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You know it’s peak New England winter when a high of 13° feels like a heatwave. Sure, jetting off to a beach somewhere sounds dreamy – but if a tropical getaway isn’t in the cards, we’ve got the next best thing. Today’s newsletter is your cozy escape from the chill, packed with all things Rhody: dreamy local wedding inspo, snuggle-ready adoptable pets, and events that'll make bundling up worth it. Let’s dive in!
A Picture-Perfect Rhody Wedding: Oysters, Local Love, and a Celebration That Could Only Happen in Rhode Island
From an unplugged ceremony pause to slurping oysters, hot lobster rolls, Dunkin’ donuts, and a roaming cannoli cart, Camilla Akbas and Nikolaus Tedesco’s October “I do” read like a love letter to Rhode Island in every bite and beat. With local vendors front and center, meaningful family tributes, millennial nostalgia, and just the right amount of playful flair, the celebration proved that the most memorable weddings are not about trends but about heart, heritage, and showing up fully present. Read more online.
Rhody Valentine’s Plans, Solved (Even If You’re Booking Last-Minute)
Valentine’s Day week is here, reservations are disappearing fast, and Rhode Island is once again proving it knows how to do romance without the pressure. From cozy cafés and classic prix fixe dinners to glassblowing dates, bowling lanes, and even seal-watching adventures, these local spots make it easy to plan something memorable—whether you’re all-in on romance or just here for pancakes and good vibes. Read more online.
Birch and Bay Brings Coastal Comfort to Wakefield
Wakefield’s newest Main Street hangout serves seaside classics with a wink, from a lobster roll that moonlights as a BLT to clam chowder that knows exactly what it’s doing. Toss in cozy nautical vibes, playful cocktails, and desserts that feel like a snow day on a plate, and Birch and Bay is already making a strong case for repeat visits – especially once the roof deck opens. 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 |
|---|---|
Wednesday 2/11 | Galentine’s Cookie Decorating Night Round up your friends or fly solo for a hands-on cookie decorating workshop at The Elliotte Events & Catering in Cranston, where guests will decorate five Valentine-themed cookies during a guided class from 6-8pm. Learn more online ⸻ Mother Pizzeria’s Galentine’s Night Takeover Celebrate Galentine’s in Providence from 5-9pm with a one-night-only pizza oven takeover at Mother Pizzeria, featuring a specialty pie by Amy Larson of Overseasoned and Matriarch, “girl dinner” drink specials, custom chocolates, flowers for a cause, and plenty of female-led flair alongside the full menu. Learn more online ⸻ Galentines & Palentines: Regifting for Rights Celebrate friendship and equality from 5-8pm in Providence with Women’s Fund of Rhode Island at Fogo de Chão, where the evening pairs appetizers, a cash bar, lively conversation, and networking with a feel-good regifting raffle that supports gender equity all year long. Learn more online ⸻ Valentine’s Floral Soirée at Queen of Hearts & Modern Love Sip, style, and celebrate love in Providence at 7pm with an after-hours boutique soirée at Queen of Hearts & Modern Love, where guests will create a Valentine’s floral arrangement, enjoy sparkling sips and sweet treats, browse a jewelry trunk show, and shop the boutique alongside fellow romantics. Learn more online |
Thursday 2/12 | America 250 and Beyond: Perspectives from Preservation Leaders Join Rhode Island’s top preservation voices in Newport from 6-7pm at Rosecliff for an engaging panel discussion on America’s 250th anniversary, exploring how the Ocean State’s history, storytelling, and preservation efforts will shape this milestone moment. Learn more online ⸻ Galentine’s Workout at Thryve Performance Lab Break a sweat and celebrate friendship in Cranston at 7pm with a high-energy Galentine’s workout at Thryve Performance Lab, featuring a full-body circuit, dance-infused moves, post-workout snacks and mocktails, raffles, and a custom goodie bag for every attendee. Learn more online ⸻ Valentine’s Trellis Class with Plants by the Village Get hands-on in Westerly at 6pm with a beginner-friendly Valentine’s Trellis Class, where guests will plant and style a String of Hearts on a heart-shaped trellis, enjoy a relaxed creative atmosphere, and support the Westerly Land Trust with a portion of each ticket. Learn more online |
Friday 2/13 | Newport Winter Fest 2026 Bundle up and lean into cozy coastal fun in Newport from February 13–22, as Winter Fest returns with a full slate of family-friendly events, themed parties, and seasonal happenings taking over the city all week long. Learn more online ⸻ Woof You Be Mine Adoption Event Fall in love in Pawtucket from 6-8:30pm at The Guild, where this beloved annual adoption event brings together adoptable dogs, craft beer, live music, local vendors, and plenty of heart for a Valentine’s, Galentine’s, or Pal-entine’s night out. Learn more online ⸻ 17th Annual Providence Children's Film Festival The Providence Children’s Film Festival returns February 13-22, filling venues across the city with youth-focused films, animation workshops, special guests, and popcorn-fueled fun. Learn more online ⸻ Valentine’s Day Speed Dating: Authors’ Edition Find your next fictional crush in North Providence from 4-7pm at Forget Me Not Fables Bookshop, where readers can rotate through speed-date-style chats with Rhode Island romance authors, sip light refreshments, and leave with a swoonworthy new book (or a few) as their Valentine. Learn more online ⸻ Valentine’s Day Ladies’ Night at Kimi’s Celebrate Galentine’s vibes in Providence with a free ladies’ night at Kimi’s Bar, featuring arts and crafts, sweet treats, cocktail specials, and rom-coms playing on the projector for a perfectly playful night out. Learn more online ⸻ Rough Point: After Dark Celebrate winter nights in Newport on February 13 and 14 from 4:30-6pm with an after-hours experience at Rough Point, where guests can explore the historic home by night while enjoying sweet treats, hot beverages, cool jazz, and a cozy Valentine’s, Galentine’s, or Pal-entine vibe. Learn more online. ⸻ Juicy Market’s Sweetheart Market Grab your bestie and head to Newport Vineyards in Middletown from 5-8pm for Juicy Market’s Sweetheart edition at Newport Vineyards, where local vendors, wine tastings, dining specials, and plenty of shopping make for a flirty, feel-good night out. Learn more online |
