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Sundays Just Got Spicier 🌶️

Sundays Just Got Spicier 🌶️

Get the scoop on a brunch worth setting the alarm for, a local university taking healthcare curbside, fun finds for your weekend, + more!

September 25, 2025

It’s raining, and for once, we’re not telling you to run for cover. Let’s lean into the drizzle! Sip something steamy, watch the raindrops race down the window like it’s the good old days, and use it as your perfectly valid excuse to cancel everything (don’t worry, your secret’s safe with us). Rain is nature’s way of whispering, “Slow down, romanticize your life, and maybe crack open a really good newsletter.” And lucky for you, we’ve got that last part covered. From brunch buzz worth setting an alarm for to a local university putting healthcare on four wheels, there’s plenty below to brighten even the grayest of days.

Newport’s Brunch Scene Heats Up at La Vecina

Brunch just got a major upgrade in Washington Square, where La Vecina is now serving a vibrant Sunday lineup packed with Mexican flavor. From chilaquiles with salsa verde to Tres Leches French Toast and mezcal-forward cocktails, Chef Mariana Gonzalez-Trasvina’s menu is the perfect excuse to linger a little longer. Read more online.

^{• By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of La Vecina}

FireBall Gala Ignites a Night of Art, Impact, and Celebration

WaterFire’s FireBall Gala returns October 16 with a fiery “Phoenix Rising” theme, honoring community leaders and raising crucial funds for future programming. Guests can expect a dazzling evening of performances, fine dining, and dancing, all in support of Providence’s most radiant cultural institution. Read more online.

^{• By Jenna Kaplan, photo by Erin Cuddigan}

Presented by RI Energy

Recycle Your Fridge the Easy Way

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:

Schedule a free pickup at your convenience.
We’ll come to you, collect the appliance, and recycle it the right way.
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.

Salve Hits the Road With Mobile Health Unit

Salve Regina University is taking healthcare beyond campus with a new mobile outreach program offering screenings, education, and preventive care throughout Rhode Island. Staffed by students and faculty, the 40-foot unit brings hands-on learning to future providers and vital services to local communities. Read more online.

