The Great (Local) Escape 🧳

There’s just something about the calendar flipping to March that makes you exhale a little deeper. We’re officially more than halfway out of cold season (and respectfully, we’re all set with any more historic blizzards), and suddenly that extra hour of sunlight has us dreaming of getaways, weekend wanderings, and anything that doesn’t require a parka. If you’re craving a little inspiration to match the brighter days, you’re in luck. Today’s newsletter is your first taste of March — from a peek inside our latest mags, where we explore local travel gems and hobbies that double as wellness boosts, to so much more that’ll have you ready to shake off winter and step into spring.

Discover the Art of the Local Escape

If the snow piles still have you calling winter charming, we admire the optimism. But if you are craving an escape, let our March magazines be your cue. Our annual Local Travel Issue is here, proving the magic of travel is closer than you think, with regional getaways and seasonal trends to spark your next adventure. You will also meet this year’s inspiring Leading Ladies, making waves across Rhode Island. Inside Providence Monthly, cozy up to igloo dining downtown. So Rhode Island and The Bay share simple winter skincare tips from a local expert. And in Hey Rhody, discover new books and author events happening across the region. Find a copy on newsstands and start planning your next escape!

March Goes Green Across the Ocean State

From Pawtucket’s season-kicking march to Newport’s waterfront tradition and Providence’s grand State House finale, March in Rhode Island is a rolling celebration of Irish pride. With parades, pub crawls, road races, and even the world’s shortest St. Paddy’s parade on tap, there’s no shortage of ways to wear your green and join the fun from seaside streets to neighborhood blocks. Read more online.

Presented by Lil Rhody Laugh Riot

Lil Rhody Laugh Riot Brings Big Laughs to the Creative Capital This March

Providence is about to get the last laugh.

From March 26 through 29, the inaugural Lil Rhody Laugh Riot will take over the Creative Capital with four days of nonstop comedy, bringing nationally recognized talent to some of the city’s most iconic stages. The multi venue festival will unfold across The VETS, PPAC, Uptown Theater, and the Comedy Connection, transforming Providence into a hub for live entertainment that feels both big time and deeply local.

The lineup blends household names with fresh voices, creating a weekend that celebrates comedy in all its forms. Among this year’s headliners is Zarna Garg, a best selling comedian known for her fearless storytelling and sharp cultural observations. As an Indian immigrant mom based in New York City, Garg delivers humor that feels both personal and universally relatable. Her rise as a comedic trailblazer has captivated audiences nationwide, and her presence signals the festival’s commitment to showcasing bold, diverse voices.

Organizers envision Lil Rhody Laugh Riot as more than a series of shows. The four day experience includes both ticketed performances and free events hosted by partner venues across the city. Attendees can move from major theater stages to more intimate settings, discovering new acts while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere that defines Providence’s arts scene.

The festival reflects a growing appetite for live comedy in Rhode Island and offers something for everyone, from longtime stand up fans to curious first timers. It also highlights the city’s ability to host large scale cultural events while maintaining its signature sense of community.

With performances spread throughout downtown and beyond, Lil Rhody Laugh Riot invites locals and visitors alike to experience Providence through the lens of laughter. Explore the full lineup and plan your weekend at LilRhodyLaughRiot.com.

Live Cooking Takes the Spotlight at Track 15 This Spring

If your Wednesdays have been feeling a little meh, Track 15 is turning up the heat with the return of its beloved Station Tastings series inside historic Union Station. Expect live demos from local favorites like Tolia, Bar 101, and Dolores, complimentary bites, a pop-up from Stock Culinary Goods, and just enough midweek magic to make staying in feel seriously overrated. Read more online.

Birding Is Rhode Island’s Smartest Hobby Right Now

Birdwatching isn’t just a peaceful way to spend a morning at Beavertail or Trustom Pond - it may actually strengthen your brain. New neuroscience research shows experienced birders develop denser brain tissue in areas tied to focus, memory, and visual processing, and here in Rhode Island, with world-class coastal refuges and Audubon-led programs at our fingertips, there’s never been a better time to grab binoculars and give your mind (and your life list) a boost. Read more online.

GFree Fest Turns Providence Into a Gluten-Free Haven

GFree Fest returns to the WaterFire Arts Center on March 21 and 22, bringing nearly 90 gluten-free vendors together for a weekend of safe, stress-free indulgence. Now in its third year, the Providence-based festival blends community, sustainability, and standout local and national brands – proving gluten-free living can be just as joyful as it is delicious. Read more online.

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