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Martinis, Music, & Mantras šø
Dry January inspo that doesnāt feel sad, canāt-miss Newport art, our latest Hey Rhody Weekly, + more!

Happy Friday Eve, Rhody fam! We donāt know about you, but weāre somewhere between I blinked and the week disappeared and why is this one hour taking a full business day? If youāre in need of a little weekend inspo to put some pep in your step, youāre in luck with todayās newsletter hitting your inbox. From Dry January ideas to canāt-miss weekend happenings, itās 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 Hartās 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 Islandās Tyler Ballgame Steps Into the Spotlight With Single āMatter of Tasteā
After years of grinding it out close to home, Rhode Islandābred singer-songwriter Tyler Ballgame is having his moment with Matter of Taste, a confident new single that signals whatās 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 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 1/16 | Underground Comedy @ The Georgeās Hide Speakeasy Kick off the weekend with live underground comedy as standout Northeast comics hit the stage at 8pm on Friday at The Georgeās Hide Speakeasy, delivering big laughs, crafty cocktails, and speakeasy vibes beneath downtown Providence. Learn more online āø» 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 āø» 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 āø» Build a Bat Box at Blithewold Get hands-on with horticulture pros during this eco-friendly workshop from 9amā12pm 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 PokĆ©mon Free Event Hosted by Ocean State Card Con, this all-ages, beginner-friendly PokĆ©mon session runs 3ā6pm at Farm Fresh RI in Providence, with decks, supplies, and friendly volunteers on hand ā just show up ready to play (kids under 12 with an adult). Learn more online āø» 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 12ā3pm at The Space in PVD. Learn more online āø» 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 āø» 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 Earthās stories to life in Providence. Learn more online āø» 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 cafĆ© fare. Learn more online āø» Eagles Tribute - Another Tequila Sunrise Sing along to the classics during this spot-on Eagles tribute from 8ā10:30pm at The VETS in Providence, where Another Tequila Sunrise delivers everything from heartfelt ballads to full-throttle rock anthems. Learn more online āø» 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 āø» 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 āø» 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 youāll learn, eat, and take home fresh ravioli made from scratch. Learn more online āø» Emo Yoga at Long Live Beerworks Stretch it out to the sounds of emo and pop punk during an all-levels yoga class from 1ā2pm at Long Live Beerworks in Providence, complete with a post-flow beer or non-alcoholic drink. Learn more online āø» 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 āø» Rhode Island Hot Sauce Expo Turn up the heat during the Rhode Island Hot Sauce Expo from 12ā5pm 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. Kingās urgent words to life through local voices at 5:30pm at St. Paulās Parish Hall, inviting reflection, reckoning, and collective responsibility. Learn more online āø» 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 āø» Suffs The Musical This Tony-winning Broadway musical brings the fight for womenās 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 Providenceās 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 chatās favorite questionāāWhere should we eat next?āāgets answered on this weekās Hey Rhody Weekly š„ From buzz-worthy new restaurants to cool openings popping up around Rhode Island, weāre breaking down whatās fresh, whatās 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 Islandās 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 youāve been waiting for. Read more online.

ā 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 12ā25, 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.
ā Whatās a better Valentineās 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 PieZoniās gift card, Marylouās coffee, and the chance to do some real good this Valentineās season. Sign up to donate.
ā 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.






