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Providence values creativity – it is The Creative Capital after all. The city is filled with theaters, museums and artwork around every corner. Providence has long packed a wallop when it comes to the breadth and depth of its performing arts scene. The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), built in 1928, is a grand architectural gem offering a full roster of Broadway shows, concerts, comedians and special events. Nearby, The VETS hosts an array of performances, from the Philharmonic and ballet to comedians and family shows. Trinity Rep has fed appetites hungry for the dramatic since its founding in 1963. Featuring both local and national talent, Trinity Rep offers classics, world premieres and everything in between during each thoughtfully-crafted season.
You'll also find things to do beyond the theater. Experience WaterFire, Providence’s signature event featuring fires lit on the rivers of downtown, enchanting music and more. Head to the Amica Mutual Pavilion for Disney on Ice or the Harlem Globetrotters. Explore the RISD Museum's vast galleries.
Post Date:
September 30, 2026
Providence was founded as a home for free thinkers, and that creative spirit is still present nearly 400 years later. From the RISD Museum's world-class collection to jazz in a speakeasy-style social club, art here isn't confined to museum walls. It spills into the streets, the waterways and every corner cafe. Providence is a city where makers, performers and dreamers converge, and where a single weekend can leave you genuinely inspired.
Providence is ready for its close-up! With the release of "Ella McCay" — the first film directed by James L. Brooks in over a decade — The Creative Capital is shining on the big screen after hosting an all-star cast, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Emma Mackey and Woody Harrelson, to name a few. Filmed across our neighborhoods and landmarks, the movie captures what makes Providence so special: diverse architecture, walkable streets and that perfect blend of city energy and neighborhood charm.Brooks himself summed it up best: "What I need for this film is to represent America ... in sort of the best sense possible. And we looked at a lot of places and I'm so glad we're here."And Jamie Lee Curtis? She fell in love with Providence, too — whether grabbing her daily sticky bun at Seven Stars Bakery or hosting a cast dinner at New Rivers. Now you can follow in her footsteps with this "Ella McCay" inspired weekend itinerary.
Some vacations you come home with a tan. Others you come home with a stack of books and a head full of stories you can't stop talking about. Providence is the second kind of trip. The bookstores are the kind worth lingering in, the literary history runs deep (and a little bit weird), and you can find a spot to curl up with a good book around just about every corner.
The Viaggio di Rapsodia is a 40-minute gondola ride that builds on the basic trip package by adding a live musician to the experience. A seasoned gondolier guides the boat along the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers, gliding past historic sites, through city parks, and beneath scenic bridges, while a musician you select plays a private serenade.It's an ideal choice for a date night, an outing with friends, or marking a milestone.What's IncludedA live musician of your choosing, with options including mandolin, guitar, violin, accordion, and saxophone. Availability varies by day, so not every musician can be booked on every date.A wine bucket, glasses, and an opener. Guests bring their own wine, prosecco, juice, or other drinks. Bottled water is usually available at the dock, but it isn't guaranteed.Handmade Italian wine biscuits.Italian songs from your gondolier. Every gondolier sings during the ride, and special song requests are welcome.
The Viaggio dei Sogni, which translates to "Trip of Dreams," is the signature 40-minute gondola ride and a great fit for just about any occasion. Guests settle into an authentic Venetian gondola and take in the calm, quiet beauty of the Providence riverfront.A skilled gondolier rows at an easy pace along the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers, passing historic landmarks, winding through city parks, and slipping under charming bridges. It's an experience that stays with you long after you step back onto the dock.What's IncludedWine glasses, a wine bucket, and an opener. Bring along your own wine, prosecco, juice, or other beverages. Bottled water is often on hand at the dock, though availability can't be promised.Housemade Italian wine biscuits.A serenade from your gondolier. Every gondolier sings Italian songs during the ride, and they're happy to try any special requests.What to BringSomething to sip. Wine, beer, prosecco, juice, or whatever you prefer, and everything needed to chill and pour it will be ready when you board.Food if you'd like it, from light snacks to a full picnic. Pack your own napkins and utensils, as those aren't supplied. Wine biscuits are included with every ride.Layers or rain gear as the forecast calls for. Blankets and umbrellas are also available on the boat.A camera for the memories. Just ask, and staff will take photos of your group at the dock before or after the ride.
