Weekend Mode: Activated 😎

Spring is in the air – and so is the madness! While the weather might be serving up a little drama, we’re here to keep things bright and buzzing. Take a breather from the March mayhem and dive into today’s newsletter, packed with weekend must-do’s (whether you plan ahead or wing it), the inside scoop on movie showings, up-close animal encounters, and plenty more to keep your spring energy in full bloom!

Weekend Must-Do’s: Art, Magic & Sweet Escapes Await!

Rhode Island is blooming with excitement this week! From a colorful stage adaptation of a family-friendly story to a mind-bending magic show, an uplifting women's book fair, and a hands-on chocolate-making experience, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Read the full list online at HeyRhody.com.

^{• By Caitlyn Bailey, photo by Justin Case, courtesy of Brain Waves RI}

Meet George the Banana-Loving Porcupine at RWP Zoo

Get up close (but not too close) with George, a South American porcupine who’s wild about bananas, at Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Wild Connection Encounters. If porcupines aren’t your thing, you can also meet a red panda, an Aldabra tortoise, or – before they move on – one of the zoo’s African elephants. Read more on our blog at HeyRhody.com.

^{• By Hugh Minor}

^{Presented by Lil Rhody Laugh Riot}

Lil Rhody Laugh Riot Delivers Stand-Up and Surprises Across Providence

Laughter is about to take center stage in Providence, and it's not holding back. The inaugural Lil Rhody Laugh Riot is gearing up to flood the city with hilarious performances from March 27-30, packing four days with nonstop humor at iconic venues like The VETS, Providence Performing Arts Center, and the Comedy Connection. With over 30 acts lined up, this festival is bringing together some of the sharpest comedic minds and freshest talents – all with one mission: to keep Rhode Island roaring with laughter and unforgettable entertainment.

More than just a stand-up comedy showcase, Lil Rhody Laugh Riot is a one-of-a-kind experience designed for every kind of humor enthusiast. Whether you're into big-name headliners delivering punchlines in grand theaters or prefer the intimacy of a club setting with rising stars, there’s a stage – and joke – waiting for you. Want to test your own comedic chops? Grab a bite and join in on comedy trivia, where laughter and great conversation go hand in hand. This festival is all about the power of connection and bringing people together through shared joy, amusement, and unforgettable moments.

"Comedy is a shared experience," says Michael Gravison, Marketing Director at The VETS. "We want people to connect, to laugh, to enjoy great food, and to take in everything Providence has to offer, from its vibrant nightlife to its welcoming atmosphere."

With a slogan like "Come for the city. Stay for the punchline!" the Lil Rhody Laugh Riot is shping up to be an event that’s as much about the community as it is about comedy. Whether you're looking for an excuse to gather your closest friends for a night out or just want to escape the everyday grind with some much-needed humor, this festival delivers. For the latest festival schedule, ticket info, and lineup announcements, visit LilRhodyLaughRiot.com.

Check Out Our Latest on Youtube: Fresh Brews, Fresh Blooms, and a Touch of Magic! 🌸☕✨

This week on Hey Rhody Weekly, we’re diving into new cafe openings, exploring a Newport florist bringing the charm, and grabbing a bite at the ever-enchanting Presto Strange O. Hit play for the latest Rhody buzz – no reservations required!

Food News: Food Trucks Find Homes & Downtown Gets a Wine-derful Upgrade

Rhode Island’s favorite food trucks are putting it in park! Ming’s On Broad is the new brick-and-mortar of a beloved Asian street food truck (which soft opened this week!), while JA Patty Tuck Shop is dishing out Jamaican flavors from its cozy new West End digs. Meanwhile, Ellie’s in downtown PVD adds an evening wine experience to its offerings, where expertly paired sips and bites take center stage. Read more online at ProvidenceOnline.com

^{• By Abbie Lahmers, photo courtesy of Ming’s}

A Hidden Chapter in Providence Place’s History Returns to the Spotlight

A clandestine living space built inside Providence Place Mall nearly two decades ago gets its close-up in Secret Mall Apartment, a documentary by filmmaker Jeremy Workman and producer Jesse Eisenberg. Featuring firsthand accounts, archival footage, and reflections on impermanence, the film revisits the unlikely story of eight artists who transformed an overlooked gap in the mall’s architecture into a fully furnished hideaway — until security caught on. Read more on our blog at HeyRhody.com.

^{• By Elyse Major}