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Paws Up for a Good Cause 🐾

Paws Up for a Good Cause 🐾

Cozy up tonight with Rhode Island’s sassiest pet calendar contest, insider picks on where to sip and snack this season, the newest Hey Rhody Weekly, + more!

November 06, 2025

It’s officially that time of year when 6 p.m. feels like midnight, and your couch starts whispering sweet nothings. Good thing we packed this newsletter with Rhode Island warmth, wit, and plenty of reasons to venture beyond the blanket. From mouthwatering food recs to inspired table decor and can’t-miss happenings sprinkled in between, today’s newsletter is your cozy companion for long nights and local delights.

Rhode Island’s Cutest Contest Returns to Help Rescue Animals

Heart of Rhode Island’s beloved annual pet calendar contest is underway, inviting locals to submit photos and bios of their furry (or feathered) companions by December 7. Each one-dollar vote doubles as a donation to fund medical care, food, and shelter for rescue animals - with the top pets earning a spot in the 2026 calendar and one lucky winner claiming the cover. Read more online.

^{• By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of Heart of RI}

Presented by Robin Signature Creations™

Acrylic Artist Robin M. Lussier Captures Energy in Motion

West Warwick artist Robin M. Lussier brings Rhode Island’s art scene to life through her signature acrylic fluid works, where movement and emotion merge on the canvas. Through Robin Signature Creations™, her self-taught techniques balance control and spontaneity, resulting in vivid, meditative pieces now featured in seasonal exhibits at Newport’s Spring Bull Gallery and the Wickford Art Association. Read more online.

^{• By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of Robin M. Lussier}

Presented by Little Rhody Laugh Riot

Lil Rhody Laugh Riot Returns to Providence in March with Star-Studded Lineup

If laughter really is the best medicine, Providence is about to get a full prescription. The Lil Rhody Laugh Riot returns from March 26-29, transforming the Creative Capital into New England’s comedy capital. For four days, the city’s grandest stages and coziest clubs will fill with punchlines, applause, and the kind of laughter that leaves your cheeks sore in the best possible way.

Presented by The Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The VETS), the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), and PFM Corp, the festival spotlights the best in stand-up from across the country while celebrating the local comedy scene that gives Rhode Island its edge. “Lil Rhody Laugh Riot is where the country’s top comics collide with the city’s sharpest locals,” said Amanda Bonafine, Director of Concerts and Comedy for PFM. “Providence isn’t just hosting comedy anymore, we’re setting the tone for it.”

The second annual event expands across downtown with shows at The VETS, PPAC, the newly reopened Uptown Theater, and the Comedy Connection. The lineup reads like a who’s who of stand-up royalty. John Mulaney and Andrew Schulz will headline at PPAC. The VETS welcomes Bob the Drag Queen and Monét X Change, Andrew Santino, Zarna Garg, Chelsea Handler, and Mark Normand. The Uptown Theater joins the fun with Demetri Martin, Jessica Kirson, Marc Maron, and Kristin Key, while the Comedy Connection hosts Jay Pharoah all weekend long.

Festival organizers are also extending the fun beyond the stage with partnerships from local favorites like Aloft Hotel, Moniker Brewery, Malted Barley, Track 15, Moonshine Alley, and Yellow Door Taqueria. “We’re creating a weekend that feels rooted in this community,” said Daniel Schwartz, General Manager of The VETS.

Mayor Brett Smiley summed it up perfectly: “This celebration of comedy brings people together from all across the country, filling our city with laughter, connection, and shared joy.” Tickets and full festival details are available at LilRhodyLaughRiot.com.

Patty J Shares Where to Eat and Sip This Harvest Season

Food writer Patty J is serving up a taste of fall with eight Rhode Island spots perfect for cozy bites and seasonal treats. From pumpkin pancakes in East Providence to rich hot chocolate in Wakefield, her picks make November the sweetest time to dine around the state. Read more online.

