Martinis, Music, & Mantras šŸø

Dry January inspo that doesn’t feel sad, can’t-miss Newport art, our latest Hey Rhody Weekly, + more!

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Happy Friday Eve, Rhody fam! We don’t know about you, but we’re somewhere between I blinked and the week disappeared and why is this one hour taking a full business day? If you’re in need of a little weekend inspo to put some pep in your step, you’re in luck with today’s newsletter hitting your inbox. From Dry January ideas to can’t-miss weekend happenings, it’s your sign to log off early and make some plans.

Newport RI Foodie Breaks Down the Reverse Martini for Dry January

Newport-based content creator Teon Owen Cromwell, Jr. is flipping the script on the classic martini with the Upside-Down, also known as the Reverse Martini, a low-ABV favorite once loved by Julia Child. In this fireside-friendly cocktail how-to, the Newport RI Foodie shares why this lighter sip is perfect for Dry January, winter nights, and anyone craving a smoother take on a timeless drink. Read more online.

OVERLAP Opens Two New Newport Exhibitions That Blur the Line Between Art and Space

This winter, OVERLAP invites visitors to rethink where art ends and space begins with two concurrent exhibitions that stretch, spill, and play beyond the wall. From Jai Hart’s pillowy, immersive solo show to Slip, a dynamic dialogue between Rhode Island artists Olivia Baldwin and Barbara Owen, this Newport gallery turns abstraction into a full-room experience. Read more online.

Rhode Island’s Tyler Ballgame Steps Into the Spotlight With Single ā€œMatter of Tasteā€

After years of grinding it out close to home, Rhode Island–bred singer-songwriter Tyler Ballgame is having his moment with Matter of Taste, a confident new single that signals what’s next. The track previews his debut album For the First Time, Again, arriving January 30, 2026 via Rough Trade Records, and sets the tone for a big year ahead, including international tour dates and serious critical buzz. Read more online.

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 1/16

Underground Comedy @ The George’s Hide Speakeasy

Kick off the weekend with live underground comedy as standout Northeast comics hit the stage at 8pm on Friday at The George’s Hide Speakeasy, delivering big laughs, crafty cocktails, and speakeasy vibes beneath downtown Providence. Learn more online

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Mantra + Manifest: Intuitive Art + Intention Setting Ceremony

Part meditation, part art ritual, this intention-setting experience by La Lune Healing invites you to channel affirmations into intuitive artwork during a guided evening of manifestation from 6-8pm at La Lune Healing in Tiverton. Learn more online

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DIY Warm Wishes Snow Globe Shelf Sitter Class

Get cozy and crafty at this wintery DIY workshop from 6:30pm at The Rustic Rhode in Warwick, where guests can paint, decorate, and light up a laser-cut snow globe shelf sitter with warm fairy lights to take home. Learn more online

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Build a Bat Box at Blithewold

Get hands-on with horticulture pros during this eco-friendly workshop from 9am–12pm at Blithewold Manor in Bristol, where participants learn about bats and build a take-home bat box for natural pest control. Learn more online

Saturday 1/17

Learn to Play PokƩmon Free Event

Hosted by Ocean State Card Con, this all-ages, beginner-friendly PokĆ©mon session runs 3–6pm at Farm Fresh RI in Providence, with decks, supplies, and friendly volunteers on hand – just show up ready to play (kids under 12 with an adult). Learn more online

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Book Swap

Hosted by Providence Book Swap Society, this all-ages book swap invites you to trade in your well-loved reads for new-to-you favorites from 12–3pm at The Space in PVD. Learn more online

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Qigong Workshop

Led by Michelle Morisi, this gentle, beginner-friendly moving meditation blends slow qigong practice, self-acupressure, and a brief closing meditation from 10-11:30am at Light of Hope in Cranston. Learn more online

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Geology Rocks Weekend at the Museum of Natural History

Dig into hands-on science during Geology Rocks Weekend from 10am-4pm at the Museum of Natural History in Roger Williams Park, where family-friendly activities, rock-themed crafts, and planetarium shows bring Earth’s stories to life in Providence. Learn more online

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Stefan Couture Live at Sakonnet Vineyard

Settle in for an afternoon of modern acoustic music with Stefan Couture from 1-4pm at Sakonnet Vineyard in Little Compton, complete with wine tastings and seasonal cafƩ fare. Learn more online

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Eagles Tribute - Another Tequila Sunrise

Sing along to the classics during this spot-on Eagles tribute from 8–10:30pm at The VETS in Providence, where Another Tequila Sunrise delivers everything from heartfelt ballads to full-throttle rock anthems. Learn more online

