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In Providence you can do your own thing. Sample the latest dishes at a red-hot restaurant. Score a one-of-a-kind find in distinctive neighborhood shops. We’ve got tons of public art, great museums, award-winning theater and cool music. Plus, we’re affordable and easy to get to. With so many options, you can curate a vacation that is uniquely yours.
WaterFire is a multisensory experience that has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city. This series of bonfires installed on the three rivers of Downtown Providence entices with aromatic wood smoke, flickering firelight and enchanting music.Onshore programming and vendors open at 4:30 PM
WaterFire is a multisensory experience that has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city. This series of bonfires installed on the three rivers of Downtown Providence entices with aromatic wood smoke, flickering firelight and enchanting music. Supported by: GoProvidenceOnshore programming and vendors open at 4:00 PM
Post Date:
October 21, 2026
Providence was founded as a home for free thinkers, and that creative spirit is still present nearly 400 years later. From the RISD Museum's world-class collection to jazz in a speakeasy-style social club, art here isn't confined to museum walls. It spills into the streets, the waterways and every corner cafe. Providence is a city where makers, performers and dreamers converge, and where a single weekend can leave you genuinely inspired.
Providence is ready for its close-up! With the release of "Ella McCay" — the first film directed by James L. Brooks in over a decade — The Creative Capital is shining on the big screen after hosting an all-star cast, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Emma Mackey and Woody Harrelson, to name a few. Filmed across our neighborhoods and landmarks, the movie captures what makes Providence so special: diverse architecture, walkable streets and that perfect blend of city energy and neighborhood charm.Brooks himself summed it up best: "What I need for this film is to represent America ... in sort of the best sense possible. And we looked at a lot of places and I'm so glad we're here."And Jamie Lee Curtis? She fell in love with Providence, too — whether grabbing her daily sticky bun at Seven Stars Bakery or hosting a cast dinner at New Rivers. Now you can follow in her footsteps with this "Ella McCay" inspired weekend itinerary.
A small city with a big culinary reputation, Providence has spent decades building one of the most distinctive dining cultures on the East Coast. Italian roots run deep in the Federal Hill neighborhood, the farm-to-table scene is thriving, and local chefs have earned national recognition. The city is also home to Johnson & Wales University, one of the country's top culinary schools, and the generations of graduates and working students who have passed through its kitchens have shaped Providence's dining scene in ways you can taste on every block.Whether your style is fine dining or food truck, we've got you covered. Bring your appetite.
Providence is the rare destination that rewards visitors who travel smart. World-class art museums, one of the most storied food neighborhoods in New England, a calendar full of free community events, and a dining scene that ranges from food trucks to fine dining. None of it requires deep pockets. Downtown's compact layout means you'll spend your money on experiences rather than transportation. Solo travelers, couples, weekend trippers and families will all find that Providence has a way of overdelivering, even on a modest budget.
Planning a weekend trip to Providence, but can't find the time to do everything on your list? Extend your stay through Sunday night and discover why an extra day in The Creative Capital makes all the difference. From Sunday brunch to Monday morning coffee shops, we've got your complete itinerary for making the most of a PVD Sunday overnight.
Some vacations you come home with a tan. Others you come home with a stack of books and a head full of stories you can't stop talking about. Providence is the second kind of trip. The bookstores are the kind worth lingering in, the literary history runs deep (and a little bit weird), and you can find a spot to curl up with a good book around just about every corner.
Discover the vibrant Providence arts scene. Becoming Providence: Mural and Gallery Tour is an immersive exploration of Providence’s creative identity, experienced through vibrant murals and dynamic gallery spaces. You’ll encounter striking murals that offer a window into the city’s evolving identity, revealing the people, stories, and forces that have shaped Providence over time.Along the way, we’ll step inside three standout galleries, where that story continues through contemporary artists whose work is actively shaping what Providence is becoming today. The result is a visually rich, thoughtfully designed experience that reveals the city not as a static snapshot, but as a place in motion, continually redefining itself.HighlightsThe former Biltmore HotelShe Never Came MuralSalt Water MuralEmpire Rising MuralProvidence IndustrialOBEY MuralStill Here MuralProvidence Gallery Spaces
Spend the day at Roger Williams Park Zoo, one of the nation's oldest zoos, set on 40 beautifully landscaped acres in Providence. Home to more than 130 species from around the world, the zoo lets visitors explore naturalistic habitats featuring African elephants, giraffes, zebras, a red panda, a snow leopard, New England's only Komodo dragon, and much more.This ticket provides daytime general admission. When purchasing, guests select a specific date and arrival time slot, and once inside may stay as long as they like during operating hours. The zoo is typically open 9 am to 4 pm, with last admission at 3:30 pm, and an average visit takes about an hour and a half. Toddlers ages one and under are free. Please note that tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable, and that evening events such as the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular require a separate ticket.
