Happy Thursday, Rhode Islanders!

And just like that, POOF! January is gone. So let’s look this first weekend of February right in the eye. I think I can see Spring just over the hill, but don’t quote me on that. I fully expect at least one large-sized blizzard before we get there.

But for now, no weather-worries for now, just some fun options. And there’s no such thing as too many fun options—just too little time! Luckily for you though, we’ve rounded up the best picks (per usual), from live music to nature walks to even some pinball nostalgia, so you don’t have to. That is our “you only had one job” job!

Let’s get right to it and plan the weekend for maximum good vibes!

In This Issue

Photo Nostalgia 📸 …

Rainforest Breakfast 🦜 …

Beatles Revival 🎸 …

Outdoor & Nature

🦜 Toucans, training, and tropical vibes: "Breakfast with the Rainforest Residents" at Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence. Start your day with a hot breakfast, then dive into a behind-the-scenes rainforest rave. Meet animal keepers, and explore the exhibit's life support system—all before the zoo gates open. About as great family event as you can think. Register early as this will sell out!

🐦 Hawks, woodpeckers, and fresh air: "Outdoor Adventures" at Roger Williams Park, Providence. Explore the park’s ponds and trees for seasonal feathered friends. Perfect excuse to bundle up and reconnect with nature. Guided. Bring binoculars!

🌿 Wildlife walks, no crowds needed: Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge. Wander through this peaceful spot with trails, water views, and plenty of wildlife. A great pick for a low-key outdoor getaway and a beautiful winter place for quiet snowy winter hike.

🕰️ History stroll, no ghosts here: "Parasols and Pocket Watches Tour" on Benefit Street in Providence. Learn about the people and events that shaped “The Mile of History” on this elegant walking tour. No ghosts, just fascinating stories and charming architecture.

🌿 Pitch in, then feast together: Revive the Roots Volunteer Day in Smithfield. Join a fun mix of activities like tool repairs and seed inventory, no matter your ability level. Wrap up the day with a shared meal—don’t forget to note any diet needs! It’s a win win for building community through sustainable practices and education.

Food & Drink

🍻 Sip, savor, and socialize: The Point Tavern in Providence. Dive into an eclectic atmosphere offering great food, music, and an impressive bar selection. Serving up craft beers, single malts and cool vibes. Ideal for gathering with friends or unwinding solo.

🦞 Lobster rolls and lagers unite: "Cousins Maine Lobster Tonight!" at Smug Brewing Company in Pawtucket. Savor your favorite lobster dishes paired with craft beers. Order at the truck or via their app for a seamless experience. Maine lobsters yum yum yum yum.

🍝 Experience family-style Italian dining: Vanda Cucina in Warwick. Enjoy a menu rooted in tradition and fresh ingredients. Perfect spot for a cozy meal this winter. Amazing rosemary focaccia bread & charming atmosphere.

🧁 Celebrate with sweet fusion: Wildflour Vegan Bakery's Baklava Cupcake. Enjoy a traditional vanilla cake filled with pistachios and walnuts, topped with honey frosting. Because. Cupcakes. The most amazing ever. And I’m not even vegan. Not kidding.

🥦 Plant-powered fun awaits: "RI VegFest 2025" at WaterFire Arts Center, Providence. 5th annual Veg Fest at Waterfire Arts Center: good food, games, shopping and art. Sample tasty vegan treats, shop handmade goods, and connect with a vibrant community. A perfect event to warm up winter.

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Entertainment

🍸 Raise a glass to the macabre: "Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy" at Avon Cinema, Providence. Sip on story-inspired cocktails as Poe historians spin haunting yarns. An unforgettable night for literature and libation lovers! Super cool event but get tickets for next week because availability is going fast. UPDATE: Yes, tickets are selling out.

🎸 Rock Abbey Road anew: The Martin Sexton Abbey Road Show at The United Theatre in Westerly. Martin Sexton reimagines the Beatles' classic with his soulful voice and inventive guitar. Come together for a night of iconic tunes.

