into a full day out, and suddenly you’re lingering a little longer, ordering one more round, or adding one more stop. This lineup leans into that rhythm, with vineyard views, creative happenings, and Mother’s Day plans that go beyond the expected. Consider this your nudge to get out, follow what looks fun, and see where the day takes you.
Sip Your Way Through South County’s Wine Trail
Just a short drive from Providence, South County’s wine trail invites you to trade city buzz for vineyard views and unhurried tastings. With everything from crisp whites to fruit-forward sips and cider surprises, these six stops make for a perfectly easygoing Rhode Island day trip. Read more online.
New Fried Chicken Spot Opens in Tiverton at Eat Gnarly Market
A crispy new stop has landed on Main Road, where Farmhouse Fried Chicken is serving up farm-raised comfort food with hand-cut fries and classic sides. Fried in beef tallow with no seed oils and plenty of gluten-free options, it’s a quick, craveable bite that makes pulling over well worth it. Read more online.
Presented by ArtWeek SouthCoast
ArtWeek SouthCoast Returns This May with 10 Days of Interactive Art Events
Somewhere between “we should get out more” and actually doing it, ArtWeek SouthCoast makes the decision easy. Returning May 8–17, the 2026 festival brings more than 90 events to cities and towns across the SouthCoast, from Attleboro and Taunton to New Bedford, Fall River, and the coastal stretch through Marion and Westport.
The concept is simple. Make creativity easy to find and even easier to try. The lineup spans hands-on workshops, live performances, gallery exhibitions, open studios, and artist talks, along with family-friendly programming and behind-the-scenes experiences that invite you into the process. It’s the kind of event where you might wander into a studio, stay longer than expected, and leave with a new favorite artist or a hobby you didn’t plan on picking up.
And because it’s spread across the region, it naturally turns into a day of exploring. One stop leads to another. A gallery visit becomes dinner nearby. A workshop turns into a reason to check out a new town. It’s less about mapping out every minute and more about following what catches your attention.
That sense of discovery is the point. ArtWeek SouthCoast puts creativity front and center in the places people already love, giving visitors a fresh way to experience them. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best plans are the ones you didn’t overthink. For those ready to see where it leads, view the full schedule and start planning at artweeksouthcoast.org, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram for updates and inspiration.
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 5/8 | Mother’s Day Cocktail Class Shake things up at Hope Events on Main in Pawtucket, where this spirited cocktail class mixes hands-on drink-making with a toast-worthy way to celebrate Mom. Learn more online ⸻ Ani DiFranco – Spirit of Love Tour w/ Valerie June Catch Ani DiFranco live at 8pm at The Vets in Providence, where the folk icon brings her Spirit of Love Tour to the stage alongside special guest Valerie June for a powerful night of music and storytelling. Learn more online ⸻ Opening Reception: "Tipping the Scales" at Sunlight Studios Take in an evening of art and atmosphere from 5:30–7:30pm at Sunlight Studios in Portsmouth, where this opening reception blends visual works, poetry, music, and light bites into a thoughtfully curated creative experience. Learn more online |
Saturday 5/9 | 2nd Annual Mothers Day Cookie Decorating Class Get sweet and creative from 5–6:30pm at Long Live Beerworks in Providence, where this hands-on class serves up frosting fun, spa-themed treats, and plenty of laughs for a memorable Mother’s Day outing. Learn more online ⸻ Soft Saturdays: Paint with Wool (Beginner Needle Felting Landscapes) Ease into creativity at Roots Heaven Farm in Smithfield, where this beginner-friendly needle felting workshop invites you to craft a cozy wool landscape before wandering the farm’s trails and meeting its charming animals. Learn more online ⸻ Hoppy Spring Artisan Market Browse your way through spring at The Guild in Pawtucket, where 50+ artisans, local brews, and sunny, open-air vibes come together for a Mother’s Day–ready market experience. Learn more online ⸻ Lamb Yoga Find your flow from 10am-12pm at Butterfly Farm in Lincoln, where a gentle, beginner-friendly yoga session comes with an extra dose of charm thanks to playful, free-roaming baby lambs. Learn more online |
Sunday 5/10 | Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Zoo: Free Admission for Moms! Make it a wild Mother’s Day at Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, where moms get in free and families can explore animal encounters, including a visit with Fiona the two-toed sloth. Learn more online ⸻ Plants, Pots & Pints – Plant Expo Mother’s Day Edition Sip and shop from 12–6 PM at Narragansett Brewery in Providence, where this plant-filled pop-up pairs tropical greenery, stylish pots, and expert advice with a perfectly poured pint. Learn more online ⸻ Mother's Day Cruise featuring Irish Band Failte Set sail from Bowen’s Wharf in Newport from 3–4:30pm, where this festive Mother’s Day cruise pairs live Irish tunes with scenic harbor views and breezy sips on the water. Learn more online |
Our Rhody Rec list is refreshed with every newsletter, so be sure to check back for the latest events!
Bobby Flay Fires Up National Burger Month at Mohegan Sun with a Fresh Take on Bobby’s Burgers
Just in time for National Burger Month, Bobby Flay celebrates the grand reopening of Bobby’s Burgers at Mohegan Sun with a revamped space, crowd-pleasing menu, and a can’t-miss kickoff event. Expect bold flavors, late-night bites, and a rare chance to see Flay himself working the grill. Read more online.
A Revolutionary Rhode Island Adventure Kicks Off with the RI250 Quest
Turn a simple day out into a full-on adventure with RI250 Quest, a 10-week, app-guided scavenger hunt that brings the state’s Revolutionary War history to life. Already underway, this interactive experience mixes puzzles, storytelling, and real-world exploration across Rhode Island. Read more online.
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Ever wonder where Rhode Island’s chefs go when they finally clock out? This week on Hey Rhody Weekly, we’re following the pros off the line and onto their own favorite tables, from coastal comfort spots in Wakefield to go-to bites in the East Bay and the ever-evolving Providence circuit. It’s insider dining, straight from the people who know it best.
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⭐ Looking for a place where your dog can dine as well as you do? Starting May 15, the Carriage Inn in North Kingstown is rolling out a dog-friendly patio menu, complete with grilled chicken bowls, steak tips, and even pup-approved desserts. Even better, a portion of proceeds from every pet menu item goes right back to the North Kingstown Animal Shelter, so every bite gives back
⭐ Craving a bowl of something bold, comforting, and seriously worth the hype? Yagi, the beloved Newport spot known for its housemade noodles and standout Asian-inspired dishes, has officially opened at Track 15 in downtown Providence. From rich ramen to bao buns and crispy karaage, it’s a flavor-packed addition that makes your next lunch or dinner plan an easy yes.
⭐ What if binge-watching the World Cup could land you a $50,000 paycheck? FOX Sports is on the hunt for a Chief World Cup Watcher to stream all 104 matches, create social content, and do it all from a glass cube in Times Square. Apply by May 17 for a chance to turn your soccer obsession into a front-row, fully paid gig.
