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Your Valentine’s Weekend Playbook 💝
Get lovestruck over Rhody’s most romantic restaurants, BAFTA-nominated films, our latest Hey Rhody Weekly, + more!
A weekend without snow in the forecast?! You can practically hear Rhode Island exhale. It must be all that Rhody love in the air, melting the flakes before they even think about falling. Ride those high vibes straight into the weekend with today’s newsletter—your go-to guide for making the most of it. From swoon-worthy romantic restaurants and award-winning films to plenty of fun in between, this edition is serving up all the reasons to get out, cozy up, and fall a little harder for the Ocean State.
Two Rhode Island Restaurants Named Among America’s Most Romantic for 2026
Rhode Island just scored two spots on OpenTable’s 2026 Top 100 Romantic Restaurants list, and honestly, we’re not surprised. Tiverton’s Boat House brings the sunset views over Mt. Hope Bay, while Newport’s White Horse Tavern delivers candlelight, colonial charm, and date-night dishes that seal the deal. Read more online.
Trash Cans, Throwback Jams and Total Mayhem Hit Cranston
Recycled Percussion lands at the Park Theatre on February 21 with a family-friendly blast of music, comedy, and high-energy chaos just in time for School Vacation Week. Fresh off three decades and thousands of shows, including a long Vegas run, the group promises big laughs, classic hits, and percussion that turns everyday objects into a full-on spectacle. Read more online.
Presented by Rhode Island International Film Festival
Flickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival Brings Global Spotlight to The Ocean State
Providence may not be the first city that comes to mind during awards season, but Flickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival is once again changing that narrative. This year, films screened at New England's largest film festival are earning major recognition on the world’s biggest stages, including nominations from both the Academy Awards and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
Four films from last year’s Flickers lineup are currently in the running for Oscars, while three additional titles have landed BAFTA nominations. It’s a headline moment for the festival as it heads toward its 30th annual edition and marks more than four decades of championing independent cinema. For Rhode Island, it’s proof that global storytelling has a strong local address.
Flickers has long been known as a festival where short films shine. Ranked among the top ten film festivals in the United States, the festival has helped launch nearly one hundred films to become recognized as Oscar Nominees, with fifteen ultimately earning Academy Awards. As an official qualifier for BAFTA, the Goya Awards, and the Canadian Screen Awards, Flickers offers filmmakers something rare: a respected pathway from passion project to global platform.
Executive Director Shawn Quirk says moments like this affirm the festival’s mission. Flickers focuses on bold, original voices from around the world, and seeing those filmmakers recognized at the highest level is both thrilling and deeply rewarding.
That energy carries into August, when Flickers returns August 4-9 with screenings and events at venues across Rhode Island, including PPAC, The Vets, WaterFire Arts Center, Avon, and The Odeum in East Greenwich. Panels, premieres, and conversations turn the state into a creative crossroads each summer. Learn more and explore the lineup at rifilmfest.org.
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 2/13 | Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour Catch the Harlem Globetrotters at 7pm at Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence for a high-flying, history-making celebration packed with jaw-dropping dunks, outrageous trick shots, fan-fueled fun, and enough laughs to prove that after 100 years, this legendary squad still knows how to put on a show. Learn more online ⸻ Galentine's Floral Workshop Grab your gals and head to Sayles Livingston Design in Tiverton at 2pm or 7pm for a bloom-filled evening of sipping, snacking, and hands-on floral fun, where you’ll learn pro arranging tips and leave with a gorgeous creation that says “I made this” louder than any store-bought bouquet ever could. Learn more online ⸻ Black Days & Almost Creed at Lighthouse Bar Head to Lighthouse Bar at Bally’s Lincoln Casino from 8pm for a free night of fist-pumping nostalgia as Black Days & Almost Creed crank out the biggest late ’90s and early 2000s rock anthems, delivering Creed classics with the kind of arena-worthy energy that turns a casual casino night into a full-on sing-along. Learn more online ⸻ Drag Is for Lovers at The United Theatre Head to The United Theatre in Westerly for an 18+ night of glam, glitter, and unapologetic fabulousness as seven powerhouse Queens, hosted by Providence’s