Mark Your Calendar for Providence's Can't-Miss Events of 2024

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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December

Providence Flea Holiday Markets (Fridays & Sundays through Dec. 22) – 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 (Select Dates through Dec. 29) – Trinity Rep's beloved holiday tradition moves to PPAC for 2024. 

Holiday Lights Spectacular (now through Jan. 4) – 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 (Dec. 5–7) – This annual event features three days of citywide events incorporating the theme of light, including activations from WaterFire, The Avenue Concept, FirstWorks and more. From the City of Providence Tree Lighting to the Gingerbread Breakfast, there will be fun for everyone!

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis (Dec. 6) – This holiday tradition features 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments in an immersive yet intimate setting at Providence Performing Arts Center.

Sesame Street Live! Say Hello (Dec. 6–7) – Sing, dance and play with Elmo, Cookie Monster and their friends from Sesame Street as they follow Elmo's puppy Tango to The VETS.

The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight (Dec. 8) – Head to The VETS for a 90-minute concert of legendary rock & metal in an ethereal candlelight setting.

"Hamilton" (Dec. 11–22) – Fan favorite "Hamilton" returns to the PPAC to tell the epic saga of Alexander Hamilton's life as he helps shape the course of a nation.

Handel's Messiah (Dec. 15) – The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and the Providence Singers present Handel's "Messiah" at The Vets under conductor Christine Noel.

The Nutcracker (Dec. 19–29) – 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.

Disney on Ice: Frozen & Encanto (Dec. 26–29) – Dazzling ice-skating transports you first to Arrendelle for an adventure with Anna, Elsa and friends, then off to Colombia to join the Madrigal family as Disney on Ice comes to the Amica Mutual Pavilion.

Illuminate PVD New Year's Eve Celebration and Fireworks (Dec. 31) – Festivities at 195 District Park and the pedestrian bridge will kick off at 5 p.m. with food trucks, roaming entertainment and more, followed by fireworks at 8:30 p.m.

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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.

Harlem Globetrotters 2025 World Tour (Jan. 1) – Ring in the New Year with the Harlem Globetrotters as they take on rivals Washington Generals at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in a New Year's Day matchup.

Justin Willman: Illusionati Tour (Jan. 19) – Head to The VETS for an interactive evening of magic, comedy and mind control!

"MJ the Musical" (Jan. 21–25) – Providence Performing Arts Center's Broadway Series presents the new musical centered around Michael Jackson's 1992 Dangerous World Tour.

Sarah Silverman: Postmortem (Jan. 23) – Comedian, actress and writer Sarah Silverman brings her newest comedy to The VETS.

"Someone Will Remember Us" (Jan. 23–Feb. 23) – Twenty years after Trinity Rep's "Boots on the Ground," this new production continues the legacy of Rhode Island military veterans, Gold Star families, refugees and more.

Monster Jam (Jan. 31–Feb. 2) – World-class drivers and 12,000-pound Monster Trucks take over the Amica Mutual Pavilion with jaw-dropping stunts, racing, donuts and more. Don't miss the Pit Party and Trackside Experiences!

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February

RI VegFest (Feb. 1–2) – 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.

"The Cher Show" (Feb. 5–6) – "The Cher Show" at the Providence Performing Arts Center is the Tony Award-winning musical of her story, and it’s packed with so much Cher that it takes three women to play her: the kid starting out, the glam pop star, and the icon.

The Simon & Garfunkel Story (Feb. 8) – Featuring a full live band, state of the art projection photos and original film footage, The Simon & Garfunkel Story takes you from the duo's early days through the 1981 "Concert in Central Park."

"Life of Pi" (Feb. 11–16) – Told with jaw-dropping visuals, world-class puppetry and exquisite stagecraft, "Life of Pi" brings a breathtaking journey to PPAC that will leave you filled with awe and joy.

Providence Children's Film Festival (Feb. 14–23) – 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.

An Intimate Evening with Jason Isbell (Feb. 18) – Grammy Award-winning songwriter Jason Isbell comes to PPAC for a solo performance.

"& Juliet" (Feb. 25–Mar. 2) – This hilarious new musical coming to PPAC flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. "& Juliet" asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo?

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March

RI Craft Beer Week (March 7–16) – Celebrate Rhode Island's beer manufacturers with events at your favorite bars, restaurants, package stores and RI's 35+ breweries.

Sebastian Maniscalco: It Ain't Right Tour (March 9) – Comedian, actor and podcast host Sebastian Maniscalco brings his 2025 tour to the Amica Mutual Pavilion.

The Shamrock Tenors (March 16) – Ireland's most exciting new music sensation comes to The VETS with all your favorite classic songs, including "Danny Boy," "Whiskey in the Jar" and more.

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

NCAA March Madness (March 20–22) – March Madness comes to Providence in 2025! Providence College hosts the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship at the Amica Mutual Pavilion.

"Menopause the Musical 2: Cruising Through The Change" (March 22) – The ladies of "Menopause the Musical" return to The VETS. Join them as they set sail for hot flashes and high jinks on the high seas.

GFree Fest (March 22–​23) – 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.

"La Tempestad – The Tempest" (March 27–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.

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April

WaterFire – Stay tuned for the 2025 WaterFire Season Schedule announcement in April.

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.

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. 

"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.

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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. 

Katt Williams: Heaven on Earth Tour (May 16) – Critically acclaimed comedian Katt Williams comes to the Amica Mutual Pavilion with all new material.

"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.

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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.

Rhode Island PrideFest & Illuminated Night Parade (TBD) – 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 (TBD) – 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.

Sarah Millican: Late Bloomer (June 21) – Catch comedian Sarah Millican at The Vets for her brand-new stand-up show!

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

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August

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.

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.

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September

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

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

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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.

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November

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!

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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