^{• By Patty J}

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 11/7	Grey Sail Beer Dinner at Coast Guard House Join Coast Guard House at 7pm for a fall-inspired beer dinner featuring Grey Sail Brewing and South County Distillers. Enjoy five delicious courses paired with local brews and cocktails. Learn more online ⸻ Hadestown at the Providence Performing Arts Center Broadway’s Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical Hadestown brings its spellbinding story and soulful soundtrack to the Providence Performing Arts Center from November 7-9. Learn more online ⸻ Sketch RI Comedy Show Get ready to laugh as Sketch RI brings its first-ever comedy show to the Artists’ Exchange, featuring original sketches written by Ericka Joy Atwell of EJOYA Productions on November 7 at 7pm and November 9 at 2pm. Learn more online ⸻ Kid’s Turkey Day Join South Kingstown Parks and Recreation at The Guild from 10:30-11:45am a for Kid’s Turkey Day, where little ones ages 2–5 can enjoy Thanksgiving crafts, games, and create their own festive turkey to take home. Learn more online ⸻ Newport Restaurant Week Taste your way through ten delicious days as Newport Restaurant Week returns November 7–16, featuring prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus at participating restaurants across Newport and Bristol Counties. Learn more online ⸻ Rhode Island Comic Con Rhode Island Comic Con returns to the Amica Mutual Pavilion and Rhode Island Convention Center from November 7-9, bringing fans three days of celebrity guests, panels, cosplay, gaming, and vendors celebrating the best of pop culture from Marvel to Star Wars. Learn more online ⸻ “Pivot Point” Exhibit Opening Night Celebrate the opening of Pivot Point from 5-7pm at CUSP Gallery in Newport, featuring the Newport Artists Collective’s inaugural fine art exhibition with works from local artists, live conversation, and community connection –all free and open to the public. Learn more online ⸻ Grand Tasting at The Savory Grape Sip and savor at The Savory Grape’s Grand Tasting from 4-7pm, featuring over 50 wines to explore, pizza from Dave’s, and double reward points on all purchases, no RSVP required. Learn more online
Saturday 11/8	Pie Preview at Wright’s Creamery Stop by Wright’s Creamery in Providence from 9am-3pm to sample ten Thanksgiving pie flavors, from pumpkin to chocolate peanut butter, and enjoy 10 percent off Thanksgiving preorders. Learn more online ⸻ Candy Cane Bazaar Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Calvary United Methodist Church’s annual Candy Cane Bazaar in Middletown 8 from 9am-2pm, featuring local artisan gifts, homemade treats, children’s activities, and a festive community atmosphere. Learn more online ⸻ PJ’s Pub 17th Anniversary Celebration Celebrate 17 years of PJ’s Pub with live music from Pat Lowell, Kevin Herchen, and DJ Terry, plus drink specials, a buffet, and plenty of good vibes all day and night. Learn more online ⸻ Rhody Slice 2-Year Anniversary Celebrate two years of Rhody Slice at 5pm at 7415 Post Road in North Kingstown with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music, tasty food, and plenty of Dels – all with free entry. Learn more online ⸻ Pucks & Pups Head to Boss Ice Arena at the URI from 3:30-6:20pm for Pucks & Pups, an evening of hockey and heartwarming fun supporting Animal Rescue Rhode Island, complete with a 50/50 raffle and food donation drive. Learn more online ⸻ Pawtucket G.O.A.T. Gathering Join Crooked Current Brewery at Lorraine Mills for the Pawtucket G.O.A.T. Gathering, an all-day celebration with local craft beverages, pumpkin and apple cocktails, live music from The Herringbone Band, and real goats from K&B Goat Parties from 2:30-4:30pm. Learn more online ⸻ Welcome Back to the Neighborhood Weekend at ISCO Bar Celebrate the reopening of Kinsley Avenue with ISCO Bar on November 8–9 at 1 Sims Ave #103 in Providence, featuring a special weekend menu and unbeatable cocktail prices to toast the new bike path and refreshed neighborhood vibes. Learn more online
Sunday 11/9	Annual Holiday Shopping Extravaganza ’Tis the season to shop local and sparkle! Join We Be Jammin’ Events from 10am-3:30pm at the Crowne Plaza Warwick for a holly-jolly shopping spree featuring 100+ local makers, sweet treats, horse-drawn wagon rides, a festive petting zoo, and plenty of merry vibes, all with free admission and parking. Learn more online ⸻ Fall in Love Multi-Rescue Adoption Event Meet your new furry friend at the Fall in Love adoption event from 11am-1pm at the Cowesett Inn in West Warwick, where Animal Talk will host multiple rescues with adorable pups and adult dogs ready for forever homes. 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 GVD Music and Kara McKee. Learn more online ⸻ The Stevie Nicks Experience Enjoy an afternoon of iconic hits as Spellbound presents The Stevie Nicks Experience live in the beer garden at Phantom Farms Brewing in Cumberland from 2-5pm. Learn more online ⸻ PVD Flea Shop local at the PVD Flea, featuring handmade goods, vintage finds, art, and eats from 11am-3pm at Farm Fresh RI in Providence. Learn more online
Monday 11/10	Woonsocket Rotary Beer & Wine Tasting and Silent Auction Sip, savor, and support local causes at the Woonsocket Rotary’s Beer & Wine Tasting and Silent Auction at 6pm at the Museum of Work and Culture, featuring samples from Rhode Island breweries and wineries, light bites, and prizes including New England Patriots tickets. Learn more online ⸻ Captain’s Log: Stories from the Sea Set sail for an evening of real-life maritime adventures as retired U.S. Coast Guard captains share gripping and humorous tales from 6-9pm at Tower Hill Brewing Co. in South Kingstown. Learn more online