own Nervous, light up the runway with high-energy performances that prove love is loud, proud, and anything but a drag. Learn more online ⸻ Newport Winter Fest 2026 Bundle up and lean into cozy coastal fun in Newport from February 13–22, as Winter Fest returns with a full slate of family-friendly events, themed parties, and seasonal happenings taking over the city all week long. Learn more online ⸻ Woof You Be Mine Adoption Event Fall in love in Pawtucket from 6-8:30pm at The Guild, where this beloved annual adoption event brings together adoptable dogs, craft beer, live music, local vendors, and plenty of heart for a Valentine’s, Galentine’s, or Pal-entine’s night out. Learn more online ⸻ 17th Annual Providence Children's Film Festival The Providence Children’s Film Festival returns February 13-22, filling venues across the city with youth-focused films, animation workshops, special guests, and popcorn-fueled fun. Learn more online ⸻ Valentine’s Day Speed Dating: Authors’ Edition Find your next fictional crush in North Providence from 4-7pm at Forget Me Not Fables Bookshop, where readers can rotate through speed-date-style chats with Rhode Island romance authors, sip light refreshments, and leave with a swoonworthy new book (or a few) as their Valentine. Learn more online ⸻ Valentine’s Day Ladies’ Night at Kimi’s Celebrate Galentine’s vibes in Providence with a free ladies’ night at Kimi’s Bar, featuring arts and crafts, sweet treats, cocktail specials, and rom-coms playing on the projector for a perfectly playful night out. Learn more online ⸻ Rough Point: After Dark Celebrate winter nights in Newport on February 13 and 14 from 4:30-6pm with an after-hours experience at Rough Point, where guests can explore the historic home by night while enjoying sweet treats, hot beverages, cool jazz, and a cozy Valentine’s, Galentine’s, or Pal-entine vibe. Learn more online. ⸻ Juicy Market’s Sweetheart Market Grab your bestie and head to Newport Vineyards in Middletown from 5-8pm for Juicy Market’s Sweetheart edition at Newport Vineyards, where local vendors, wine tastings, dining specials, and plenty of shopping make for a flirty, feel-good night out. Learn more online |
Saturday 2/14 | Mardi Gras Party at Pivotal Brewing Company Let the good times roll from 12-10pm at Pivotal Brewing Company in Bristol, where live brass from Kickin Brass Band, New Orleans-style eats, and a proper second line turn Valentine’s Day into a bead-tossing, brew-sipping bash with zero cover and maximum vibes.. Learn more online ⸻. Author Event: Avery Irons’ Belonging to the Air at Symposium Books Spend your afternoon at 3pm at Symposium Books in Providence for a thoughtful, page-turning conversation as debut novelist Avery Irons joins Jacinda Townsend to discuss Belonging to the Air, a lyrical, multigenerational story of love, legacy, and the Great Migration, with signed copies ready for your bookshelf. Learn more online ⸻. Haus of Codec Sweetheart Market Pop into Bell Street Chapel in Providence from 11am-3pm for this free, feel-good marketplace packed with local art vendors, a name change clinic, and a playful round of Vendor Bingo where spotting Pokémon could score you prizes, all wrapped in festive community vibes and zero admission fee. Learn more online ⸻. Together by Candlelight at Shepherd’s Run Celebrate Valentine’s Day in South Kingstown with an intimate candlelit concert at Shepherd’s Run, where classical-meets-folk performances, a signature Valentine’s spritz, and optional dinner and overnight pairings set the tone for a romantic evening designed to linger. Learn more online ⸻. Sips & Swirls: Paint Pouring Workshop ⸻. 30th Annual WINEterfest ⸻ Be Mine, Valentine! Speed Dating Event Mix and mingle at Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co. at 4pm for a lively speed dating event where singles under and over 40 can sip drinks, meet new people, and see if sparks fly in a warm, inclusive setting. Learn more online ⸻. Beer Mug Painting at Narragansett Brewery ⸻ Sweetheart Market at Myrtle Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Myrtle’s Sweetheart Market in East Providence from 12-5pm, where a $15 prix fixe brunch from 12-3pm and a rotating mix of local vendors, tarot, florals, vintage finds, and vinyl-spinning vibes set the tone for a love-filled afternoon. Learn more online Valentines Day Buffet & Charcuterie Workshop Skip the standard dinner and make Valentine’s Day an experience at The Elliotte in Cranston, where couples enjoy a romantic buffet followed by a hands-on charcuterie workshop from 6:30-10pm, crafting one artisan board together in a date night that’s equal parts delicious and fun. Learn more online |