Discover the vibrant Providence arts scene. Becoming Providence: Mural and Gallery Tour is an immersive exploration of Providence’s creative identity, experienced through vibrant murals and dynamic gallery spaces. You’ll encounter striking murals that offer a window into the city’s evolving identity, revealing the people, stories, and forces that have shaped Providence over time.Along the way, we’ll step inside three standout galleries, where that story continues through contemporary artists whose work is actively shaping what Providence is becoming today. The result is a visually rich, thoughtfully designed experience that reveals the city not as a static snapshot, but as a place in motion, continually redefining itself.HighlightsThe former Biltmore HotelShe Never Came MuralSalt Water MuralEmpire Rising MuralProvidence IndustrialOBEY MuralStill Here MuralProvidence Gallery Spaces
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In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Blithewold's designation as an arboretum, the Newport Photo Guild presents "Expressions of Nature." This exhibition explores the beauty, diversity, and resilience of the natural world through photography. From sweeping landscapes and intimate botanical studies to abstract and conceptual interpretations, photographers capture inspiring perspectives that reveal new ways of seeing the natural world.
FRINGEPVD features more than 300 performing artists from across the country sharing their work in theatre, dance, visual arts, and everything in between. Visit fringepvd.org for full event lineup.About FRINGEPVD The Providence Fringe Festival©:The largest Fringe Festival in New England, FRINGEPVD has grown rapidly since its inaugural year in 2014, bringing together more than three hundred individual theatre, music, dance, multi-media, and performing artists for five nights in traditional and non-traditional performance venues throughout Providence.
April 8 – May 9, 2027 Dowling Theater A Must-See American Classic Blues legend Ma Rainey and her band are getting ready to record new takes of old tracks in a worn-down Chicago studio. When the young, ambitious trumpet player Levee pushes for a different direction, competing visions quickly emerge. As he fights to make a name for himself, Ma Rainey asserts control over her music, while producers press for profit at every turn. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson delivers a blistering exploration of power, racism, and autonomy in this iconic play that’s as melodic as it is profound.
Beth Hyland takes Chekhov's most heartbreaking play and strips it to its bones, reimagined as four college musicians, two love triangles, one industry predator, and a lot of songs played live by the actors performing them. Crackling with "undeniable energy" (Chicago OnStage), SEAGULLS is a new musical about ambition, desire, and the particular damage done to young women who want things in a world not built to protect them. The regional Premiere of Seagulls, a new musical written by Beth Hyland and directed by Rebecca Willingham with music direction by Carrie Tully, features Charlotte Gray, Michael Eckenreiter, Jessie March and Carlos Fruzetti and runs November 19 - December 13, 2026.
By Lauren Yee Directed by Tatyana-Marie Carlo February 11 – March 21, 2027 Dowling Theater In rotating repertory with Cyrano An Off-Kilter New England PremiereIt’s 1992 in the country formerly known as the Soviet Union, and the Cold War’s gone lukewarm. Gorbachev is out, Yeltsin is in, and the newborn Russian Federation is getting to know the free market and the Filet-o-Fish. Two old friends—once aspiring KGB agents, now struggling to adapt to the new regime—find work spying on an ex-pop star and absolutely nothing goes according to plan. Fast, sharp, and darkly funny, Mother Russia is a new comedy about what happens when the world flips upside down that asks how ordinary people can recalibrate when the rules change overnight.