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

Hey Rhody Weekly: Hallmark Movie Debut & Questionable Mac and Cheese

Jenna and Nick are tackling the internet’s most pressing questions, like who thought that mac and cheese recipe was a good idea, and celebrating the debut of a Hallmark Christmas movie set right here in Newport. It’s equal parts comfort food and holiday sparkle, with plenty of Rhody-sized laughs along the way.

Set a Local Table This Thanksgiving

JohnnyCakes Design’s Britt Machado is redefining holiday hosting with a Rhode Island twist, spotlighting locally made tableware and treats that make gatherings both stylish and stress-free. From Myrth’s porcelain dinnerware to Wedge’s curated cheese boards, her “shop local” guide proves that the perfect Thanksgiving table starts right here in the Ocean State. Read more online.

^{• By Britt Machado}

The best HR advice comes from those in the trenches. That’s what this is: real-world HR insights delivered in a newsletter from Hebba Youssef, a Chief People Officer who’s been there. Practical, real strategies with a dash of humor. Because HR shouldn’t be thankless—and you shouldn’t be alone in it.

⭐ Looking to turn your Thanksgiving table into a force for good? Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s Thanksgiving Harvest Boxes are packed with locally grown produce and seasonal staples, ready to serve up warmth and comfort for your own meal or for a family in need. For $75, each box supports local farmers and helps bring a festive feast to tables across the state, with orders closing on November 16.

⭐ Who says food insecurity only affects humans? Across Rhode Island, more families are struggling to feed their pets as the cost of living rises, and local shelters and food pantries are stepping up to help. Organizations like the Potter League for Animals, Meals on Wheels, and Good Neighbors in Riverside are collecting donations of pet food, toys, and supplies to keep tails wagging and bellies full. With demand growing every week, community members are encouraged to pitch in so no furry friend goes hungry this season.

⭐ Ready to kick off the holiday season, Rhody-style? The Good Trade Makers Market returns to WaterFire Arts Center on November 22-23, marking its fifth year of festive shopping and creative community vibes. Nearly 100 independent makers from Rhode Island and beyond will gather for two days of handmade gifts, local flavor, and plenty of holiday cheer.