Grab your calendar and make sure you've got these dates saved! We've rounded up some of the hottest (and coolest) events and festivals coming to Providence this year. Check out our monthly guide to these can't-miss events. And, be sure to take a look at the events calendar for other exciting things happening in The Creative Capital. While you're planning, why not browse our hotel getaway packages and stay for a few days?

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January July
February August
March September
April October
May November
June December

Providence Children's Film Festival

February

"La Broa'" (through Feb. 18) – Trinity Rep's "La Broa' (Broad Street)" centers around Doña Rosa's Market, a gathering place for the Latine Rhode Islanders who have made Providence their home. 

Lumina (through–Feb. 20) – A month-long light festival, encompassing Downtown Providence from the 195 District Park to the BankNewport City Center, Lumina features 25 towering, rotating prisms of light. Additional activations and family-centric events bring a month of light and fun to Providence.

Monster Jam (Feb. 2–4) – Full-throttle family fun at the Amica Mutual Pavilion as the world's best drivers and their 12,000-pound monster trucks compete. Get to your seats early for Trackside, featuring competition previews, interviews with the drivers, giveaways and more.

RI VegFest (Feb. 3–4) – More than 85 vendors, nonprofit organizations, restaurants, artists and more create a fun and welcoming space at the WaterFire Arts Center for those who are vegan, vegetarian or just plant curious.

"To Kill a Mockingbird" (Feb. 6–11) – Aaron Sorkin's adaptation of Harper Lee's classic makes its Providence premiere at the Providence Performing Arts Center.

Harlem Globetrotters 2024 World Tour (Feb. 10) – See the Globetrotter stars live at The AMP as they dribble, spin and dunk their way past the Washington Generals.

Kathy Griffin: My Life on the PTSD-List (Feb. 15) – Join award-winning comedian Kathy Griffin at The VETS for an evening of pull-no-punches comedy.

Providence Children's Film Festival (Feb. 16–25) – This annual festival presents the best of independent and international children's cinema to connect a diverse community of children and families in Rhode Island and New England.

Croce Plays Croce 50th Anniversary Tour (Feb. 17) – A.J. Croce celebrates 50 years of his father Jim Croce's legendary music at The VETS.

Journey With Special Guests Toto (Feb. 21) – See Journey's 50th Anniversary Freedom Tour as they take The AMP's stage with special guests Toto.

EXULTATION — An Evening of Uplift with the Mixed Magic Exult Choir (Feb. 27) – The Mixed Magic Exult Choir brings an exhilarating evening of music to PPAC. Musical styles from hymns and spirituals to hip-hop, soul, blues and pop will help you shake off the mid-winter blues.

The Pipes are Calling: PPAC Celebrates the Season of St. Patrick (Feb. 28) – The PPAC Wonders of the Wurlitzer series presents a free lunchtime Celtic concert, featuring house organist Peter Edwin Krasinski and Irish step dancer Kevin Doyle.

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PVD St. Patrick's Day Parade

March

RI Craft Beer Week (March 1–10) – Celebrate Rhode Island's beer manufacturers with events at your favorite bars, restaurants, package stores and RI's 35+ breweries.

Wanda Sykes: Please & Thank You (March 3) – Comedian Wanda Sykes brings her "Please & Thank You" tour to The VETS! Please note: this will be a phone-free event.

"Frozen" (March 7–17) – "Frozen" comes to the Providence Performing Arts Center for a two-week run, featuring all the songs you love from the movie plus a dozen more. With sensational special effects and stunning sets, it's everything you love in a musical! Don't miss the BankNewport Family Night performance on March 13.

Providence St. Patrick's Day Parade (March 9) – Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Providence with Grand Marshal Dan McGowan and Deputy Grand Marshal James Riley.

Small Island Big Song (March 15) – Experience a transcendent musical journey combining song, spoken word and cinematic visuals filmed over a three-year voyage across 16 island nations. First Nation artists from the Pacific and Indian Oceans blend traditions and create music celebrating the way the ocean connects, rather than divides.