On the Downcity Providence Food Tour, guests can expect a flavorful journey through the heart of Rhode Island’s capital city. This guided walking tour blends delicious tastings from some of Providence’s best eateries with fascinating stories about the city’s rich history, architecture, and culture. Along the way, you’ll sample local favorites and creative dishes that highlight the city’s diverse culinary scene — from classic RI foods and creative modern twists to ethnic dishes showcasing the diversity in the city. In between bites, you’ll discover hidden gems, vibrant street art, and the unique character that makes Downcity a hub of food and culture. It’s the perfect mix of sightseeing, storytelling, and savoring.
Providence Children’s Museum, Rhode Island’s only hands-on museum especially for children and their families, inspires learning through active play and exploration. The Museum presents interactive exhibits and hands-on programs that explore the arts, culture, history and science and embrace a wide range of learning styles and forms of expression.
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Kick off your weekends at Bar' Lino with DJ Joey and Joe Acciardo. Every Friday, from 9 PM to Midnight, enjoy the electrifying atmosphere as our live DJ spins the hottest tracks to get you grooving. Whether you're looking to unwind after a long week or jumpstart a night of fun, Bar' Lino offers the perfect backdrop with our vibrant ambiance and eclectic mix of music. Savor delicious bites and signature cocktails crafted by our expert mixologists while the beats move you. It's more than just a dining experience-it's a night to let loose, meet new friends, and make unforgettable memories. Don't miss out on the fun; make Bar' Lino your go-to spot every Friday night!
Join us at Moonshine Alley for LIVE MUSIC every Friday at 9 pm! Our stage features a variety of amazing local artists, with styles ranging from country to rock to blues. Get a taste of Nashville with great music, craft cocktails and Southern bites. We can't wait to see y'all there! Wondering about parking? We've got you covered! Complimentary valet available Thursday through Saturday after 5 pm.
The Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) discovers and empowers filmmakers from around the world. Held in Providence, East Greenwich, Newport, Westerly, Woonsocket and locations throughout the state of Rhode Island, RIIFF has had a total of 98 flms go on to be nominated for Oscars with a total of 15 winning the coveted award. RIIFF is also one of eight festivals in the United States that is a qualifying event for both the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) and the Canadian Screen Awards. RIIFF is New England's largest film festival and incorporates gala celebrations, premiere screenings, VIP guests, industry seminars, educational programs, music, architecture, history, walking tours, filmmaker Q&A’s and award ceremonies into a weeklong extravaganza. Cited as one of the "Best International and Short Film Festivals in the United States," RIIFF is New England’s largest film festival, screening over 300 films from over 45 countries. The Festival offers countless networking opportunities that advance and enhance careers, and creates a supportive and encouraging environment for the most inquisitive creators and lovers of film. Its innovative programming, cultivated industry ties, and loyal audiences have made the Festival a strategic and desirable platform for film premieres, drawing hundreds of independent filmmakers from around the globe every year. RIIFF is widely recognized as a credentialed industry-friendly launch pad for the work of exceptional emerging talent.RIIFF is truly a place where the stars align!
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Blithewold's designation as an arboretum, the Newport Photo Guild presents "Expressions of Nature." This exhibition explores the beauty, diversity, and resilience of the natural world through photography. From sweeping landscapes and intimate botanical studies to abstract and conceptual interpretations, photographers capture inspiring perspectives that reveal new ways of seeing the natural world.
The holidays are a time to experiment a bit by offering wines that aren't part of your typical celebration. Aperitif, anyone? Join us on the brilliantly decorated Breakfast Porch as we taste various wines that can enhance your holidays, including sparkling and dessert wines. We'll also discuss options for pairing these wines with items on your holiday menu. Class size is limited to 12. Registration
Thursdays just got a whole lot wilder! Starting September 24th, enjoy $10 daytime admission every Thursday through the end of the year. Fall into savings and come hang out with all your favorite animal friends at Roger Williams Park Zoo for some mid-week fun!Grab your tickets online or in person (discount is automatically applied!) Thursdays just got a whole lot wilder! Starting September 24th, enjoy $10 daytime admission every Thursday through the end of the year. Fall into savings and come hang out with all your favorite animal friends at Roger Williams Park Zoo for some mid-week fun!Grab your tickets online or in person (discount is automatically applied!)
Find Out More Find Out MoreThursdays just got a whole lot wilder! Starting September 24th, enjoy $10 daytime admission every Thursday through the end of the year. Fall into savings and come hang out with all your favorite animal friends at Roger Williams Park Zoo for some mid-week fun!Grab your tickets online or in person (discount is automatically applied!)
