April
"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.
A Bug's World (April 11–Aug. 9) – Get a bug's eye view of the world at Roger Williams Park Zoo's newest exhibit featuring life-sized insects. You'll encounter everything from ants the size of dogs to supersized caterpillars in this immersive, hands-on experience.
"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.
Hasan Hates Ronny: Ronny Chieng & Hasan Minhaj (April 24) – Ronny Chieng & Hasan Minhaj face off at The VETS in a comedic debate that will have you laughing all the way home.
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.
May
Guster Acoustic Weekend (May 1–3) – Guster comes to the Uptown Theater for three acoustic evenings. Expect a unique experience each night, no repeats, just your favorite hits, songs from their latest album and spontaneous storytelling.
"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.
Ani DiFranco: Spirit of Love Tour (May 8) – Don't miss singer-songwriter Ani DiFranco at The VETS for unforgettable music, storytelling and more.
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.
WaterFire Providence – Celebrating WaterFire's 500th Lighting (May 30) – WaterFire celebrates more than 30 years and 500 lightings!
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."
June
RI Anime Con (June 6–7) – Visit the biggest Anime Con in the smallest state at the RI Convention Center.
WaterFire Providence – Basin Lighting (June 12) – Enjoy a basin lighting of WaterFire with aromatic wood smoke, flickering firelight, onshore programming and more.
WaterFire Providence – Juneteenth & RI Pride Partial Lighting (June 18) – This lighting of the RISD and Memorial Park area celebrates Juneteenth and RI Pride.
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.
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! Don't miss the food trucks while you're celebrating at India Point Park!
WaterFire Providence - Commemorating 250 Years of American Independence (July 4) – WaterFire celebrates America's birthday with a full lighting.
Starts at Sunset (July 9) – Enjoy a special WaterFire lighting at the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Pedestrian Bridge.
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.
Fringe PVD (July 12–18) – More than 300 performing artists from around the country share their work in theater, dance, visual arts and everything in between!
"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.
WaterFire Providence - Basin Lighting (July 17) – A partial lighting of the WaterFire braziers in Waterplace Park.
Providence Restaurant Weeks (July 26–Aug. 8) – Take advantage of two weeks of dining specials, including lunch, dinner and prix fixe menus.
August
WaterFire Providence - Clear Currents Community Paddling Night (Aug. 1) – A special WaterFire installation featuring up to 80 kayaks adorned with illuminated koi fish.
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.
WaterFire Providence - Basin Lighting (Aug. 14) – A partial WaterFire lighting in the basin at WaterPlace Park.
WaterFire Providence (Aug. 29) – Enjoy an evening of flickering firelight, aromatic wood smoke and enchanting music.
September
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire (Sept. 5) – See your favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks come to life for an action-packed exhibition of jaw-dropping stunts for the whole family.
WaterFire Providence (Sept. 6) – Head to Waterplace Park for an evening of flickering firelight, enchanting music, roving performers and more.
RI Seafood Festival (Sept. 12–13) – This annual event brings the best local seafood restaurants along with Ocean State beer, wine and spirits to India Point Park.
Starts at Sunset (Sept. 17) – A partial lighting of the WaterFire braziers at the Providence Pedestrian Bridge, featuring installations from local artists.
PVDFest (Sept. 18–19) – Providence's signature outdoor arts festival, featuring world-class performances, cutting-edge art, savory food options and more.(top of page)
WaterFire Providence – Celebrating Rhode Island Educators (Sept. 26) – This special edition of WaterFire celebrates local educators around the state.
October
WaterFire Providence – Basin Lighting (Oct. 3) – This partial lighting is sponsored by Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation during the Flames of Hope weekend.
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!
WaterFire Providence – United Way of Rhode Island's Centennial Celebration (Oct. 17) – Celebrate 100 years of the United Way of Rhode Island at a special WaterFire lighting.
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.
Starts at Sunset (Oct. 29) – A partial lighting of the WaterFire braziers at the Providence Pedestrian Bridge.
November
WaterFire Salute to Veterans (Nov. 7) – 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!
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.
WaterFire Holiday Basin Lighting (Dec. 11) – Celebrate the holiday season in Providence with a partial WaterFire lighting in the Waterplace Park basin.
"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.
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.
Starts at Sunset (Dec. 31) – A New Year's Eve lighting of the WaterFire braziers around the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge. Be sure to stick around for fireworks!