Brit Floyd P·U·L·S·E (March 17) – Brit Floyd returns to The VETS stage with their biggest and most spectacular production to date, featuring classic tracks from Pink Floyd's catalogue including Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall, The Division Bell and more.

Lewis Black: Goodbye Yeller Brick Road, The Final Tour (March 21) – Award-winning comedian Lewis Black's trademark style of yelling and finger pointing makes people laugh by exposing the absurdities of life. His "Goodbye Yeller Brick Road" tour hits The VETS on March 21.

August Wilson's "Fences" (March 21–April 28) – Trinity Rep presents August Wilson's most well-known play, featuring the story of a former Negro League baseball player in segregated 1957 Pittsburgh. The Pulitzer Prize-winning drama returns to the Trinity Rep stage for the first time in more than 30 years.

Ladies ❤️ R&B: Ashanti (March 22) – Platinum recording artist Ashanti will perform at the Amica Mutual Pavilion along with R&B favorites 112, Ginuwine, Next and Lloyd.

GFree Fest (March 23) – Rhode Island's gluten-free festival showcases some of the best gluten-free products and restaurants with a full day of eating, drinking and shopping at the WaterFire Arts Center. Explore new products, meet gluten-friendly businesses and even sample a gluten-free cocktail!

Indigo Girls with the RI Philharmonic Orchestra (March 23) – The Indigo Girls perform larger-than-life arrangements of their songs with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra at PPAC

Brett Goldstein: The Second Best Night of Your Life (March 28 & 29) – Best known for his role as Roy Kent on the hit show "Ted Lasso," actor, writer and producer Brett Goldstein comes to PPAC for two nights of stand-up comedy.

NCAA Division I Men's Hockey (March 29–31) – The NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Regional Semifinals & Championships returns to the AMP. Teams to be announced.

Black Violin: The Experience Tour (March 30) – Black Violin, featuring Kev Marcus and Wil Baptiste, invokes a musical fusion of classical sounds and hip-hop beats. Head to The VETS and immerse yourself in a sound that transcends category and celebrates ingenuity and ambition. 

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Pizza Week Header

April

 

August Wilson's "Fences" (March 21–April 28) – Trinity Rep presents August Wilson's most well-known play, featuring the story of a former Negro League baseball player in segregated 1957 Pittsburgh. The Pulitzer Prize-winning drama returns to the Trinity Rep stage for the first time in more than 30 years.

74th Annual RI Home Show (April 4–7) – Head to the Rhode Island Convention Center for the largest home improvement show in Southern New England. The show features a new addition this year with the House of Brews – a partnership with the RI Brewers Guild which will allow attendees to sample local beers.

"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" in Concert (April 6) – Rediscover the magic of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" as the RI Symphony Orchestra performs Patrick Doyle's score at PPAC

Dragons & Mythical Creatures (April 7–Aug. 11) – Visit Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village for a mythical journey featuring life-sized animatronic dragons, unicorns, mermaids and more. Bring your imagination and watch these fantastic creatures move, roar and even breathe smoke!

Providence Pizza Week (April 14–​20) – A weeklong celebration of pizza in Providence and beyond! Area chefs offer their most creative takes on pizza from savory toppings to dessert-style pies.

RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles (April 14) – With psychedelic costumes and visuals, "RAIN" is an electrifying concert experience featuring all your favorites from Sgt. Pepper, Magical Mystery Tour and more at PPAC.

Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue (April 14) – Catch up with the antics of your favorite seniors at The VETS. Sophia, Blanche, Rose and Dorothy return for one last hurrah!

WaterFire Day (April 18) – WaterFire kicks off the season with the release of the 2024 schedule and a lighting of the 12 stationary braziers alongside Memorial Park. 

Disney Princess: The Concert (April 18) – The music of Disney's princesses comes alive on the PPAC stage with special guests from Broadway and television. Enjoy larger-than-life animation and theatrical effects, behind-the-scenes stories from your favorite stars and pure Disney magic.