^{• By Jenna Kaplan, photo by Andrea Hansen courtesy of Salve Regina University}

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 9/26	Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular returns this weekend to Roger Williams Park Zoo, bringing thousands of glowing gourds and brain-teasing trivia to the pumpkin trail. Swing by nightly from 6-10:30pm through November 2 for fall fun that’s anything but basic. Learn more online. ⸻ Fashion Swap & Sips Sip, swap, and style yourself at Fashion Swap & Sips at 6pm at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island in Providence, where racks of clothes, shoes, and accessories meet good vibes and new finds. Learn more online. ⸻ Dine for the Ocean at Purslane Grab a bite for a good cause at Purslane on September 26, when a portion of all restaurant sales will support ORCA’s ocean cleanup efforts. You’ll also have a chance to win one of three ORCA x Purslane prize packs just for dining. Learn more online. ⸻ Symposium Records: Late Night at The Red Door Symposium Records is back at The Red Door in PVD with resident DJs Madison Moore and Lunática spinning house, techno, and electronic heat from 10pm to 2am. Learn more online.
Saturday 9/27	Fall Festival at Sunset Cove Soak up all the autumn vibes at Sunset Cove’s Fall Festival from 7am-6pm in Portsmouth, with live music, pumpkin painting, a draught beer tent, seasonal sweets, and plenty of cozy fall flavors to keep the fun rolling all day long. Learn more online. ⸻ Narragansett Beer's Neighbor Day Event Raise a pint to community at Narragansett Beer's Neighbor Day from 12-5pm at India Point Park Soccer Field, featuring food trucks, local artisans, live music, and a ’Gansett beer garden made for mingling. Learn more online. ⸻ Brass Monkey’s 11th Anniversary Celebration Brass Monkey is turning 11, and the party’s on Saturday, September 27 at 800 Allens Ave in Providence with a classic car show (3-6pm), live jazz from Sweet Pea (5-8pm), and a DJ spinning late-night vibes (9pm-2am), plus games, giveaways, and plenty of celebratory sips. Learn more online. ⸻ RI Night Market Track 15 Food Hall hosts the RI Night Market from 4–9pm, a free, family-friendly event during WaterFire featuring live music, local vendors, great eats, and the buzz of Providence’s newest hangout. Learn more online. ⸻ Wickenden Street Makers Market The Wickenden Street Makers Market returns from 11am-6pm, transforming the PVD street into a lively block party with local makers, artists, food trucks, and live music. Learn more online. ⸻ The Thirsty Beaver’s Annual Fall Festival The Thirsty Beaver in Smithfield celebrates its annual Fall Festival from 12-3pm, featuring local vendors with seasonal goods, cozy crafts, tarot readings, face painting, tiny tattoos, fresh juice, and more. Learn more online. ⸻ Paws & Pilates Event Join The Heart of RI and Club Pilates for “Paws & Pilates” at 10am in Cranston, a mat class benefiting the Heart of RI Animal Rescue League. Learn more online. ⸻ Sakonnet Vineyard’s Final UnWINED Yoga Class Wrap up the season with one last stretch at Sakonnet Vineyard’s final UnWINED yoga class from 10-11am. Instructor Danielle Cerrone will lead an all-level vinyasa session among the vines, followed by a relaxing glass of wine with fellow yogis. Learn more online. ⸻ State Street Harvest Fair Head to downtown Bristol for the State Street Festiva from 10am-4pm. This free, family-friendly event features 70+ local artists and makers, craft food and drinks, florists, henna, face painting, live alpacas, and more. Learn more online. ⸻ Waterfire Full Lighting WaterFire returns to downtown Providence with a full lighting celebrating Rhode Island educators. The flames light up at sunset (6:34pm) and run through midnight, with vendors and onshore activities kicking off at 5:30pm. Learn more online.
Sunday 9/28	Autumn Tides and Sea Glass Vibes Festival Catch coastal vibes at the Sea Glass Festival from 11am-5pm at The Windjammer Surf Bar in Westerly, where local artisans, live music, food, and seaside shopping collide. Free admission means more treasures (and snacks) for you! Learn more online. ⸻ River Bar’s “Last Call” Patio Party River Bar in Westerly is saying goodbye to patio season with a “Last Call” party from 4-8pm, featuring cocktails by guest bartender Kenneth Young, DJ sets, live music, fresh oysters, and summer staples like hot buttered lobster rolls. Learn more online. ⸻ Family Fall Day at Dave’s Coffee Dave’s Coffee in Charlestown hosts Family Fall Day from 10am-3pm, featuring live music, caricatures, outdoor games, raffle baskets, photo ops, and seasonal treats like apple cider donuts and hot cider. Learn more online. ⸻ Shepherd’s Run’s Harvest Market Celebrate the season in style (for free) at Shepherd’s Run’s Harvest Market, where cozy vibes meet curated crafts, fall sips, gourmet bites, and pampering perks. Learn more online. ⸻ Rain Harvest Festival Head to Roger Williams Park for the free Rain Harvest Festival from 11am-2pm at the Botanical Center. Hosted by the Stormwater Innovation Center, the event features live music, art, vendors, and hands-on activities focused on the importance of clean water. Learn more online. ⸻ Ryder Cup Rally at Moonshine Alley Golf fans can swing into the action at 3pm during the Ryder Cup Rally at Moonshine Alley. Free tickets include a drink, limited edition Ryder Cup hat, VIP swag bag, and more. Learn more online. ⸻ WBNA’s Concerts in the Park Catch New Inca Son live for free as they bring the spirit of the Andes to Dexter Park with music and dance starting at 5pm. Come early for the farmers market at 3pm, and stick around for the Moniker beer garden and Haus of Codec art marketplace. Learn more online. ⸻ Live Music at the Vineyard with Allysen Callery Sip and unwind with live music by Allysen Callery at Langworthy Winery in Westerly from 3-6pm. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of folk tunes and wine among the vines. Learn more online. ⸻ Fall Visitors Day at West Place Animal Sanctuary Meet alpacas, peacocks, pigs, and more during West Place Animal Sanctuary’s rescheduled Fall Visitors Day, with 90-minute guided tours every half hour from 9:30am-3:30pm in Tiverton. Learn more online
On Deck For Next Week	- On September 30, Clementine Cocktail Bar on Washington Street hosts its next Chef Night, featuring a three-course feast from Little Friend chefs Andrew McQuesten and Stephen Sternkopf. ⸻ - Soak up the fall vibes at Moniker Brewery's Open Farm Night ay Fry Farm on October 1 from 4-8pm, with live music, lawn games, local bites, and a beer garden that’s calling your name. ⸻ Raise your steins at Narragansett Brewery’s Oktoberfest, running October 3-5 at the Providence brewery with live music, stein-hoisting contests, Bavarian bites, and plenty of authentic German brews under the big bier garten tent. ⸻ Sink your teeth into spooky season with The Vampire Circus at Stadium Theatre on October 3, where acrobats, illusions, and spine-tingling thrills bring an abandoned cemetery to life in a family-friendly Halloween spectacle. ⸻ Celebrate all things local and leaf-kicking at the Providence Artisans Market x Friends of Lippitt Park Fall Festival on October 4 from 10am-2pm at Lippitt Park, with lawn games, crafts, a costume swap, and farmers market faves. ⸻ Celebrate peak autumn vibes at the Applumpkin Fall Festival on October 4 at Ninigret Park in Charlestown, where kids’ games, live entertainment, local makers, raffles, and food trucks make for the ultimate fall day out. ⸻ Get ready to howl with laughter at Puppy Pals LIVE on October 4 from 3-4:30pm at Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket, where rescued pups steal the spotlight with jaw-dropping stunts, hilarious tricks, and nonstop tail-wagging fun. ⸻ Honor hope and strength at WaterFire Providence: Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Awareness Lighting on Saturday, October 4 in downtown Providence, with fires igniting at sunset and glowing until midnight alongside food, music, and community events to celebrate survivors and support the fight.

