Say Cheese to the Weekend šŸ§€

Head into the weekend with all the top to-dos, delicious Rhody inspo for National Wine & Cheese Day, new YouTube fun, + more!

Cheese Louise, this weekend’s shaping up to be one for the books! Yep, we went there with the cheese pun – it’s only fitting with National Cheese and Wine Day around the corner. But before the weekend fun fully melts into motion, take a moment to unwind with today’s newsletter. Packed with plenty of juicy ideas for those of us who ahem missed out on Folk Fest tickets (guilty!), we’ve got you covered with ways to still make it a weekend to remember.

Weekend Must-Do’s: Rhody Rocks Out for the Weekend

The Newport Folk Festival returns with a packed lineup of musical legends, but even if you didn’t snag a ticket, there’s no shortage of weekend fun. From boozy ice cream in Pawtucket to Indigenous art in Tiverton, Rhode Island’s got plans for you. Read more online.

• By Caitlyn Bailey and Ken Abrams, photo courtesy of Ken Abrams

Sip, Savor, and Celebrate National Wine and Cheese Day in Rhode Island

Celebrate National Wine and Cheese Day on July 25 by indulging in Rhode Island’s finest fromage and vino. Pulled from our blog archives, this guide features 17 standout spots including boutique cheese shops and scenic vineyards, all ready to help you sip, snack, and savor the perfect pairing. Read more online.

• By Jenna Kaplan

Presented by RI Energy

Unlock Comfort, Savings, and Sustainability Right At Home

Thinking about upgrading your refrigerator or freezer? Don’t just let your old appliance sit there wasting space (and energy). With our simple recycling program, you can clear out your working fridge or freezer and earn $50 – no heavy lifting required.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Schedule a free pickup at your convenience.

  2. We’ll come to you, collect the appliance, and recycle it the right way.

  3. You’ll receive a $50 reward in the mail, just for doing the right thing.

It’s an easy win: less clutter in your home, more cash in your pocket, and a cleaner environment. We make sure every collected appliance is dismantled and recycled responsibly—keeping harmful materials out of landfills and reducing energy waste.

Whether you're making space for something new or just ready to say goodbye to that second fridge in the garage, we’re here to help. It’s quick, it’s free, and it pays.Don’t miss out – schedule your no-cost pickup today and let us turn your old fridge into your next $50.

Check Out Our Latest on Youtube: Boutique Hotels & Rooftop Bars

From stylish stays to sky-high sips, Nick, Elyse, and Jenna explore Rhode Island’s coolest boutique hotels and rooftop bars. Tune into this episode of Hey Rhody Weekly for tips on where to check in – and where to cheers!

⭐ Ready to make your holidays sparkle? CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE returns to the Providence Performing Arts Center December 19-21 with four showstopping performances that blend Broadway flair with jaw-dropping circus acts. Tickets go on sale today, just in time for a little Christmas in July magic.

⭐ What happens when a symphony orchestra meets your favorite TV theme songs? Find out at Pops in the Park on August 6 at 7:30pm, when the Rhode Island Philharmonic performs ā€œDon’t Touch That Dial: TV Classicsā€ live under the stars. With everything from The Simpsons to Star Trek, plus food trucks and a fireworks-worthy finale, this free Roger Williams Park concert is a summer night must.

 ā­ Looking for a rooftop party with a creative twist? On August 14, Contatto’s signature summer celebration returns to the WaterFire Rooftop for an evening of community, cocktails, and culture. Expect DJ sets, sweet treats, interactive art, and a silent auction featuring local talent–all free with RSVP.

Local Chefs Craft Seaside Feast to Sustain New England’s Ecosystems

Fort Getty in Jamestown will become a waterfront dining room on August 17 as Eating with the Ecosystem hosts its annual ā€œFishes at the Fortā€ fundraiser. Four acclaimed chefs will serve a four-course seafood dinner and raw bar to highlight local fisheries and raise funds for sustainable seafood programs. Read more online.

• By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of Eating with the Ecosystem