🎮 Tilt your way to fun: Electromagnetic Pinball Museum and Restoration in Pawtucket. No quarters needed—just unlimited nostalgia and flashing lights. Flippers up, stress down. OMG for 80’s lovers big time.

🎤 Experience the sound of silence live: The Simon & Garfunkel Story at Providence Performing Arts Center. Immerse yourself in the journey of the iconic duo with live performances and multimedia. Homeward bound for an unforgettable evening. Tickets going very fast for 2/8. Get your tickets now, limited seating.

🎸 Jazz up your Sunday: Duke Robillard & Chris Flory Quartet at Pump House Music Works in South Kingstown. Enjoy a night of blues and jazz with legendary guitarist Duke Robillard and his band. A soulful escape from the winter chill. Come ready to go blue.

🎭 Witness testimonies take the stage: Someone Will Remember Us at Trinity Rep in Providence. Veterans and refugees share their journeys. Connect through powerful narratives.

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Arts, Crafts & Culture

🌟 Light up your winter: Lumina Winter Festival in downtown Providence. Transforming downtown to winter wonderland with art / light installations. From February 1st to 17th, enjoy illuminated art installations and performances. Brighten your February nights with local creativity.

🛍️ Discover indie makers: The Providence Flea at Farm Fresh RI Market Hall in Providence. Providence Flea Market season starts back up (read why they’re not really a flea market) This weekend at 11. Browse curated vintage and artisan products every Sunday, “like a marketplace, for sure, and our vendors are carefully selected, small-and micro-businesses, and their wares are hand-picked, homemade, handcrafted and small batch.” Perfect spot to hunt for one-of-a-kind gifts.

🏺 Explore handcrafted ceramics: Peter Pots Pottery in West Kingston. Visit their showroom nestled by a scenic waterfall. Discover unique, tax-free pottery pieces in a tranquil setting. Cooool pottery shop!

🎨 Creativity blooms in the cold: 2025 Winter Show at Jessica Hagen Fine Art + Design in Newport. Explore new works by gallery artists, from vibrant tulip paintings to intricate sculptures. Come to the opening reception this weekend.

📸 Analog photo enthusiasts unite: Analog Saturday for Coffee & Film at Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts in Providence. Join fellow film photographers on February 1st at 9:30 AM for coffee and conversation. Share the joys and challenges of analog photography. If you haven’t seen REAL photos up close (or it’s been a while), be sure to hit this. So cool.

🎨 Brushstrokes in the greenhouse: Greenhouse Impressionism with Jeneane Lunn at Roger Williams Park Botanical Center in Providence. Create art in a vibrant, plant-filled environment. Let nature inspire your next masterpiece.

Rhody Moments

🎨 Paint the town's signs: Shawn Gilheeney's Sign Painting on Youtube showcases the art of traditional sign painting in Providence. Dive into the craft with a local master. Creativity meets craftsmanship.

🌿 Make downtown lush: Providence Greenery Proposal on Youtube by Joe Paolino Jr. aims to bring trees, flowers, and green spaces downtown. Inspired by Chicago, of all placed. Funding? Still up in the air. As long as the sidewalks stay flat, I’m down for it.

🌭 Weiner Problems: Homemade Rhode Island Hot Weiner—Redditors are big mad about a missing classic: celery salt, and whether or not hot dogs count. Guy Fieri’s recipe got a parsley swap, and purists are not having it, whatsoever.

Community

Have a community announcement? Submit one today!

• The birds need backup! River Haven Sanctuary Bird Flu Fund. Avian flu detected in the area—River Haven is scrambling to safeguard their flock at their rescue. Help fund new coops, disinfectants, and emergency measures! Help a feathered friend.

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That’s it for this issue of the Rhody Weekender. Make the most of it!

See you next week!

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