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Rock & Roll + What to Know 🤘
Read about a rock legend taking center stage in Cranston, a PVD pop-up going postal in the best way, a Rhody recipe giving a local favorite the entrée treatment, + more!
There’s something about that first high-70s day in spring that makes everyone in Rhode Island collectively forget how to act – jackets disappear, iced coffee orders triple, and suddenly every plan feels like a good idea. To add a little extra sunshine to your scroll, today’s newsletter delivers. Inside: a rock legend making a Cranston stop, events actually worth leaving the house for, and a few local finds in between. Think of it as your seasonal reset—and a far better use of your scrolling time. The state’s officially thawing, and you’ll want front-row access.
A Rock Legend Lands in Cranston
Roger McGuinn of The Byrds brings his signature 12-string sound and a lifetime of stories to The Park Theatre on April 18, blending iconic hits with a behind-the-music style performance. Expect a night that feels part concert, part storytelling session, straight from one of the voices that helped shape folk-rock as we know it. Read more online.
USPS Stamp Release Party Comes to Providence
The Greeting Card Association teams up with USPS for a one-day pop-up at Track 15 on April 18, celebrating a brand new Happy Birthday stamp with stationery vendors, local makers, and plenty of paper goods worth writing home about. It’s free, it’s charmingly analog, and it’s your sign to swap screen time for something a little more handwritten. Read more online.
Presented by Spring Bull Gallery
Discover Local Art and Friendly Faces at Spring Bull Gallery
Step inside the Bellevue Avenue gallery and the mood shifts almost instantly. The pace softens. Colors catch your eye. Somewhere between the walls filled with paintings and the quiet hum of conversation, you begin to feel less like a visitor and more like part of the creative process.
Spring Bull Gallery has been part of Newport’s arts community since 1990, making it the oldest cooperative gallery in Newport County. Artist owned and operated, the gallery brings together 19 core member artists whose work spans a wide range of mediums and styles. Alongside their collections, rotating exhibitions invite local and regional artists to share their work with the community, keeping the gallery fresh and full of discovery year round.
Over the years, the gallery has earned a reputation for both quality and warmth. Voted Rhode Island’s Best Gallery in Newport County three years in a row, Spring Bull Gallery has become a favorite stop for collectors, casual art lovers, and curious passersby alike.
Part of the charm is the atmosphere. Instead of an intimidating gallery experience, visitors are welcomed by one of the working artists themselves. Guests are encouraged to take their time, ask questions, and learn the stories behind the art on the walls. For those new to collecting, the experience feels approachable and refreshingly pressure free.
Regular visitors know they can always expect exceptional fine art, affordable pricing, and a friendly face ready to talk about everything from technique to inspiration.
This spring brings another reason to visit. The gallery’s highly anticipated Abstraction exhibit opens March 14 and runs through April 26, showcasing the dynamic range of abstract artists working throughout the region. An opening reception will take place March 15 from 2-4pm.
Art lovers are invited to stop by Spring Bull Gallery, located at 55 Bellevue Avenue in Newport, to browse the collection and perhaps discover their next favorite piece. For hours, updates, and more information, visit SpringBullGallery.com.
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 4/15 | Who to Watch 2026 Celebration Event Join us at Medici Lounge in Providence from 6–9pm as we celebrate Rhode Island’s rising stars with live music, a signature cocktail, and a room full of the names you’ll be hearing everywhere next. Learn more online ⸻ Pen & Sip Event If you’ve been craving a low-key night to unwind and get a little creative, this cozy gathering at Buttercup the Flower Truck in North Kingstown invites you to spend 6–8pm writing, connecting, and just showing up exactly as you are. Learn more online ⸻ Kentucky Derby Wine Dinner Dress to impress and head to The Patio on Broadway in Providence from 6-9pm for a Derby-inspired evening of six curated wine pairings, elevated bites, and a build-your-own bouquet moment that feels just as fun as it sounds. Learn more online |
Thursday 4/16 | Taylor Swift Charity Trivia Swifties, consider this your moment to shine as Crook Point Brewery in East Providence hosts a 7–9 PM trivia night packed with iconic lyrics, deep cuts, and a feel-good mission supporting local cancer patients. Learn more online ⸻ Tequila Fest Consider this your excuse to explore tequila beyond the margarita glass at Condesa Restaurante Mexicano in West Warwick, where 5-9pm, brings curated tastings, agave education, and rare chances to meet the makers behind each pour. Learn more online ⸻ Black Excellence in Film: Rhode Island Black Film Festival Kick off the weekend at the Southside Cultural Center in Providence as this multi-day festival opens on April 16, bringing free film screenings, panels, and community events that celebrate Black storytelling and creativity through April 19. Learn more online |