Food Truck Fridays (April 19–Sept. 27) – Celebrate 10 years of Food Truck Fridays at Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village! End your week with an ever-changing lineup of the best local food trucks, and beer and wine from Trinity Brewhouse, and live music from a variety of local musicians and bands. 

"Company" (April 2328) – Tony Award-winning "Company" finds Bobbie on her 35th birthday, searching for the answers about single and married life in the 21st century. 

Ben Folds and a Piano (April 24) – Singer, songwriter and composer Ben Folds comes to The VETS for a solo performance featuring favorite hits and more.

Ringling: The Greatest Show on Earth! (April 2628) – Children of all ages are invited to the reimagined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey for an immersive experience, featuring superhuman acts like highwire, trapeze and more at the Amica Mutual Pavilion!

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Providence marathonMay

International Portuguese Music Awards (May 4) – On stage at PPAC and featuring performances by prominent artists, the International Portuguese Music Awards recognizes outstanding achievement in the music industry by artists of Portuguese ancestry. 

"Symphonie Fantastique!" (May 4) – The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra presents the "Symphonie Fantastique," featuring conductor Thomas Wilkins and Kelly Hall-Tompkins on violin at The VETS.

Providence Marathon (May 5) – Choose from a full or half marathon course for a run through historic downtown sites, views of the Providence river and charming neighborhoods. 

"Cinderella" (May 10–​12) – Ballet RI's world premiere production of "Cinderella" is at The VETS and promises elegance, comedy and fun for the whole family!

An Evening with David Foster and Katharine McPhee (May 12) – Join David Foster and Katharine McPhee at PPAC for an intimate evening of performances and storytelling.

Kansas 50th Anniversary Tour (May 17) – One of America's iconic classic rock bands hits the PPAC stage to celebrate their legendary career.

Raffi (May 19) – Children's entertainer Raffi is coming to The VETS to perform his iconic "Baby Beluga" and lots more!

"La Cage Aux Folles" (May 30June 30) – Trinity Rep's spring musical is funny, genuine and full of show-stopping numbers!

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RI Pride

June

Festival of Historic Houses (June 8) – The Providence Preservation Society hosts this annual self-guided tour of private homes and gardens in the Elmwood Neighborhood.

Jay Wheeler: The Trappii Tour (June 14) – Puerto Rican urban artist Jay Wheeler brings his highly anticipated Trappii Tour to the AMP.

Rhode Island PrideFest & Illuminated Night Parade (June 15) – Beginning at 11 a.m. at the 195 District Park, followed by the parade in the heart of Downtown Providence at 8 p.m.

RI Anime Con (June 15–​16) – Visit the biggest Anime Con in the smallest state at the RI Convention Center.

From Free to Freedom: A Juneteenth Celebration (June 19) – As part of PPAC's Wonders of the the Wurlitzer series, join house organist Peter Edwin Krasinski and Ricardo Pitts-Wiley of Mixed Magic Theatre as they present a journey that spans continents in celebration of Juneteenth.

Providence Oddities & Curiosities Expo 2024 (June 22–​23) – The first traveling event exclusively dedicated to oddities vendors and dark artists in the country heads to the RI Convention Center. You'll find items such as taxidermy, antiques, handcrafted oddities and more.

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July 4th Fireworks at Night in Providence, RI

July

 

Providence Independence Day Celebration (July 4) – Providence has always had an independent spirit, and the Fourth of July is the perfect time to showcase that! 

Providence Restaurant Weeks (July 7–20) – Take advantage of two weeks of dining specials including lunch, dinner and prix fixe menus.

Patton Oswalt: Effervescent (July 20) – Award-winning comedian brings his "Effervescent" tour to The VETS.

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RI International Film Festival

August

Flickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival (Aug. 6–11) – RIIFF features screenings, filmmaking workshops, meet-and-greet events and even world premieres of independent films from around the world.

Cirque du Soleil: "OVO" (Aug. 1–4) – Cirque du Soleil returns to the Amica Mutual Pavilion with "OVO," a day in the life of insects, portrayed through show-stopping acrobatics. From crickets on trampolines to a contortionist spider, it will charm children of all ages.

