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 listings and stay for a few days?

Jump to:

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

St. Patrick's Day Parade

March

Lumina (now through March 5) – Explore a world of light, music and art as Lumina turns downtown into a winter wonderland.

"The Roommate" (now through March 19) – Presented in repertory with "The Winter's Tale," Trinity Rep's one-act play about second acts tells the story of two very different women forming a life-changing friendship.

"The Winter's Tale" (now through March 22) – Shakespeare's tale of jealousy, redemption and second chances runs in repertory at Trinity Rep with "The Roommate."

Celtic Woman: A New Era (March 4) – Head to The VETS for an extraordinary performance by four Irish women, accompanied by Irish dancers, bagpipers and more.

"Wicked" (March 4–22) – This Broadway favorite takes you to Oz before Dorothy arrived, when the witches weren't yet good or wicked.

2026 New England Saltwater Fishing Show (March 6–8) – The largest saltwater fishing show in the region includes more than 200 exhibitors, all the latest fishing gear, informational seminars and more.

James "Murr" Murray – The Errors Tour (March 7) – Best known for his role on "Impractical Jokers," Murr brings his interactive stand-up comedy to the Uptown Theater.

Deer Tick - New Year's Eve Rescheduled (March 13) – Celebrate Deer Tick's 21st anniversary at the Uptown Theater in this rescheduled show from New Year's Eve.

Shaggy (March 13) – Don't miss Shaggy and a whole bunch of special guests musicians and DJs at the Strand Ballroom & Theatre.

Providence St. Patrick's Day Parade (March 21) – Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Providence.

GFree Fest (March 21–22) – Rhode Island's gluten-free festival has expanded to two days! GFree Fest showcases the best gluten-free products and gluten-friendly restaurants in the state.

Providence Culinary Collective (March 26–​29) – A new flavor of food festival with a mix of food and wine experiences including guest chef dinners, food truck events, exclusive wine experiences and lots more at locations around the city. Bring your appetite!

Lil Rhody Laugh Riot (March 26-29) – This Rhode Island comedy festival brings the biggest laughs to the smallest states. With a lineup featuring top comedians from around the country to local comics, you're sure to find something to tickle your funny bone.

MercyMe Wonder + Awe Tour (March 27) – MercyMe comes to the Amica Mutual Pavilion with guests Big Daddy Weave, Tim Timmons and Sam Wesley, for an evening of powerful worship and chart-topping hits.

(top of page)

RWP Food Truck FridayApril

"Primary Trust" (April 9–May 10) – Trinity Rep's season continues with this 2024 Pulitzer Prize-winning story about one man's leap of faith and the friends he finds along the way.

RI Home Show (April 10–​12) – Save the date for the largest home improvement show in Southern New England. 

"The Outsiders" (April 14–19) – Tony Award-winning musical "The Outsiders" comes to Providence Performing Arts Center, bringing Ponyboy, Johnny and friends to the stage in this story of family, belonging and the ongoing battle between Greasers and Socs in 1967 Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Food Truck Friday (April 17–Sept. 25) – Kick off your weekend with an ever-changing lineup of local food trucks, live music, local beer, wine and more.

The Naked Magicians (April 18) – Australia's Naked Magicians come to The VETS with the funniest and naughtiest magic show around.

An Evening of Alton Brown (April 19) – Join Alton Brown for an evening of demonstrations, music and stories at The VETS.

The Del McCoury Band (April 24) – Enjoy an evening of legendary bluegrass at the Uptown Theater.

International Portuguese Music Awards (April 25) – This annual awards show at PPAC honors prominent artists of Portuguese ancestry.

Tracy Morgan (April 25) – Comedy favorite Tracy Morgan brings his latest stand-up to the Uptown Theater.

John Legend: An Evening of Songs and Stories (April 26) – John Legend performs all your favorite hits, interwoven with stories from his life and career.

Stars on Ice (April 29) – Experience the thrill of World Championship and Olympic-level figure skating live at the Amica Mutual Pavilion.

(top of page)

Lion King HeaderMay

"Kimberly Akimbo" (May 5–10) – Join 16-year-old Kimberly as she navigates growing up, a new city and family dysfunction to find happiness at the Providence Performing Arts Center.

Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights (May 10) – Herb Alpert, along with an all-new Tijuana Brass, comes to The VETS on his first tour in over 35 years.

Nate Bargatze: Big Dumb Eyes (May 14) – Comedian, author, podcaster, director and producer Nate Bargatze brings his latest stand-up comedy to the Amica Mutual Pavilion.

Bill Blagg's Family Magic (May 16) – Bill Blagg entertains with interactive entertainment and awe-inspiring magic tricks for all ages at PPAC.

Disney's "The Lion King" (May 20–June 7) – Experience the stunning visual artistry, unforgettable music and theatrical storytelling as Disney's "The Lion King" returns to Providence.

