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?
Jump to:
January | July |
February | August |
March | September |
April | October |
May | November |
June | December |
April
WaterFire – Stay tuned for the 2025 WaterFire Season Schedule announcement in April.
"La Tempestad – The Tempest" (now through April 27) – Shakespeare’s familiar story of magic, betrayal, comedy, and love is told at Trinity Rep through a compelling mix of The Bard’s original English, translated Spanish dialogue, and projected subtitles so you can understand it all.
Red Baraat Festival of Colors (April 3) – Red Baraat brings the festive spirit of the Hindu holiday Holi to the Strand Ballroom & Theatre in an immersive celebration that combines the music of the South Asian diaspora with visual imagery and joyful dancing.
Ben Schwartz & Friends (April 4) – Enjoy a totally improvised show with Ben Schwartz and Friends at The VETS. Nothing is prepared beforehand, and every show is a unique experience.
Riverdance (April 4–6) – Celebrate 30 years of Riverdance at the Providence Performing Arts Center with this spectacular production, featuring a "new generation" of performers.
Return of the Dinosaurs (April 4–Aug. 10) – Head to Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village for an encounter with nearly 60 life-size animatronic dinosaurs!
Kane Brown - The High Road (April 5) – Kane Brown's highly anticipated tour comes to the Amica Mutual Pavilion, with special guests Scotty McCreery and Dasha.
Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock (April 6) – The legend of an ancient Fraggle treasure sends Gobo, Red and friends off on an adventurous journey through new caves and beyond.
75th Annual RI Home Show (April 10–13) – Save the date for the 75th anniversary of largest home improvement show in Southern New England.
International Portuguese Music Awards (April 12) – PPAC welcomes the 13th annual International Portuguese Music Awards to recognize achievement in the music industry by artists of Portuguese ancestry.
Food Truck Friday (April 18–Sept. 26) – What better way to kick off the weekend than with a night of food truck fun? Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village is home to this weekly gathering of local food and beverage vendors. Bring a blanket or a chair and relax to local music while you eat!
"Some Like it Hot" (April 22–27) – This story of two musicians fleeing Prohibition-era Chicago comes to PPAC with an irresistible combination of laughter, song and dance.
Blippi: Join the Band Tour (April 25) – Join Blippi, Meekah and their buddies at The VETS to explore what makes music through all your favorite Blippi hits.
Jeff Arcuri: Whole Wide Tour (April 26) – Comedian Jeff Arcuri comes to The VETS with his latest tour. A second show has recently been added by popular demand.
May
"Chicago" (May 2–4) – Broadway’s longest-running musical has been razzle dazzling audiences for 27 years and returns to the Providence Performing Arts Center as part of the Encore Series.
Swan Lake (May 2–4) – Ballet RI presents this beloved classic at The VETS for the first time since 2019.
Brian Regan (May 6) – Head to The VETS to see Brian Regan, dubbed “Your favorite comedian’s favorite comedian” by Entertainment Weekly.
Brit Floyd: Wish You Were Here (May 7) – Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd's classic "Wish You Were Here" as Brit Floyd returns to The VETS with a stunning laser and light show, inflatables, theatrics and more.
Lake Street Dive (May 12) – Lake Street Dive brings their blend of soul, folk, jazz, pop and more to PPAC. A portion of each ticket goes to supporting First Peoples Fund and the PLUS1 LA Fires Fund.
Cypress Hill with The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra (May 14) – Join Cypress Hill and The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra as they celebrate the 30th anniversary of Cypress Hill's self-titled debut album.
Katt Williams: Heaven on Earth Tour (May 16) – Critically acclaimed comedian Katt Williams comes to the Amica Mutual Pavilion with all new material.
Danae Hays: The First Time Tour (May 17) – Comedian Danae Hays brings her cast of zany southern characters and parody country music songs to The VETS.
Barry Manilow: The Last Providence Show (May 27) – Don't miss the legendary Barry Manilow's last Providence concert at the AMP!
"Blues for an Alabama Sky" (May 29–June 29) – Trinity Rep closes out the 2024/25 season with this play focusing on four friends in New York City as the creative revolution of the Harlem Renaissance bleeds into the hardships of the Great Depression.
June
Festival of Historic Houses (TBD) – The Providence Preservation Society hosts this annual self-guided tour of private homes and gardens in the Elmwood Neighborhood.
An Evening with The Avett Brothers (June 4) – The Avett Brothers return to the Providence Performing Arts Center for one night only, following their recent concert tour featuring "The Avett Brothers," their first new album in five years.