Brett Goldstein: The Second Best Night of Your Life (Aug. 10 & 11) – Best known for his role as Roy Kent on the hit show "Ted Lasso," actor, writer and producer Brett Goldstein comes to PPAC for two nights of stand-up comedy.

NecronomiCon Providence (Aug. 15–​18) – Celebrate the weird in fiction, art and academia with four days of festivities in Providence, the birthplace of weird.

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Seafood Festival

September

PVDFest (Sept. 6–​7) – Providence's signature outdoor arts festival, featuring world-class performances, cutting-edge art, savory food options and more.

RI Seafood Festival (Sept. 7–​8) – This annual event brings the best local seafood restaurants along with Ocean State beer, wine and spirits to India Point Park.

"A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical" (Sept. 21–28) – Don't miss the national tour launch about the life and career of music legend Neil Diamond at the Providence Performing Arts Center.

Beervana Festival (TBD) – Celebrate craft beer at Beervana. Ticket includes a tasting glass and unlimited 2 oz. pours of some of the most diverse beers in the world.

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JOLS 2022

October

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular (TBD) – Roger Williams Park Zoo's annual fall event features thousands of artistically carved pumpkins. Stay tuned for details on this year's theme!

"Shucked" (Oct. 20–27) – The Providence Performing Arts Center hosts the national tour launch of "corny" musical "Shucked."

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RI Comic Con Costumes

November

RI Comic Con (Nov. 1–3) – Rhode Island's premier pop culture event brings the biggest guests from Marvel, Star Wars and more to the RI Convention Center and the AMP!

"Mamma Mia" (Nov. 12–17) – Fan favorite "Mamma Mia" returns to the Providence Performing Arts Center as part of PPAC's Encore series.

WaterFire Salute to Veterans (TBD) – A community-wide event to honor all U.S. veterans, active and reserve military personnel and their families for their service. 

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Holiday Lights at the RWP Zoo

December

Three Nights of Lights (TBD) – This annual event features three days of citywide events incorporating the theme of light, including activations from WaterFire, The Avenue Concept and more.

Holiday Lights Spectacular (TBD) – Roger Williams Park Zoo's festive, larger-than-life display features more than 3.5 million illuminated lights, transforming the zoo into a winter wonderland! 

"Hamilton" (Dec. 11–22) – Get your ticket to be in "the room where it happens" when "Hamilton" returns to the Providence Performing Arts Center.

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2025 Dates

Stay tuned for next year's events, too. We'll be adding 2025 event dates as they become available.

January

Providence Restaurant Weeks – Participating restaurants offer lunch and dinner specials, as well as prix fixe menus, breakfast, signature cocktails and more! Restaurant Weeks runs twice a year, in January and July.

"MJ The Musical" (Jan. 21–26) – "MJ," centering around Michael Jackson's 1992 "Dangerous World" tour, comes to the Providence Performing Arts Center.

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February

RI VegFest (TBD) – More than 85 vendors, nonprofit organizations, restaurants, artists and more create a fun and welcoming space at the WaterFire Arts Center for those who are vegan, vegetarian or just plant curious.

Providence Children's Film Festival (TBD) – This annual festival presents the best of independent and international children's cinema to connect a diverse community of children and families in Rhode Island and New England.

"The Cher Show" (Feb. 5–6) – For two nights only, discover the unstoppable force that is Cher, as "The Cher Show" comes to the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC).

"Life of Pi" (Feb. 11–16) – Discover the breathtaking journey of a boy and a tiger in the aftermath of a shipwreck as "Life of Pi" roars into PPAC.

"&Juliet" (Feb. 25–March 2) – What if Juliet didn't end her life for Romeo? This new musical from "Schitt's Creek" writer David West Read explores Juliet's second chance as part of PPAC's Broadway Series.

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March

RI Craft Beer Week (TBD) – Celebrate Rhode Island's beer manufacturers with events at your favorite bars, restaurants, package stores and RI's 35+ breweries.

Providence St. Patrick's Day Parade (TBD) – Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Providence.

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