Step on all the cracks – we dare you. When it comes to Friday the 13th Eve in Rhody, the only thing unlucky is missing out. This newsletter’s packed with can’t-miss weekend picks, a flavor-filled tour of local vineyards and taprooms, and all the Rhody magic you need to outwit any bad luck.

Weekend Must-Do’s: Music, Pride, and Plenty of Laughs Hit Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s weekend calendar is packed, from drag parades in Wakefield to time-traveling musicals in Providence. Whether you’re sipping craft brews in Portsmouth or dancing with kids in Cranston, there's something for everyone Read the full list online.

^{• By Caitlyn Bailey, photo courtesy of Nikki Lee Photography}

Locals Pack Crowne Plaza for a Flavor-Filled Night at Taste of RI

Rhode Island’s top chefs and drink-makers dished out their best bites and sips last night at Taste of Rhode Island, where 60+ vendors turned Warwick’s Crowne Plaza into a culinary playground. Read more online.

^{• By Jenna Kaplan}

^{Presented by The Authentic Caribbean Foundation}

The Authentic Caribbean Foundation Gears Up For Heritage Festival in Providence

Founded in 2012, the Authentic Caribbean Foundation makes an impact in the region and internationally by “transforming the lives of Caribbean children and their caregivers through health and educational support,” shares president Andrew Sharpe. The Boston-based nonprofit’s mission is comprehensive, not only providing essential resources to the populations they serve, but also bolstering community tourism – most notably through the Rhode Island Caribbean American Heritage Festival on June 21.

Held at the Fete Music Hall in Providence, the festival celebrates the rich heritage of the city’s diverse Caribbean American community of Dominican, Haitian, and Jamaican descent. From vibrant arts and crafts to culinary traditions and lively music performances, programming promises fun for the whole family, and the event kicks off with a reading of the proclamation from Governor Dan McKee.

June is Caribbean American Heritage Month, but the organization’s wide-ranging work unfolds throughout the year. “Authentic Caribbean Foundation is a registered nonprofit dedicated to providing education and training, as well as health and support services to children and adults with disabilities and AIDS within the Diaspora and the Caribbean,” explains Sharpe. This includes raising funds for vital HIV/AIDS research, uplifting programs raising awareness about the Caribbean Diaspora, and hosting charitable events in the region with the aim of ending poverty.

The foundation’s varied services include connecting families with resources for children with disabilities, from evaluations and grants to pediatric medical equipment, and the Kids for Arts Program creates enrichment opportunities in Caribbean folkloric arts and culture, enabling children in the Diaspora to connect with traditional artforms while also contributing to their overall development.

Save the date for the Rhode Island Caribbean American Heritage Festival on June 21, and learn more about the Authentic Caribbean Foundation’s events, programming, and more by visiting AuthenticCaribbeanFoundation.org.

^{• By Abbie Lahmers, photo courtesy of The Authentic Caribbean Foundation}

^{Presented by Mashantucket Pequot Museum}

Celebrate Native Culture at Mashantucket Pequot Museum’s Summer Events

The Mashantucket Pequot Museum invites families to explore Indigenous history through interactive exhibits and cultural celebrations. Highlights include the Strawberry Moon Living Exhibition on June 14, featuring Native storytelling, music, and art. Read more online.

^{• By Abbie Lahmers and Ken Abrams, photo courtesy of Mashantucket Pequot Museum}

Our Latest on Youtube: Raise a Glass to Rhody Vineyards, Taprooms, and Bites!

Sip, savor, and stroll through the best local vineyards, breweries, and bites in this week’s Hey Rhody Weekly! From crisp pours to tasty tours, it’s your guide to the most delicious way to spend a Rhode Island weekend.

Back to the Future Musical Electrifies PPAC with Laughs, Tunes, and Time Travel

The Back to the Future musical lights up PPAC with sharp performances, slick effects, and a story that still charms. With fresh tunes, familiar hits, and nonstop energy, it’s a crowd-pleaser for fans old and new. Read more online.

^{• By Ken Abrams, photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman}