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- The Warm-Up Rhode Island Needs 🥶
The Warm-Up Rhode Island Needs 🥶
Shake off the post-snowstorm chill with hot cocktails from local favorites, wellness events ahead, our newest Hey Rhody Weekly, + more!
There’s something about the way Rhode Islanders show up for each other after a big event. Case in point: Storm Hernando. While I personally could have done without the 30-plus inches of snow, there’s no denying the neighborly check-ins, borrowed shovels, and group texts comparing snowfall totals do warm the heart. And if community spirit and the sweet victory of Friday Eve are not enough to thaw you out, consider today’s newsletter your backup heat source. From cozy cocktails worth braving the slush for to can’t-miss events popping up across March, this one is packed with reasons to trade your snow boots for something a little more fun.
Rhode Island Hot Cocktails to Cozy Up With After Storm Hernando
After Winter Storm Hernando turned driveways into workout zones, Rhode Islanders earned more than sore shoulders and frozen fingers. From Newport to Westerly, these local bars and distilleries are serving up hot toddies, spiked cocoa, and mulled cider blends that make shoveling season feel almost worth it. Read more online.
WICKED Returns to PPAC for a Spellbinding Spring Run
After nearly a decade away, WICKED flies back to the Providence Performing Arts Center from March 4–22, bringing its powerhouse score and untold Oz origin story to Weybosset Street. The Broadway favorite will also headline PPAC’s Annual Gala, making this long-awaited return more than just a show, but one of the season’s marquee events. Read more online.
Rhody Gem: Jewelry & Giftware and Caron Jewelers, Ltd. in Bristol
Tucked behind teal columns on Hope Street, Caron Jewelers, Ltd. has been dazzling Bristol since 1956 with custom engagement rings, expert repairs and designer collections at every price point. Part family legacy, part working studio, this neighborhood mainstay pairs serious gem credentials with local artistry, making it the kind of place you wander into for a watch battery and leave with something unforgettable. 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 2/27 | Kareem Khubchandani’s Lessons in Drag A live reading and discussion unfolds from 7-8pm at Symposium Books in Providence, where Kareem Khubchandani explores the themes of his book Lessons in Drag. Learn more online ⸻ Back to the 80s Free live music takes over the Lighthouse Bar at Bally’s Lincoln Casino on February 27 at 8 PM, where the Back to the 80s Band brings retro hits and high-energy nostalgia to Lincoln. Learn more online ⸻ An Intimate Wine Dinner Featuring Flowers Vineyards & Winery At The Vanderbilt in Newport, guests can enjoy a curated wine dinner at 7pm featuring Flowers Vineyards’ Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, guided by wine expert Catherine Bellinghieri. Learn more online ⸻ Little Lies: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac Fleetwood Mac fans can head to The United Theatre in Westerly for Little Lies at 7pm, with doors opening at 6pm for an evening of singalong classics and dramatic rock nostalgia. Learn more online ⸻ The Surf Shack Wine Dinner Coastal flavors take the spotlight at The Surf Shack in Narragansett from 6-10pm, where a multi-course dinner pairs laid-back beach vibes with thoughtfully selected wines for an evening of surf, sip, and savor. Learn more online |
Saturday 2/28 | Taster Blacksmithing Class Hands-on metalworking takes place at The Steel Yard in Providence from 6:30-9:30pm, where participants can forge their own handmade piece while exploring the art of blacksmithing. Learn more online ⸻ Skye Consort & Emma Björling Live Global folk traditions come to life at Blackstone River Theatre in Cumberland at 3pm, where Skye Consort and Emma Björling blend Scandinavian, Celtic, and Québecois sounds into a modern chamber-folk performance. Learn more online ⸻ RI Guardians Black History Month Gala and Dinner Dance An evening of dinner, live R&B, and community recognition unfolds at the Cape Verdean Progressive Center in East Providence from 5pm to midnight, featuring a keynote presentation on Rhode Island’s Black history by historian Keith Stokes. Learn more online ⸻ Making Ricotta and Authentic Lasagna Class Hands-on Italian cooking takes place at The Honey Shop in Woonsocket from 11am-1pm, where participants press fresh pasta sheets and craft ricotta for a classic lasagna alongside a complimentary meal. Learn more online ⸻ Chris Janson Live Country hitmaker Chris Janson takes the stage at Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket from 8-10pm for a high-energy night of chart-topping anthems and crowd-favorite singalongs. Learn more online ⸻ Judy N’ Deez Guys Enjoy acoustic rock Americana with rich vocal harmonies from Judy N’ Deez Guys from 4-6pm at Myrtle in East Providence. Learn more online ⸻ Corinne Bailey Rae Soulful sounds fill Uptown Theater in Providence at 8pm as Corinne Bailey Rae brings her signature blend of heartfelt songwriting and genre-bending style to the stage. Learn more online ⸻ Plant Bingo Fairview Gardens in Coventry hosts Plant Bingo from 6-9pm for an evening of plant-themed games, raffles, and leafy prizes in a relaxed garden setting. Learn more online ⸻ Sip Armenia A guided Armenian wine tasting unfolds at Sonia’s Market in Cranston from 7-9pm, pairing pours with mezze, sweets, and a cozy evening of conversation. Learn more online |
