Happy Wednesday!

And Happy New Year! We’re easing into 2026 with cozy winter outings, feel good community moments, and simple plans that feel just right after the holiday hustle. Settle into the first weekend of the year with our top picks to start 2026 on exactly the note you want to carry forward.

Outdoor & Nature

🌕 Moon Hikes at Roger Williams Park
Saturday  • 6–7 PM • Museum of Natural History • Providence
Take a peaceful, moonlit walk through Roger Williams Park and explore nighttime skies, park history, and glowing trails. This free guided hike is a magical way to experience the park after dark.

🥾 Hike the Blackstone Canal with a Park Ranger
Saturday • 10:30 AM • Kelly House Museum • Lincoln
Bundle up and explore the historic Blackstone Canal on a free winter hike led by park rangers. Learn local history, enjoy fresh air, and start the new year on the trail.

🐦 Free Sunday Guided Bird Walk at Norman Bird Sanctuary
Sunday • 8–10 AM • Norman Bird Sanctuary • Middletown
Bundle up and join a peaceful morning bird walk with expert guides. Spot winter birds, learn seasonal behaviors, and enjoy fresh air and coastal views. Meet in the main parking lot. Free and welcoming for all.

Food & Drink

☕ Sweet Marie’s Afternoon Tea
Friday-Sunday • 12 PM & 2 PM • Sweet Marie’s Tea • North Kingstown
Slow down and savor a classic 90-minute prix fixe afternoon tea. Enjoy elegant bites, perfectly brewed teas, and a cozy setting that’s ideal for catching up with friends or treating yourself to a refined midday pause. Reservations required. 

🔥 Fireside Fridays at Newport Vineyards
Friday • 4–7 PM • Newport Vineyards • Middletown
Cozy up with tabletop s’mores kits and personal flames right at your table. Sip spiked cocoa or kid-friendly hot chocolate then wander the Marketplace for wine shopping and winter vibes. Reservations highly recommended.

❄️ Mount Hope Farm Winter Market
Saturday • January 3, 2026 • 10 AM–1 PM • Mount Hope Farm • Bristol
Swing by this cozy winter farmers market filled with local makers, fresh food, handmade gifts, and seasonal finds. A perfect Saturday stop to support Little Rhody businesses and ease into the new year. Free to attend!

Entertainment

😂 Carlos Mencia Live at Comedy Connection
Friday & Saturday • 7:00–9:30 PM • Comedy Connection • East Providence
Laugh out loud with Carlos Mencia, the sharp, bold stand-up star known for his hit specials and raw comedic style. Grab tickets early for an unforgettable night of comedy and big laughs at one of Rhode Island’s top comedy clubs! 

🎶 Memories of Patsy: A Patsy Cline Tribute
Friday • 7–9:30 PM • Courthouse Center for the Arts • West Kingston
Step back into the golden age of country with this nationally touring tribute to Patsy Cline. Timeless hits heartfelt vocals and pure nostalgia make for a magical night of classic American music.

🌿 Ground & Grow Wellness Mixer
Sunday • 2–5 PM • Jordan’s Jungle • Pawtucket
Flow into the new year with grounding yin yoga, wellness shots, an inspiring herbalist talk, holistic vendors, and meaningful connection inside a lush plant-filled oasis designed for rest, growth, and community.

Arts, Crafts & Culture

🎄 Christmas on Benefit Street: A History Tour
Friday-Sunday • Times Vary • Benefit Street • Providence
Stroll one of Providence’s most beautiful streets by lantern light and uncover how Christmas was celebrated through the centuries. Led by a costumed guide with festive stories, history, and holiday magic for all ages.

🎨 Class & Instructor Exhibition Opening Reception
Sunday • 2–4 PM • Providence Art Club • Providence
Celebrate the Art Club’s first exhibition of 2026 with works by students and instructors across three galleries. Sip mingle and explore inspiring pieces made in classes and workshops from the past year. Free and open to all.

🕯️ Candle Art Workshop: Create & Paint Your Own Candles
Sunday • January 4, 2026 • 5:00 PM–7:30 PM • Paint and Vino • Pawtucket
Unleash your creativity at this hands-on candle making and painting class! Choose scents, craft two custom candles, and paint your jars with your own design. A fun way to relax, sip a complimentary drink, and take home beautiful gifts or décor.

Rhody Kids

🧸 Discovery Tykes: Hibernation Fun
Friday • 10–10:30 AM • Museum of Natural History & Planetarium • Providence
Little learners ages 2–4 sing, move, and explore winter wildlife through stories, songs, and a simple craft. A cozy first-Friday museum moment made just for curious preschoolers.

💡 Neon Night Ice Skating
Friday • Sessions at 4, 6 & 8 PM • City Hall Plaza Ice Rink • Warwick
Glow up and hit the ice in your brightest neon looks! Free glow sticks for early skaters and prizes each session make this colorful skate night extra electric.

❄️ Winter Celebration at Kinney Azalea Gardens
Friday–Sunday • 10 AM–3 PM • Kinney Azalea Gardens • Kingston
Wander whimsical winter trails lined with nature-inspired trees, fairy details, pinecones, and mushrooms. Enjoy cocoa, caroling, and festive kids activities in a peaceful garden wonderland made for cozy family days.

See you next week!