Soup Season > Snow Panic šŸ²

Trade snowstorm stress for a Rhody recipe to warm the soul, local happenings worth braving the cold for, our latest Hey Rhody Weekly, + more!

I didn’t think it was possible to dislike the word catastrophic more than I already do — but using it to describe a weekend snowstorm has officially unlocked a new level. If the forecast ends up being a little dramatic (it happens!), consider this your gentle nudge to scroll on: today’s newsletter is packed with weekend event inspo, a soul-warming soup recipe, and plenty more to help you make the most of whatever the weather decides to do.

Rhody Recipe: Cozy Tomato Orzo Soup for Cold January Nights

Pulled from our Rhody Recipe archives, this hearty tomato orzo soup is tailor-made for cooler January days, blending tender chicken, pantry-friendly orzo, and a nourishing mix of vegetables in a cozy tomato broth. The easy, large-batch recipe is ideal for make-ahead lunches or a comforting weeknight dinner, especially with a fresh Rhode Island baguette on the side for dipping. Read more online.

Newport’s Revolutionary War Story Comes to Life for America’s 250th

As the nation gears up for its 250th anniversary, the Newport Historical Society is spotlighting the city’s pivotal role in the Revolutionary War, from British occupation to the arrival of French allies led by General Rochambeau. New exhibitions, walking tours, and Tavern Talks bring that history to life while expanding the story to include Black Newporters past and present, proving Newport’s history is anything but distant. Read more online.

Shop Local This Valentine’s Weekend at Tiverton Farmers Market

Valentine’s weekend gets a cozy, community-first twist when the Tiverton Farmers Market returns with its Annual Valentine’s Specialty Market on February 8, filling the Tiverton Middle School cafeteria with local food, handmade goods, and small-batch treats worth swooning over. With live music, thoughtful gifts, and plenty of chances to chat with makers, it’s an easy, feel-good way to celebrate love while shopping local. 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

Friday 1/23

New England Rock Collective

Rock out at the Lighthouse Bar at Bally’s Lincoln Casino Resort in Lincoln from 9pm-1am, as the New England Rock Collective brings high-energy live music to your late-night plans. Learn more online

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Making Limoncello, Limecello and Orangecello Class

Get zesty at The Honey Shop in Woonsocket from 5:30–7:30pm, where you’ll make (and take home) three citrusy cellos in a hands-on class that’s equal parts fun and delicious. Learn more online

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Comedy Night at Working Man Distillers

Grab a drink and settle in at Working Man Distillers in Pawtucket for a stand-up comedy night that kicks off at 8pm (doors at 7:30pm), featuring a stacked lineup and plenty of laughs to go with your spirits. Learn more online

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Cellist Jonathan Swensen Returns

Catch acclaimed cellist Jonathan Swensen live in Newport at Newport Classical at 7:30pm for an elegant, high-impact evening of music, plus complimentary wine at intermission. Learn more online

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Rocky Horror Picture Show at AS220

Catch the cult classic with a live shadowcast performance in Providence from 9–11:30pm, as the RKO Army brings Rocky Horror to life on the AS220 main stage with audience participation and prop bags included. Learn more online

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Martinis & Pilates Event

Move, sip, and unwind in at Blooming Bodies Boutique Pilates in North Providence with reformer Pilates sessions at 5pm and 6:30pm, plus small bites and an espresso martini station for a feel-good night that blends fitness with a little flair. Learn more online

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Author Event: Peter Brannen's The Story of CO2 Is the Story of Everything

Head to Providence from 6–7pm for an engaging author talk with science journalist Peter Brannen, who’ll discuss his new book on how carbon dioxide shaped our planet, with signed copies available at Symposium Books. Learn more online

Saturday 1/24

Soupy Making 101 Class

Kick off SoupyFest season in Westerly at The United Theatre with a live, beginner-friendly Soupy-making demonstration that walks you through the tradition, technique, and local flavor behind this hometown classic. Learn more online

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Martial Arts Demonstration & Break the Board Competition

Catch high-energy demos and test your strength at Providence Place Mall in Providence from 11am–3pm, with live martial arts shows, a board-breaking competition, and prizes on the line. Learn more online

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Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

Hear the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons reimagined by string quartet at Central Congregational Church in Providence from 8:30–9:45pm, all set to the cozy glow of candlelight. Learn more online

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Legends of Folk: Joni, Joan, Bob, and Cat

Sing along to the timeless songs of Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, and Cat Stevens at The Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich from 7:30–10pm, brought to life by local artists who really know their folk classics. Learn more online

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Dance Party at Mimi’s Lounge

Hit the dance floor at Mimi’s Lounge in Pawtucket starting at 8pm, with DJs Nathan & Euler bringing the vibes and zero pressure to dance perfectly. Learn more online

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Floara āœ• Sunu Body Launch Party Social

