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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. Supported by: GoProvidenceOnshore programming and vendors open at 4:00 PM
Post Date:
November 12, 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Viaggio di Rapsodia is a 40-minute gondola ride that builds on the basic trip package by adding a live musician to the experience. A seasoned gondolier guides the boat along the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers, gliding past historic sites, through city parks, and beneath scenic bridges, while a musician you select plays a private serenade.It's an ideal choice for a date night, an outing with friends, or marking a milestone.What's IncludedA live musician of your choosing, with options including mandolin, guitar, violin, accordion, and saxophone. Availability varies by day, so not every musician can be booked on every date.A wine bucket, glasses, and an opener. Guests bring their own wine, prosecco, juice, or other drinks. Bottled water is usually available at the dock, but it isn't guaranteed.Handmade Italian wine biscuits.Italian songs from your gondolier. Every gondolier sings during the ride, and special song requests are welcome.
We will walk you step by step through making an ornament of your very own. From applying color to the glass, heating your ornament, and inflating it with air, you will experience firsthand the thrill of making hand blown glass art.During this hands-on class, you’ll blow your own glass ornament. Choose your combination of colors and with the guidance of our glass blowing instructors, you’ll learn how to shape, blow, and form your ornament step by step.
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.
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.
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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3rd Annual Warehouse Gala A weird & wonderful fundraiser for the Providence Drum Troupe, the Warehouse Gala is back. Join us for a night of big drums, live music from the David Tessier All Stars, and drinks from Hi Bar Lo Bar. Warehouse chic attire encouraged. Every dollar supports the Providence Drum Troupe and Clubhouse Gallery's ongoing community events and general operations.
The 18th Annual Providence Fall Home Show is set to take place on November 14-15, 2026, at the Rhode Island Convention Center in the heart of Downcity. As Rhode Island’s premier home expo, this event is a must-attend for homeowners, builders, and industry professionals eager to explore the latest in home improvement, design, and innovation within the vibrant and historic setting of the Ocean State’s capital.This two-day event will feature 70+ exhibitors showcasing a diverse range of home improvement solutions, from coastal home renovations and smart home technology to locally crafted furnishings and energy- efficient upgrades. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with skilled artisans, builders, and designers who understand the unique character of Rhode Island homes
Chocolate, Food, Fun & Celebrities — All Under One Roof! The Chocolate Expo brings together 60–100+ delicious vendor booths, depending on location size, with tastings and sales of chocolates, baked goods, specialty foods, cheeses, craft beverages, ready-to-eat treats and so much more, plus entertainment and celebrity appearanceCelebrity Panel Discussions + Audience Q&A are included with admission and begin at 1 PM each day unless otherwise noted.
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!)
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.
Rhody Craft is a fun, colorful shop that hosts an eclectic mix of locally handmade art and craft, along with carefully curated brands. Rhody Craft offers the best selection of Rhode Island swag in the state, as well as art prints, jewelry, ceramics, glass, handbags, bath & body, candles, tee-shirts and much more. Find delightful and affordable scarves and socks, gifts for baby, kids, teens, families, weddings and besties, anyone you can think of, and the perfect card to go with. Rhody Craft is a fun, colorful shop that hosts an eclectic mix of locally handmade art and craft, along with carefully curated brands. Rhody Craft offers the best selection of Rhode Island swag in the state, as well as art prints, jewelry, ceramics, glass, handbags, bath & body, candles, tee-shirts and much more. Find delightful and affordable scarves and socks, gifts for baby, kids, teens, families, weddings and besties, anyone you can think of, and the perfect card to go with.
Find Out More Find Out MoreMarch is Women’s History Month and Rhode Island has certainly had its share of female pioneers. They have made their mark on higher ed (founding both Johnson & Wales and RISD), the arts (Google Sissieretta Jones), and on our map. March is Women’s History Month and Rhode Island has certainly had its share of female pioneers. They have made their mark on higher ed (founding both Johnson & Wales and RISD), the arts (Google Sissieretta Jones), and on our map.
Find Out More Find Out MoreEvery Friday in October, Experience Rhode Island Tours is offering a trip called Autumn in New England, which brings together all of these things, including a horse-drawn wagon ride and a charming visit to the oldest country store in Rhode Island. Every Friday in October, Experience Rhode Island Tours is offering a trip called Autumn in New England, which brings together all of these things, including a horse-drawn wagon ride and a charming visit to the oldest country store in Rhode Island.
Find Out More Find Out MoreWe may be the smallest state, but with our large number of colleges and universities, Rhode Island's collegiate athletics programs provide a vast platform for youth athletes to compete on campuses in Providence and throughout the state. We may be the smallest state, but with our large number of colleges and universities, Rhode Island's collegiate athletics programs provide a vast platform for youth athletes to compete on campuses in Providence and throughout the state.
Find Out More Find Out MoreLooking for information on upcoming events, dining info, promotions and deals? Stay in the know with our GoProvidence e-newsletter.
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