Saturday 2/14 | Together by Candlelight at Shepherd’s Run Celebrate Valentine’s Day in South Kingstown with an intimate candlelit concert at Shepherd’s Run, where classical-meets-folk performances, a signature Valentine’s spritz, and optional dinner and overnight pairings set the tone for a romantic evening designed to linger. Learn more online ⸻. Sips & Swirls: Paint Pouring Workshop ⸻. 30th Annual WINEterfest ⸻ Be Mine, Valentine! Speed Dating Event Mix and mingle at Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co. at 4pm for a lively speed dating event where singles under and over 40 can sip drinks, meet new people, and see if sparks fly in a warm, inclusive setting. Learn more online ⸻. Beer Mug Painting at Narragansett Brewery ⸻ Sweetheart Market at Myrtle Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Myrtle’s Sweetheart Market in East Providence from 12-5pm, where a $15 prix fixe brunch from 12-3pm and a rotating mix of local vendors, tarot, florals, vintage finds, and vinyl-spinning vibes set the tone for a love-filled afternoon. Learn more online Valentines Day Buffet & Charcuterie Workshop Skip the standard dinner and make Valentine’s Day an experience at The Elliotte in Cranston, where couples enjoy a romantic buffet followed by a hands-on charcuterie workshop from 6:30-10pm, crafting one artisan board together in a date night that’s equal parts delicious and fun. Learn more online |
Sunday 2/15 | Galentine’s Brunch at Besos Sip, brunch, and repeat during brunch hours at Besos in East Greenwich, where Valentine’s cocktails, brunch bites, and best-friend energy set the tone for a feel-good Galentine’s celebration. Learn more online ⸻ Galentine’s Bingo & Brunch at Fish Co. Dance, sing, sip, and shout “BINGO” at Fish Co. in Providence at 2pm, where brunch favorites, high-energy bingo rounds, and live vibes from Lady Ruck and Maxx Major turn Galentine’s into a full-on afternoon party. Learn more online ⸻ Galentine's Day Tea Party Galentine’s Day Tea Party brings the besties (or new ones) together at Mapleville Farm in Mapleville beginning at 2pm, with a full tea, bottomless pours, decadent desserts, and a pink-everything dress code. Learn more online ⸻ Made in America Concert Celebrate the launch of America’s 250th anniversary in Newport at 7pm with a free Rhode Island Wind Ensemble concert in the Newport Marriott atrium, featuring powerful American music spanning patriotic classics, blues, ragtime, and film scores. Learn more online ⸻ Valentine's Candle Making Workshop with Flower Bar Get creative in Pawtucket at Aster Candle Studio at noon, where guests can pour a custom soy candle, blend their own fragrance, design a label, build a mini floral arrangement, and enjoy light sips and snacks during a relaxed, hands-on workshop. Learn more online |
Our Rhody Rec list is refreshed with every newsletter, so be sure to check back for the latest events!
Meet Three Adoptable Rhode Island Pets Looking for Forever Homes
February’s Rhody Pets of the Month are here, and Angel, Parker, and Maverick are ready to steal hearts (and maybe a spot on your couch). From a sun-loving Lab mix to a sniff-happy hound and an adventure-seeking kitty, these lovable locals are proof that adopting could be the best decision you make all year. Read more online.
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⭐Can America’s smallest state deliver the biggest Housewives drama yet? The Real Housewives of Rhode Island splashes onto Bravo on April 2 at 9pm, bringing seaside glamour, deep-rooted friendships, and secrets that refuse to stay buried in the Ocean State. From Newport mansions to Block Island blowups, this newest chapter of the iconic franchise proves that when everyone knows everyone, the drama hits closer to home and rises fast with the tide.
⭐Think your pet has what it takes to be calendar-famous? From now until March 2, the Potter League for Animals’ 10th Annual P.S. I Love You Pet Photo Contest invites you to show off your four-legged (or feathered) valentine while supporting life-saving programs across the community. Enter a favorite photo, rally the votes, and your beloved sidekick could land a spot in the 2027 pet calendar—proof that love, like great pets, deserves to be shared.
⭐Looking for live comedy that actually feels alive? SKETCH Rhode Island delivers sharp, short-form original sketches performed by fearless local talent, creating the kind of in-the-room laughter you simply can’t stream, brought to you by EJOYA Productions. With February shows next week on Friday, 2/20 at 6:30 and 8:30pm and Sunday, 2/22 at 12:30 and 2:30pm, audiences are invited to take the risk, support fresh voices, and help keep Rhode Island laughing, one sketch at a time.
New Reality TV Show Tests Love, Offers Cash and a Dream Honeymoon
A new reality series called Marriage Box is casting engaged Rhode Island couples willing to unplug for five days, bunk in RVs, and focus on their relationship—no phones, no distractions, no escape. Hosted by Terrence J, the 2026 “social experiment” mixes emotional challenges with real incentives, offering up to $5,000 per couple and a $10,000 honeymoon for those who prove their love can thrive when everything else is turned off. Read more online.
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