Sunday 3/1 | Candle Making Workshop at Aster Candle Hands-on creativity takes place at Aster Candle Studio in Pawtucket from 1-3pm, where guests craft a custom soy candle while blending their own signature scent. Learn more online ⸻ Newport Wedding Show Wedding inspiration fills Rosecliff in Newport, where couples can connect with local vendors, sample offerings, and explore ideas for their big day during this annual planning showcase. Learn more online ⸻ Moonlit Dragonfly Charcuterie Resin Tray Painting Class Creative energy flows at Paint and Vino in Pawtucket from 1-3:30pm, where participants design a moonlit dragonfly charcuterie tray while enjoying a relaxed, social studio atmosphere. Learn more online ⸻ 16th Annual New England Winter Blues Festival Live blues takes center stage at The Met in Pawtucket, where doors open at 4pm and the show begins at 5pm for an evening of powerhouse performances from nationally and internationally acclaimed artists. Learn more online ⸻ Pilates & Pours with Pulse Portsmouth Wellness meets wine at Newport Vineyards in Middletown from 10am to noon, where a sculpt-focused Pilates session flows into a guided tasting experience. Learn more online ⸻ Mimosa in Bloom: A Paper Quilling Workshop Honoring Women Creativity takes center stage at Roots Heaven Farm in Smithfield from 1-3pm as Yoonie Co. Creative hosts a beginner-friendly paper quilling workshop celebrating Women’s History Month through art inspired by the mimosa flower. Learn more online ⸻ Matcha & Mats Yin yoga, matcha, and holistic vendors come together at Jordan’s Jungle in Pawtucket from 2-5pm for a relaxed afternoon led by Daisha Jackson and fueled by drinks from With Luv Cafe. Learn more online ⸻ Open Sewing Studio Workshop Sewists looking for expert guidance can head to The Nest in Providence from 4-6:30pm for an open studio session with instructor Julia Medeiros, offering personalized help to move projects across the finish line. Learn more online |
Monday 3/2 | One Love Mondays at JA Patty Community connection takes the spotlight at JA Patty in Providence all day on Mondays, where locals gather to support one another through food, collaboration, and shared neighborhood spirit. Learn more online ⸻ Music Bingo Monday Music meets game night at Hometown Tavern in Warren from 7-9pm, where familiar tunes replace numbers in this upbeat twist on classic bingo. Learn more online |
Our Rhody Rec list is refreshed with every newsletter, so be sure to check back for the latest events!
Turn the Page with These Picks from Symposium Books
Downtown Providence’s beloved indie bookstore spotlights six new releases to add to your winter reading stack. From a globe-spanning family saga by Brown professor Karan Mahajan to literary thrillers and sharp cultural critiques, this month’s selections offer something for every kind of reader. Read more online.
This Week on Hey Rhody Weekly: Late Winter Escapes in Rhode Island
Okay yes, we just survived a blizzard and the snow is very much still doing the most, but Rhode Islanders are already finding little ways to snap out of winter mode. From goat hikes to glassblowing to museum wanders and ocean drives, these cozy mini-escapes feel like a quiet reminder that spring is coming… even if we’re still wearing snow boots.
Shake Off Winter With March Wellness Events Across Rhode Island
As cabin fever peaks, a lineup of local workshops, fitness classes, and community-centered events invites Rhode Islanders to ease back into movement and connection. From coastal races to holistic expos, March offers fresh motivation to reset routines without the pressure of January resolutions. Read more online.
⭐ Snowed out but still starry-eyed? The Providence Performing Arts Center has rescheduled Stardew Valley: Symphony of Season to Friday, April 10 at 7:30pm following the recent blizzard. Current tickets will be honored for the new date, giving fans another chance to experience the beloved game’s music brought to life in concert.
⭐ Looking for a gluten-free food festival that goes beyond the basics? The 3rd Annual GFree Fest returns to the WaterFire Arts Center on March 21 and 22, featuring gluten-free restaurants, makers, and specialty drinks in one fully gluten-free space. The two-day event offers a chance to discover new favorites while connecting with the local gluten-free community.