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

Rhody Rewind: Exploring Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular!

With October just around the corner, we’re throwing it back to when Jenna and Nick lit up the night at Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. Glowing gourds, spooky vibes and plenty of fall fun make this the perfect way to kick off spooky season.

Meet 3 Adoptable Pets Ready to Find Forever Homes

Rhode Island’s shelters are bursting with personality this month, thanks to three paws-itively lovable pets ready for forever homes. Whether you're drawn to Blondie's big grin, Buddy's striking stare, or Sunny's heart-of-gold charm, these furry friends are here to make your house a whole lot more like home. Read more online.

^{• By Karen Kalunian}

⭐ Is it ever really too early to start planning a little holiday magic? Ballet RI’s The Nutcracker returns this December with swirling snowflakes, dancing sweets and a touch of Ocean State sparkle. Grab your tickets now and get ready to make this timeless tradition part of your festive season.

⭐ What’s more magical than following the yellow brick road under the night sky? The last Movies on the Block of the season has been rescheduled to Thursday, October 2, when The Wizard of Oz takes over Grant’s Block Park in downtown Providence. The free screening kicks off after 6 pm, so pack a blanket or beach chair and snag your spot early for this community favorite.

⭐ Looking for the ultimate fall day out? Head to Blackstone River Glass in Cumberland on October 4 for Pumpkin Palooza, a festive riverside open house filled with live pumpkin carving, glassblowing demos, cider, and more. You can even sign up in advance to make your own glass pumpkin and get into the autumn spirit.