Next to Normal (May 28–June 28) – Trinity Rep closes the 2025-26 season with the groundbreaking musical featuring a rock score and unforgettable characters.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents The Greatest Show on Earth (May 29–31) – The circus is coming! From jaw-dropping acts to laugh-out-loud fun, you won't want to miss it.

Providence Porchfest (May 30) – This free, family-friendly event features more than 150 artists performing on neighborhood porches, lawns and driveways around Providence's East Side.

Sesame Street Live! Elmo's Got the Moves (May 31) – Elmo and friends come to The VETS, singing and dancing to your favorite songs like "Sunny Days" and "Elmo's Got the Moves."

(top of page)

Pride Parade

June

RI Anime Con (June 6–​7) – Visit the biggest Anime Con in the smallest state at the RI Convention Center.

Rhode Island PrideFest & Illuminated Night Parade (June 20) – The festival begins at 11:30 a.m. at the 195 District Park featuring vendors, entertainment and more, followed by the parade in the heart of Downtown Providence at 8 p.m.

(top of page)

4th of July HeaderJuly

Providence Independence Day Celebration (TBD) – Providence has always had an independent spirit, and the Fourth of July is the perfect time to showcase that! Don't miss the food trucks while you're celebrating at India Point Park!

Joe Jackson + Band: Hope & Fury Tour 2026 (July 10) – An evening at the Uptown Theater with Joe Jackson, featuring his newest album, "Hope & Fury," and fan-favorite classics from his decade-spanning career.

"Weird Al" Yankovic: Bigger & Weirder 2026 Tour (July 14) – Weird Al brings his iconic hits, plus some never-performed-live-before fan favorites, to the Providence Performing Arts Center for a full-production multimedia comedy rock concert.

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

Fringe PVD (TBD) – More than 300 performing artists from around the country share their work in theater, dance, visual arts and everything in between!

(top of page)

RI International Film FestivalAugust

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

Federal Hill Summer Festival (TBD) – Celebrate the season with al fresco dining, dozens of mobile vendors and two stages of live entertainment at Federal Hill's annual summer festival!

Dominican Festival & Parade of Rhode Island (TBD) – Join the Dominican Parade from Broad Street to the Temple of Music at Roger Williams Park for an afternoon of live performers, vendors and more.

NecronomiCon Providence (Aug. 13–16)  Discover the weird and wonderful as NecronomiCon explores and celebrates the great writers of weird fiction, including Providence's own H.P. Lovecraft.

(top of page)

Seafood FestivalSeptember

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

RI Seafood Festival (September 12–​13) – This annual event brings the best local seafood restaurants along with Ocean State beer, wine and spirits to India Point Park.

(top of page)

JOLS Blog HeaderOctober

Galbani Columbus Day Festival (TBD) – Celebrate Columbus Day on Federal Hill with Galbani cooking demonstrations, food and art vendors, amusement rides and live entertainment. Don't miss the Columbus Day Parade on Sunday!

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular (TBD) – Roger Williams Park Zoo's annual fall event features thousands of artistically carved pumpkins.

Providence Honk Fest (PRONK!) (TBD) – A family-friendly, outdoor festival of justice, music and art, celebrating creative activism.

(top of page)

Comic Con Star WarsNovember

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

RI Comic Con (November 6–​8) – Rhode Island's premier pop culture event brings the biggest guests from Marvel, Star Wars and more to the Rhode Island Convention Center and the Amica Mutual Pavilion!

(top of page)

Three Nights of Lights

December

Providence Flea Holiday Markets (Sundays in December) – Shop from more than 75 local artisans, makers and vendors at every Holiday Flea at the Farm Fresh Market Hall. Check off everyone on your list, then enjoy some tasty baked goods, coffee, food trucks and more.

"A Christmas Carol" (TBD) – Trinity Rep's beloved holiday tradition has been a family favorite for more than 40 years. 

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! 

PVD Holiday Festival (TBD) – A festive weekend of holiday markets, tree lightings, ice skating, community events and more bringing holiday cheer to the heart of Providence.

WaterFire Holiday Lighting (TBD) – A partial WaterFire lighting with Santa and roaming entertainment, presented by GoProvidence, as part of the PVD Holiday Festival. 

Christmas on the Hill (TBD) – Experience the charm and elegance of old-world holidays on Federal Hill with two weekends of beautiful lights, holiday performers, trolley rides and more.

Handel's Messiah (TBD) – The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and the Providence Singers present a matinee performance of Handel's Messiah at The VETS, conducted by Christine Noel.

The Nutcracker (TBD) – Presented by Ballet RI at The VETS, this beloved holiday spectacular features awe-inspiring sets and costumes, Nutcracker & Mouse King characters by Big Nazo Lab and dozens of young dancers performing alongside world-class resident dancers.

(top of page)

2027 Dates

Stay tuned for next year's events, too. We'll be adding 2027 event dates as they become available.

January

Annual FUNDA FEST (TBD) – A celebration of Black storytelling featuring local and international storytellers at locations around Providence.

Providence Restaurant Weeks (TBD) – 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.

(top of page)

February

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.

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.

(top of page)