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Save One Soul Adoption Event at SOS Retail

Meet adoptable dogs and connect with local rescue volunteers during this feel-good adoption event from 11 am-1pm at SOS Retail in Wakefield. Learn more online

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Baby Beach Brunch at Ocean Mist

Before nap time hits, families can dance it out during Baby Beach Brunch from 10 am-12pm at Ocean Mist in Matunuck, where kid-friendly rave vibes and brunch energy collide. Learn more online

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Through Her Eyes Documentary Premiere

The Providence Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. marks its 55th anniversary with the premiere of Through Her Eyes, a powerful documentary screening from 11:30am-3pm at the Providence Public Library in Providence, honoring generations of women who shaped civic life in Rhode Island. Learn more online

Sunday 1/18

Hands-On Ravioli Making Class

Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on pasta party as this ravioli-making class dishes out dough-to-table instruction, and a full complimentary lunch, during a 11am-1pm session at The Honey Shop in Woonsocket, where you’ll learn, eat, and take home fresh ravioli made from scratch. Learn more online

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Emo Yoga at Long Live Beerworks

Stretch it out to the sounds of emo and pop punk during an all-levels yoga class from 1–2pm at Long Live Beerworks in Providence, complete with a post-flow beer or non-alcoholic drink. Learn more online

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Rhode Island Reptile Expo

Explore snakes, lizards, amphibians, and more during the Rhode Island Reptile Expo from 9am-3:30pm at the West Warwick Civic Center in West Warwick, where vendors, breeders, and exotic animals take over for a day of hands-on discovery. Learn more online

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Rhode Island Hot Sauce Expo

Turn up the heat during the Rhode Island Hot Sauce Expo from 12–5pm at Narragansett Brewery in Providence, where spicy samples, local makers, and bold flavors take center stage. Learn more online

Monday 1/19

Reading of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Letter from Birmingham Jail

Hosted by TANK Organization, this powerful community reading brings Dr. King’s urgent words to life through local voices at 5:30pm at St. Paul’s Parish Hall, inviting reflection, reckoning, and collective responsibility. Learn more online

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Zodiac Sign Painting Class

Create a glowing, zodiac-inspired canvas during this hands-on paint-and-sip experience at 7pm at Paint and Vino in Pawtucket, complete with guided instruction, creative vibes, and a complimentary beverage. Learn more online

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Suffs The Musical

This Tony-winning Broadway musical brings the fight for women’s suffrage to the spotlight with urgency and heart at 7pm at Providence Performing Arts Center, blending history, powerhouse performances, and timely resonance on one of Providence’s biggest stages. Learn more online

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

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This Week on Hey Rhody Weekly: New Restaurants & Cool Openings in Rhode Island

Your group chat’s favorite questionā€”ā€œWhere should we eat next?ā€ā€”gets answered on this week’s Hey Rhody Weekly šŸ”„ From buzz-worthy new restaurants to cool openings popping up around Rhode Island, we’re breaking down what’s fresh, what’s exciting, and what deserves a spot on your must-try list.

New Year, New Best Friend: Rhody Pets of the Month

Ready to fall in love? SO Rhode Island’s January Rhody Pets of the Month introduce Peach, Bailey, and Luna, three adoptable cuties from shelters across the state who are eager to find their forever homes. If adopting has been on your mind, this might be the sign you’ve been waiting for. Read more online.

⭐ Is there a better winter pick-me-up than a book sale? Books on the Square is warming things up with a Winter Sale running January 12–25, offering 50% off art and coffee table books and 25% off select kids paperbacks. The deals are in-store only and all sales are final, so consider this your nudge to browse, bundle up, and leave with a stack.

⭐ What’s a better Valentine’s gesture than saving a life? Providence Performing Arts Center and WPRI 12 are teaming up with the Rhode Island Blood Center for their annual Community Blood Drive on Wednesday, February 11, from 10 am to 3 pm at PPAC. Donors can expect complimentary parking, snacks, a $10 PieZoni’s gift card, Marylou’s coffee, and the chance to do some real good this Valentine’s season. Sign up to donate.

⭐ Ready to unlock a few delicious secrets this winter? Giusto in Newport is rolling out off-menu specials on Sunday and Monday nights, including a cozy Chicken Parm Sunday Supper and a crave-worthy Smashburger, both available in limited quantities until they sell out. Plus, weekend lunch is officially back, with stacked sandwiches like the Chicken Parm, Porchetta, and Local Fish Sandwich returning to the table Saturdays and Sundays from 12-2:30pm.