RI Anime Con (June 7–8) – Visit the biggest Anime Con in the smallest state at the RI Convention Center.
"Back to the Future" (June 10–15) – Great Scott! "Back to the Future," the beloved, cinematic classic is now a Broadway musical with its destination set for the Providence Performing Arts Center.
Rhode Island PrideFest & Illuminated Night Parade (June 21) – Beginning at 11 a.m. at the 195 District Park, followed by the parade in the heart of Downtown Providence at 8 p.m.
Sarah Millican: Late Bloomer (June 21) – Catch comedian Sarah Millican at The VETS for her brand-new stand-up show!
July
Providence Independence Day Celebration (TBD) – Providence has always had an independent spirit, and the Fourth of July is the perfect time to showcase that!
Providence Restaurant Weeks (July 6–19) – Take advantage of two weeks of dining specials including lunch, dinner and prix fixe menus.
Back to the Eighties Show with Jessie's Girl (July 17) – See the world's greatest tribute to the music of the '80s as Jessie's Girl takes you back in time to party like it's 1989.
August
Flickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival (Aug. 5–10) – RIIFF features screenings, filmmaking workshops, meet-and-greet events and even world premieres of independent films from around the world.
Ocean State Brewers Fest (TBD) – The only beer event in the state that features Rhode Island breweries exclusively and provides an intimate experience for guests and brewers at Farm Fresh RI.
September
PVDFest (Sept. 5–6) – Providence's signature outdoor arts festival, featuring world-class performances, cutting-edge art, savory food options and more.
RI Seafood Festival (Sept. 6–7) – This annual event brings the best local seafood restaurants along with Ocean State beer, wine and spirits to India Point Park.
Alison Krauss & Union Station (Sept. 16) – Enjoy favorites Alison Krauss & Union Station at The VETS for an evening of bluegrass and roots music.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Sept. 19–Oct. 4) – Join the next adventure in the wizarding world as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child comes to Providence Performing Arts Center.
Kevin James: Owls Don't Walk (Sept. 25) – Actor and comedian Kevin James brings his new stand-up tour to The VETS.
October
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular (TBD) – Roger Williams Park Zoo's annual fall event features thousands of artistically carved pumpkins.
Beervana Fest (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.
Louis C.K. | Ridiculous (Oct. 19) – Emmy Award-winning comedian Louis C.K. comes to the Providence Performing Arts Center for an 18+ show.
"Six The Musical" (Oct. 22–26) – Meet the six wives of Henry VIII as they remix historical heartbreak into 21st century girl power!
November
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.
Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny (Nov. 2) – If you like fast-paced, edgy dark comedy, you won't want to miss Jimmy Carr at The VETS.
RI Comic Con (Nov. 7–9) – 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!
Hadestown (Nov. 7–9) – Join Hades and his wife Persephone on a hell-raising journey to the underworld at the Providence Performing Arts Center.
December
"Water For Elephants" (Dec. 2–7) – This spectacle-filled new musical comes to Providence Performing Arts Center with the story of a young man, a traveling circus and love beyond his wildest dreams.
Boston Pops Holiday Concert with Keith Lockhart (Dec. 13) – The Boston Pops return to PPAC for a concert of holiday classics and seasonal favorites.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze (Dec. 19–21) – This whimsical holiday production blends traditional Broadway style with contemporary circus arts and an original musical score.
Providence Flea Holiday Markets (TBD) – Shop from more than 75 local artisans, makers and vendors at every Holiday Flea. 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!
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, FirstWorks and more.
The Nutcracker (TBD) – Presented by Ballet RI, 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.
2026 Dates
Stay tuned for next year's events, too. We'll be adding 2026 event dates as they become available.
January
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.
Clue (Jan. 16–18) – A mansion, a murder and a whole lot of mystery comes to Providence Performing Arts Center! Based on the 1985 movie and the classic board game Clue will keep you in suspense until the very end.
SUFFS (Jan. 20–25) – This new Broadway musical tells the story of American women and the fight for the right to vote.
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.
Lumina (TBD) – Explore a world of light, music and art as Lumina turns downtown into a winter wonderland.
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.
March
"Wicked" (March 4–22) – This Broadway favorite brings you to Oz before Dorothy arrived to meet the witches before they were good or wicked.
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..
GFree Fest (TBD) – Rhode Island's gluten-free festival expands to two days for 2025! GFree Fest showcases the best gluten-free products and gluten-friendly restaurants in the state.
Providence Culinary Collective (TBD) – 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 (TBD) – 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.