Sunday 2/15 | Shen Yun Performing Arts at PPAC Experience an afternoon of sweeping legend and gravity-defying dance at 1:30pm at the Providence Performing Arts Center, where Shen Yun blends classical Chinese dance, a live East-West orchestra, and vivid storytelling into a visually stunning celebration of 5,000 years of culture. Learn more online ⸻ PVD Flea at Farm Fresh RI Spend your Sundays from 11am to 3pm at Farm Fresh RI Market Hall in Providence, where PVD Flea brings together 80-plus indie makers, vintage finds, food trucks, fresh blooms, and sweet treats in a free, family-friendly market that runs weekly through April, Valentine vibes included. Learn more online ⸻ Galentine’s Brunch at Besos Sip, brunch, and repeat during brunch hours at Besos in East Greenwich, where Valentine’s cocktails, brunch bites, and best-friend energy set the tone for a feel-good Galentine’s celebration. Learn more online ⸻ Galentine’s Bingo & Brunch at Fish Co. Dance, sing, sip, and shout “BINGO” at Fish Co. in Providence at 2pm, where brunch favorites, high-energy bingo rounds, and live vibes from Lady Ruck and Maxx Major turn Galentine’s into a full-on afternoon party. Learn more online ⸻ Galentine's Day Tea Party Galentine’s Day Tea Party brings the besties (or new ones) together at Mapleville Farm in Mapleville beginning at 2pm, with a full tea, bottomless pours, decadent desserts, and a pink-everything dress code. Learn more online ⸻ Made in America Concert Celebrate the launch of America’s 250th anniversary in Newport at 7pm with a free Rhode Island Wind Ensemble concert in the Newport Marriott atrium, featuring powerful American music spanning patriotic classics, blues, ragtime, and film scores. Learn more online ⸻ Valentine's Candle Making Workshop with Flower Bar Get creative in Pawtucket at Aster Candle Studio at noon, where guests can pour a custom soy candle, blend their own fragrance, design a label, build a mini floral arrangement, and enjoy light sips and snacks during a relaxed, hands-on workshop. Learn more online |
Monday 2/16 | Community Fundraiser for Carlos at Ogie’s Trailer Park Head to Ogie’s Trailer Park in Providence from 5-9pm for a feel-good evening of drinks, light bites, and big-hearted community spirit, where every $25 ticket goes directly toward supporting Carlos’ recovery. Learn more online ⸻ It's A Date 4 Year Anniversary Show Doors open at 6pm at The Comedy Connection in East Providence, with the blindfolded matchmaking madness kicking off at 7pm as four singles take the stage and let quick wit, bold audience questions, and a little mystery turn this comedy dating show into a night of unpredictable sparks and big laughs. Learn more online |
Our Rhody Rec list is refreshed with every newsletter, so be sure to check back for the latest events!
This Week on Hey Rhody Weekly: 4 Local Sweet Spots to Love
Looking for the best Rhode Island chocolates for Valentine’s Day? This week we’re spotlighting four standout local chocolatiers crafting seriously swoon-worthy sweets. From Venezuelan-inspired bars at Aura’s in Cranston and award-winning bean-to-bar bites at Gansett Craft Chocolate in Wakefield, to playful bonbons at HAWT in Warren and timeless classics from Sweenor’s, these Rhody sweet spots prove love is deliciously local.
Shop: Be Your Own Valentine
Skip the roses and treat yourself instead. From locally made beard balm and antioxidant-packed rose oil to cold-pressed juices, incense papers, and a cozy-at-home mobile sauna session, these Rhody-crafted finds are all about winter self-care with style. Whether you’re sipping Sakonnet wine, refreshing your space with a color consult, or leveling up your glow routine, consider this your permission slip to indulge. Read more online.
⭐ Are you ready to bite into bragging rights? Newport Burger Bender returns February 13 through 22, serving up a juicy, town-wide showdown where more than 50 beef, seafood, chicken, bison, and plant-based creations compete for Best Burger honors. Sample your way through Newport’s hottest spots, then cast your vote and help crown the bun that rules them all.
⭐ Who says Valentine’s Day is just for couples? Track 15 is turning the holiday into a full-on celebration of every kind of love, from Galentine’s Day live music and build-your-own “Girl Dinner” pairings on Friday night to $15 mini portraits, Girl Scout cookies, hoops on the big screens, and kid-friendly crafts on Saturday. With festive cocktails, local flavor at every stall, and plenty of room for friends, families, and fun, this downtown food hall is making sure nobody spends the weekend stuck at a table for two.
⭐ RWhat does seven years of second chances look like? Join Jennifer on Saturday, February 28 from 6 to 9pm at Artisan Bites in Cranston as she celebrates her 7th stem cell anniversary with a heartfelt fundraiser supporting NMDP, the organization that helped save her life. Your $65 ticket includes a make-your-own succulent bar, a signature sip, cozy lounge vibes, and charcuterie spreads, plus raffles and shopping, all in honor of turning one life-saving transplant into hope for countless others. Tickets are available for purchase online.