Friday 4/17 | Halfway to Halloween Market Lean into your spooky side at Farm Fresh RI in Providence from 5:30-9:30pm, where this witchy night market blends vintage finds, psychic readings, art, and local makers into one magically off-season Halloween vibe. Learn more online ⸻ Spring Fling Market by Juicy Market Consider this your sign to wander, sip, and shop local at Proclamation Brewery in Warwick from 5-8pm, where a lineup of artists and makers turns a simple Friday into something a little more fun. Learn more online ⸻ Food Truck Friday at Roger Williams Park Make Friday nights your new favorite ritual at Carousel Village in Providence, where starting April 17 from 5-8:30pm, rotating food trucks, live music, and laid-back park vibes turn the end of the week into something worth showing up for. Learn more online |
Saturday 4/18 | Earth Day Clean-Up and Liberty Tree Planting Give back to the community and get a little fresh air at Jenks Park in Central Falls from 10am-1pm, where this Earth Day event pairs a park clean-up with a free tree giveaway and a special Liberty Tree planting in honor of America’s 250th. Learn more online ⸻ The Best of the 70’s with DizzyFish Turn back time at The United Theatre Black Box in Westerly at 7pm, where a powerhouse band and live horns bring iconic 70s hits to life in a high-energy show packed with the legends you know and love. Learn more online ⸻ Orchard Care: Hardwood Grafting Workshop Roll up your sleeves at Revive the Roots in Smithfield from 12–2:30pm, where this hands-on workshop breaks down grafting techniques and gives you the tools to grow your own fruit trees with confidence. Learn more online |
Sunday 4/19 | Character Con 5 If your weekend plans could use a little extra magic, head to this all-ages event from 10am-2pm for a character-filled day of meet-and-greets, performances, and kid-friendly fun that turns imagination into real life. Learn more online ⸻ Sourdough & Brunch Class Grab your brunch bestie and head to The Event Factory in Warwick from 11am-1:30pm for a hands-on class that mixes sourdough basics, good food, and just enough chaos to leave with a starter, new skills, and something worth showing off. Learn more online ⸻ The Paint Social Presents: Throwback Paint & Sip Brunch Pick your era and pull up to Village Restaurant in Pawtucket from 12-6pm, where mimosas, music, and a little friendly nostalgia-fueled competition turn this paint-and-sip into a full-on throwback experience. Learn more online |
Our Rhody Rec list is refreshed with every newsletter, so be sure to check back for the latest events!
Rhody Recipe: Calamari Ripieni Worth Making at Home
This calamari ripieni recipe turns the Ocean State’s favorite appetizer into a satisfying entrée with savory sausage stuffing and a rich tomato base. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing way to bring a Rhode Island staple from appetizer to dinner table. Read more online.
A Providence School That’s Teaching More Than Just Academics
At Community Prep, middle school goes beyond textbooks, blending rigorous learning with empathy, leadership, and real-world connection. With a focus on diversity, access, and restorative practices, this Providence school is shaping students who know how to think, lead, and show up for their community. Read more online.
⭐ Thinking about trading your car keys for a captain’s hat this season? Our annual Boating Guide rounds up everything Rhode Island sailors need, from dealers and charters to dock-and-dine spots and provision stops that make a day on the water feel effortless. Whether you’re plotting your first outing or mapping out a full summer afloat, consider this your go-to list for navigating the Ocean State.
⭐ What happens when past and present collide on the same canvas? How to Be Both, on view May 16 through June 27 at OVERLAP Gallery in Newport, brings together six artists working across painting, print, and installation to explore identity, history, and creative hybridity. Catch the opening reception on May 17 or the June 13 artist talk for a closer look at work that blurs boundaries and invites a fresh way of seeing.
⭐ Who’s about to be everywhere in Rhode Island… and how soon can you say you knew them first? From 6-9pm at Medici Lounge, Who to Watch 2026 celebration brings together the creatives, disruptors, and rising names shaping what’s next. Come for the live music, stay for the energy, and keep a signature cocktail in hand while you take it all in.
Discover Rhode Island Gardening Tips from Local Experts
From sun exposure and soil prep to choosing the right plants, Rhode Island gardening pros share what actually works for a thriving backyard. Consider it your go-to guide for growing smarter this season and making your garden last beyond spring. Read more online.
#HeyRhodyPhotos
That mid-April glow we wait all winter for – and yes, it’s worth it. 💛
Photo by @rhodytravels
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