With more artists and degreed chefs per capita than any other city, Providence, RI, has been appropriately dubbed the country's Creative Capital. The city is showcasing its many cultural, culinary and artistic offerings with a variety of events throughout 2012, a sampling of which is included below.

StyleWeek Providence, January 15-21
The fashionistas of the Creative Capital are counting down the days until the fourth annual StyleWeek Providence. StyleWeek was not only established to showcase emerging and recognized designers, but also to focus on the business of fashion, by creating economic awareness and connecting designers to buyers and the press. The week-long event will include a GoRed StyleWeek Challenge during which designers are asked to create a red dress for heart disease survivors with all proceeds benefiting the American Heart Association, and the second-annual StyleNight Out. For more information, visit www.styleweekprovidence.com.

Winter Restaurant Weeks, January 15-28
Visitors to Providence can preview the abundant gastronomic offerings of one of America's hottest culinary cities during the second annual Winter Restaurant Week. Restaurants from around the city have signed on for this event and will feature special three-course prix-fixe menus for $14.95 for lunch and $29.95 for dinner per person. For more information, visit www.ProvidenceRestaurantWeeks.com.

An Evening with Renee Fleming, January 21
World-renowned soprano Renée Fleming joins the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra for a special gala concert at The VETS, a historic 1,900-seat auditorium in the heart of Providence. The highly-anticipated concert is in celebration of the re-dedication of The VETS, which recently underwent $2.5 million in improvements and renovations, the first phase of a three-phase project. Ticket prices range from $35 to $250 per person. Patrons who purchase a $250 ticket will enjoy premium seating and a champagne reception prior to the event. For more information, visit www.thevetsri.com.

Rhode Island Flower Show, February 23-28
The 19th Annual Rhode Island Spring Flower & Garden Show is scheduled at the Rhode Island Convention Center. With over 30,000 annual attendees and 250 vendors, it is New England's longest-standing and largest flower show. The 2012 edition provides a breath of fresh air with a number of new features including a Café Bookstore where guests can enjoy a cup of coffee while browsing books on gardening and cooking, as well as an expanded garden display area and improved garden marketplace. There will also be multiple free cooking demonstrations, gardening courses, lectures from horticultural experts, children's activities and more. This year's theme is "Simple Pleasures," with each garden representing special milestones throughout life. Tickets are available for $16 in advance for adults or $18 at the door. Admission is free for children five and under, and tickets are $7 for children ages 6-12. For more information, visit www.flowershow.com.

WaterFire, May-September
WaterFire is one of Providence's most beloved attractions, featuring the visual aesthetics of 100 bonfires that wind through the three rivers of downtown Providence. Live music and costumed performers add to this unique sensory experience. An award-winning art installation created by Brown University graduate Barnaby Evans, WaterFire is celebrating its 17th season. For more information, visit www.waterfire.org.

FirstWorks Presents Bobby McFerrin, May 10
A vocal explorer who combines jazz, folk and a multitude of world music influences, Bobby McFerrin will be performing at The VETS. Ticket prices range from $22 to $68. For more information, visit www.thevetsri.com.


RI Pride Day Festival & Parade, June 16
Since 1636, Providence has laid claim to being one of America's truly welcoming cities. Today it celebrates its diversity with this festive GLBT extravaganza. The festivities culminate in a raucous parade that takes over downtown Providence. For more information, visit www.prideri.com.

Amica Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island, July 8
Amica Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island includes a 1.2-mile swim taking place at Olney Pond in nearby Lincoln, RI, followed by a 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run through some of Providence's most beautiful areas including Westminster Street and Broadway. The general entry fee is $250 per person from now until April 15, 2012. For more information, visit www.ironmanrhodeisland.com.

Rock ‘n' Roll Half-Marathon, August 19
Join thousands of runners, walkers and participants of all shapes and sizes at the second annual Rock'n' Roll Half-Marathon. Likened to more of a block party than a strictly-athletic event, the course takes contestants through some of the city's most beautiful sections and features live music at every mile. For more information, visit www.runrocknroll.competitor.com/providence.

Rhode Island International Film Festival, August 7-12
A leading juried competition showcase for international independent filmmakers and their work, the 16th annual Flickers: Rhode Island International Film Festival is a dazzling tradition and a prestigious, Oscar-qualifying event. For more information, visit www.film-festival.org.

Providence Food and Wine Festival, August 23-25
The Providence Food and Wine Festival brings restaurants and chefs together to provide guests with three days of events, tastings and educational panels that showcase the city's abundant gastronomic offerings. The festival will feature more than 20 events such as cooking demonstrations, wine and spirits seminars, and walk-around tasting events. For more information, visit www.providencefoodandwinefestival.com.

For a complete list of calendar events or for information on booking a getaway to Providence, visit www.goprovidence.com.

~ The Creative Capital ~
Providence is a vibrant and energetic destination boasting some of the country's finest educational institutions paired with a pulsating artistic landscape. The city's history of innovation, dating back to its founding father Roger Williams, drives a strong sense of place and encourages residents and visitors alike to view Providence as a leading arts and cultural destination. Providence seamlessly blends the urban sophistication of a big city with the graceful charm of a small town replete with internationally-acclaimed restaurants and a thriving arts scene. For client press releases and downloadable photography, media may access www.louhammond.com. Media can also visit http://www.facebook.com/louhammondpr or follow on Twitter @LouHammondPR for the latest client news.
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