What’s more delightful than a box of Valentine’s Day chocolates? We’d argue it’s this newsletter showing up in your inbox: zero calories, with a guaranteed dose of sweet plans. From love-filled weekend adventures to local events packed with sugary goodness, think of this as your VIP pass to a heartwarming (and delicious) weekend ahead!

From romantic nights out to Galentine’s Day fun, this weekend is packed with ways to celebrate love in all its forms. Whether you're sipping fine wine, dancing the night away, or enjoying a cozy film screening with the fam, Rhode Island has something for everyone this Valentine’s Day weekend! Read the full list online at HeyRhody.com.

^{• By Caitlyn Bailey, photo courtesy of Newport Vineyards}

Rhode Island’s top chefs and mixologists are transforming classic Girl Scout Cookies into gourmet creations at the ninth annual Cookies & Cocktails event on March 6. Hosted by the Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England, this 21+ fundraiser at Farm Fresh RI features inventive bites, craft cocktails, live and silent auctions, and a mission-driven evening that supports essential programs for local Girl Scouts. Read more on our blog at HeyRhody.com.

^{• By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England}

^{Presented by Rhode Island International Film Festival}

If you look forward to the world-renowned Flickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) every August, save the date for their annual fundraiser on the night of the Oscars. In partnership with ABC 6, The Red Carpet Experience at the Graduate Hotel in Providence is a can’t-miss event for film lovers to be a part of Hollywood’s biggest night during the live tele-cast. A cocktail hour, plated dinner, and dessert add to the glamor of the night.

It’s only fitting that RIIFF would provide this exclusive experience to fans, having seen 93 Oscar Nominations since its founding in 1997, and a total of 14 wins, with six films up for awards this year. RIIFF brings a legacy of discovering new and innovative voices in independent film, having featured the works of notable names like Denis Villeneuve, Brian Cranston, Terry Gilliam, Julia Louis Dreyfus, and more, as well as offering a foot in the door for international filmmakers.

“RIIFF is a lynchpin event for the global film industry,” says executive director Shawn Quirk, who has been involved with the festival for over a decade. Last year alone, RIIFF screened 286 titles representing 62 countries. “RIIFF's goal has always been to highlight a dynamic program of filmmaking that provokes, engages, and entertains all walks of life. Children's animations, thrillers, genre films, international dramas, LGBTQ cinema, TV pilots, webseries, feature films and documentaries – we have it all!”

An engaging night of cinema, the Red Carpet Experience on March 2 at 4:30pm highlights RIIFF’s ongoing ties to the Academy Awards, and the festival’s commitment to being a meeting ground between filmmakers and fans. The evening will also feature the Producers Circle Awards in partnership with Steven Feinberg and the Rhode Island Film and Television Office. Reserve tickets online. Learn more about the festival at RIFilmFest.org.

^{• By Abbie Lahmers, photo courtesy for RIIFF}

Love is in the air, and so is the scent of a perfectly crafted charcuterie board! 💕 This week on Hey Rhody Weekly, we’re celebrating Valentine’s for everyone, dishing out snackable inspo, and helping you plan the ultimate February school break. Don’t miss out – like and subscribe to our YouTube page for all the local fun! 🎥✨

Providence artist Occipital (AKA Giana Sacco) has brought her signature elongated figures to the luxe Stone House Inn in Little Compton. With her bold, minimalist style now adorning the inn’s renovated barn, guests can soak in both deep tubs and deep artistic expression. Read more online at TheBay.com.

^{• By Robert Isenberg with Elyse Major, photo by Jon Doucette, courtesy of Occipital}