Try the latest dishes at acclaimed restaurants, shop distinctive neighborhood boutiques, explore public art and museums, see award-winning theater, and catch live music. WaterFire is a must-see when it’s lit.
WaterFire is a series of bonfires lit on the three rivers of downtown Providence, paired with music and the scent of wood smoke. Onshore programming and vendors typically open in the late afternoon; check WaterFire dates for the full schedule.
Yes. Several downtown restaurants have river views of the braziers. Book well ahead, as last-minute reservations on WaterFire nights are hard to get.
Families can visit Roger Williams Park Zoo, ride the carousel at Carousel Village, explore the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, or take a narrated boat tour on the Providence River.
Yes. Our ready-made itineraries make it easy to plan a weekend around your interests, from arts and culture to food and more.
Some love the cold and snow, and others can’t wait for the warmer weather. Either way, there are so many winter things to do for families in the area. Escape the chill with these incredible indoor activities in and around Providence. Some love the cold and snow, and others can’t wait for the warmer weather. Either way, there are so many winter things to do for families in the area. Escape the chill with these incredible indoor activities in and around Providence.
Read More Read MoreTouro Synagogue, dedicated in 1763 and designated a National Historic Site in 1946, is the oldest synagogue in the United States. It is a structure of exquisite beauty and design, steeped in history and ideals and considered one of the most architecturally distinguished buildings of 18th century America. In 1790, President George Washington set the standard for religious freedom in America by declaring in a letter "To the Hebrew Congregation in Newport," that the new nation would give "to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance." Tours include a half hour seated presentation in Touro Synagogue and two floors of interactive exhibits in the Loeb Visitors Center.Due to the pandemic, our program has been modified from previous seasons. While both Touro Synagogue and the Loeb Visitor Center buildings will remain closed, our program will run outdoors through Patriots Park with guides presenting the history of Touro Synagogue to visitors. _x000D_ The Touro Synagogue grounds are open to the public, Sunday through Friday, from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm (weather permitting). Tours will be running every half-hour starting at 11 am with the last tour running at 1:30 pm._x000D_ _x000D_ Synagogue history presentations will be given outdoors and will be limited to a maximum of 15 people at a time._x000D_ _x000D_ Entry fees are waived but donations are gratefully accepted._x000D_ Please note: Masks are mandatory and social distancing will be enforced. There are no public bathroom facilities on-site, as the Synagogue and Loeb Visitors Center remain closed. Touro Synagogue, dedicated in 1763 and designated a National Historic Site in 1946, is the oldest synagogue in the United States. It is a structure of exquisite beauty and design, steeped in history and ideals and considered one of the most architecturally distinguished buildings of 18th century America. In 1790, President George Washington set the standard for religious freedom in America by declaring in a letter "To the Hebrew Congregation in Newport," that the new nation would give "to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance." Tours include a half hour seated presentation in Touro Synagogue and two floors of interactive exhibits in the Loeb Visitors Center.Due to the pandemic, our program has been modified from previous seasons. While both Touro Synagogue and the Loeb Visitor Center buildings will remain closed, our program will run outdoors through Patriots Park with guides presenting the history of Touro Synagogue to visitors. _x000D_ The Touro Synagogue grounds are open to the public, Sunday through Friday, from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm (weather permitting). Tours will be running every half-hour starting at 11 am with the last tour running at 1:30 pm._x000D_ _x000D_ Synagogue history presentations will be given outdoors and will be limited to a maximum of 15 people at a time._x000D_ _x000D_ Entry fees are waived but donations are gratefully accepted._x000D_ Please note: Masks are mandatory and social distancing will be enforced. There are no public bathroom facilities on-site, as the Synagogue and Loeb Visitors Center remain closed.
Read More Read MoreThursdays just got a whole lot wilder! Starting September 24th, enjoy $10 daytime admission every Thursday through the end of the year. Fall into savings and come hang out with all your favorite animal friends at Roger Williams Park Zoo for some mid-week fun!Grab your tickets online or in person (discount is automatically applied!) Thursdays just got a whole lot wilder! Starting September 24th, enjoy $10 daytime admission every Thursday through the end of the year. Fall into savings and come hang out with all your favorite animal friends at Roger Williams Park Zoo for some mid-week fun!Grab your tickets online or in person (discount is automatically applied!)
Read More Read MoreThursdays just got a whole lot wilder! Starting September 24th, enjoy $10 daytime admission every Thursday through the end of the year. Fall into savings and come hang out with all your favorite animal friends at Roger Williams Park Zoo for some mid-week fun!Grab your tickets online or in person (discount is automatically applied!)
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