Stop by The Luxe Studio in Johnston from 1–4pm for an immersive wellness launch party blending movement, matcha, bouqu-making, and African-inspired self-care. Learn more online

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Make a Mosscape Event

Get creative in at Phantom Farms Brewing in Cumberland from 7–9pm with a hands-on mossscape workshop, a included drink, and a feel-good night that supports The Hotel for Homeless Dogs and the Woonsocket Cat Sanctuary. Learn more online

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Suis Dessert Matcha Pop-Up

Sweeten your afternoon at The Village in Providence from 12–3 PM with fresh salt bread, assorted cake boxes, and cozy matcha drinks as Suis pops up at The Village PVD with fan-favorite desserts. Learn more online

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1st Annual Chili Festival at Crafted Hope Brewing

Warm up in East Greenwich from 11 AM–1:30pm with unlimited chili samples, craft beer, and a friendly vote-for-your-favorite showdown at Crafted Hope Brewing’s first-ever chili fest. Learn more online

Sunday 1/25

Tapas and Tequilas

Sip premium tequila, sample bold bites, and soak up the ocean vibes at The Coast Guard House Restaurant in Narragansett from 5-9pm for a night that feels like a mini getaway. Learn more online

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Strength and Sip with Iron & Fire Fitness

Break a sweat, then sip your reward at Newport Vineyards & Winery in Middletown from 10am–12pm, with a strength workout followed by a wine tasting and optional brunch upgrade. Learn more online

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Bourbon & Bites

Sip and snack your way through a cozy tasting at George’s of Galilee in Narragansett, where hand-selected bourbons meet chef-crafted small bites for a very good winter outing. Learn more online

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Winter Serenade Brunch Pop-Up

Sip coffee (or a mimosa), grab a bite, and settle in for a live string quartet at Notes Coffee Co. in Pawtucket, kicking off at 12pm and perfect for a cozy Sunday reset. Learn more online

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Kitten Cuddle Event

Get your dose of feel-good fluff in Providence with ticketed kitten cuddle sessions at PARL, where guests can enjoy 25 minutes of pure joy while supporting local rescue kittens. Learn more online

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Haus Flow

Slow down and reset in at Hauscall in East Providence from 6–8pm with a hybrid yoga flow and social hour at Hauscall, blending movement, meditation, mocktails, and community connection. Learn more online

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Pasta & Sauce Perfection Class

Sharpen your skills at Qhali Kitchen in Bristol from 11am–2pm during this hands-on pasta-making class, where guests will learn fresh dough basics, sauce techniques, and sit down to a family-style meal with wine included. Learn more online

Monday 1/26

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Get your dose of feel-good fluff in Providence with ticketed kitten cuddle sessions at PARL, where guests can enjoy 25 minutes of pure joy while supporting local rescue kittens. Learn more online

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

This Week on Hey Rhody Weekly: February Break Camps & Activities in Rhode Island

Don’t let February Break sneak up on you — this week on Hey Rhody Weekly, we’re rounding up the best camps, classes, and chaos-burning activities across Rhode Island so you don’t have to panic-Google at midnight. From zoo adventures and animal camps to art studios, sports energy, and kid-approved cooking, consider your break officially handled.

Rhode Island’s Winter Sports Boom Is Heating Up the Local Economy

While winter usually means hibernation, Rhode Island is heating things up with a packed calendar of indoor sports that’s filling gyms, ice rinks, and hotel lobbies across the state. With sports tourism projected to generate $15.5 million in early 2026, from cheer and hockey to volleyball and dance, the Ocean State is proving that cold weather is no match for a full schedule and a thriving local economy. Read more online.

⭐ Looking for a Valentine’s plan that comes with wagging tails and zero pressure? The Heart of RI Puppy Love Event takes over The Event Factory in Warwick on Thursday, February 5, serving up an evening of raffles, food and drinks, and plenty of puppy-fueled joy. It’s the kind of feel-good night that mixes festive fun with a whole lot of heart – perfect for anyone who believes love is best celebrated with four-legged friends.

⭐ Is your winter craving a little more flavor and a lot less cooking at home? Providence Restaurant Weeks returns for its 20th year from January 25 through February 7, bringing nearly 100 restaurants across Providence and beyond together for limited-time prix fixe menus, lunch and dinner specials, and creative drink offerings. With both longtime favorites and first-time participants on the lineup, it’s the perfect excuse to eat your way through Rhode Island’s ever-evolving food scene.

⭐ Got a Rhody story we should be telling or a hidden gem we have not uncovered yet? We’re always listening for fresh pitches, local tips, and photo submissions that celebrate the people, places, food, and culture that make the Ocean State shine. If you have spotted something uniquely Rhody or captured a moment worth sharing, send it our way through this link and help shape what lands on our pages next.