A program of world premieres created right in your own backyard, Made on Hope is Ballet RI’s annual celebration of its own artists, presented in our intimate black box theatre. This bold, boundary-pushing evening features all-new works conceived, created, and performed by the dancers of Ballet Rhode Island. In Season 49, the program showcases seven distinct world premieres, each approximately seven minutes in length, offering a dynamic snapshot of the company’s creative voices and choreographic exploration. Performances:Ballet RI Black Box TheatreApril 16 – 7:00pmApril 17 - 3:00pm, 7:00pmApril 18 - 1:00pm, 4:30pmApril 23 - 1:00pm, 7:00pmApril 24 - 3:00pm, 7:00pmApril 25 - 3:00pm
Rhode Island's premier pop culture event returns to the Amica Mutual Pavilion and the Rhode Island Convention Center. This three-day event features guests from the hottest properties, like Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, LOTR and others. Fans can meet the biggest names in voice acting, animation and comic book art. Vendors, panels, games and cosplay all round out this pop culture celebration!
Providence earned the nickname "The Creative Capital" for its mix of arts, culture, education and business. The city has a thriving arts district, world-class museums and a strong performing arts scene.
Touring Broadway shows play at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), a historic theater at 220 Weybosset Street in downtown Providence. PPAC also hosts concerts and comedy.
Providence's main theater companies are the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) and Trinity Repertory Company, which has won a Tony Award. The Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The VETS) also hosts concerts, comedy and family shows.
Ballet Rhode Island performs in Providence throughout the year. Its holiday production of The Nutcracker is a seasonal tradition for families.
Comedy Connection of Rhode Island in East Providence is a dedicated comedy club. Touring comedians also perform at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) and the Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The VETS).
The RISD Museum, at 20 North Main Street in Providence, is the art museum of the Rhode Island School of Design. Its collection spans art and design from ancient times to today. The RISD Museum is free on Sundays, and children under 18 are always free.
WaterFire Providence is a free public art installation with more than 80 bonfires lit on the rivers of downtown Providence, with music and performances. Lightings run from sunset to midnight on select nights from late spring through November.
Experience the ultimate game day at Varsity Providence. Team Varsity envisions a high quality and mature atmosphere where people can enjoy watching a game with friends, family, and strangers, while listening to the music we all love to hear, and eating the food we love to eat. Varsity providence is where luxury meets community in the heart of Federal Hill. Join us for elevated food, craft cocktails, and the best seat in the house! Experience the ultimate game day at Varsity Providence. Team Varsity envisions a high quality and mature atmosphere where people can enjoy watching a game with friends, family, and strangers, while listening to the music we all love to hear, and eating the food we love to eat. Varsity providence is where luxury meets community in the heart of Federal Hill. Join us for elevated food, craft cocktails, and the best seat in the house!
Find Out More Find Out MoreRhode Island's largest craft brewery is now open to the public. Tap Room is open Thursday - Sunday serving pints and flights from some of New England's greatest craft breweries. Rhode Island's largest craft brewery is now open to the public. Tap Room is open Thursday - Sunday serving pints and flights from some of New England's greatest craft breweries.
Find Out More Find Out MoreWe are founded on superior quality, make and service. Marc came to New England from New York with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Presently, we’ re a cadre of about 10 people that genuinely care about finding the best and most interesting pieces of clothing and clothes from all over the world. We help clients with the look they want and the fit they need. We are founded on superior quality, make and service. Marc came to New England from New York with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Presently, we’ re a cadre of about 10 people that genuinely care about finding the best and most interesting pieces of clothing and clothes from all over the world. We help clients with the look they want and the fit they need.
Find Out More Find Out MoreSome vacations you come home with a tan. Others you come home with a stack of books and a head full of stories you can't stop talking about. Providence is the second kind of trip. The bookstores are the kind worth lingering in, the literary history runs deep (and a little bit weird), and you can find a spot to curl up with a good book around just about every corner. Some vacations you come home with a tan. Others you come home with a stack of books and a head full of stories you can't stop talking about. Providence is the second kind of trip. The bookstores are the kind worth lingering in, the literary history runs deep (and a little bit weird), and you can find a spot to curl up with a good book around just about every corner.
Find Out More Find Out MoreSome vacations you come home with a tan. Others you come home with a stack of books and a head full of stories you can't stop talking about. Providence is the second kind of trip. The bookstores are the kind worth lingering in, the literary history runs deep (and a little bit weird), and you can find a spot to curl up with a good book around just about every corner.
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