Providence

Photo courtesy of Providence Kayak

Providence WaterFire

Photo by Erin Cuddigan, courtesy of WaterFire

Posted Thursday, May 27, 2021 2:31 pm

Farmers Markets

Armory Farmers Market: Thursdays starting June 3, Dexter Training Grounds

Broad Street Farmers Market: Saturdays starting June 19, 807 Broad Street

Hope Street Farmers Market: Saturdays, Lippitt Memorial Park

Neutaconkanut Park Farmers Market: Mondays starting July 5

Sankofa Farmers Market: Wednesdays starting June 23, 275 Elmwood Avenue

Sims Market: Saturdays year-round, 10 Sims Avenue

River Tours

Architectural River Tour: On select Mondays and Wednesdays, the Providence Preservation Society in conjunction with the Providence River Boat Company will offer 75-minute boat tours celebrating the city’s architecture, including its famous landmarks.

Gondola Rides: Through November, pretend you’re in Venice as you float down the river with a costumed gondolier. Operating seven days a week as weather permits (so we recommend booking one while the weather is warm!).

Guided Kayak Tours: Hop into a bright orange kayak and follow your guide down the river as you learn about both the historical and nautical history of Providence – and even check out special guest guides like raptor expert Peter Green (June 12), WaterFire’s Captain Peter Van Erp (July 30), and Providence Preservation Society’s Brent Runyon (August 7 & 13).

Haunted Boat Rides: Starting June 2, on Wednesday and Sunday evenings guests can board a boat for a spooky tour of the city narrated by the Providence Ghost Tour. Parents be warned, these terrifying tales are appropriate for ages 10 and up, and any children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Narrated Boat Tours: A comprehensive guided tour of the city’s shores, including the Riverwalk, Fox Point Hurricane Barrier, and Industrial Harbor – perfect for the whole family.

Twilight River Cruises: This ride claims to take date night to the next level – and we agree. How can you not fall head over heels while sipping on complimentary wine or prosecco, at sunset, on a boat, in the greatest city ever?

Vineyard Voyages: Providence River Boat pairs perfectly with North Kingstown-based Gooseneck Vineyards for a special 60-minute water tour featuring a wine tasting and light fare.

Walking Tours

Providence By the Book Tour: A literary-themed Saturday jaunt exploring the life and work (including the controversies) of HP Lovecraft and other famous authors with PVD ties, like Sarah Helen Whitman, a poet briefly engaged to Edgar Allan Poe.

Providence Walking Tour: A 1.5-mile route takes walkers on a journey through the city’s architecture, history, and some of the city’s charming neighborhoods, including stops at The Arcade, Waterplace Park, and Peerless Rooftop. Saturdays through October, hosted by Experience Rhode Island.

Rhode Island in a Day Tour: For an ambitious adventure such as this, it makes sense to start in the state capital, touring historic Providence before being shuttled off to other notable towns like Wickford, Newport, and Bristol.

Rhode Island Red Food Tour: While not exactly heavy on the walking, this culinary circuit takes you from restaurant to restaurant to explore one of the many things Providence is known for: its food. Fridays and Saturdays through November.

Taste of Rhode Island Tour: Another mouth-watering journey, travel across the city for a sampling of Rhody’s famous foods from beloved eateries like Camille’s on Federal Hill and Wayland Square Diner.

Welcome to Providence Tour: Even though this is technically geared towards Providence newbies, natives can still glean new insight with an overview of city essentials, history, architecture, and famous characters.

June 1

Cupcake Championship: Local chefs duke it out in a confectionary culinary battle, but it’s all in good fun. Various locations

June 10

Rebecca L. Spencer Lecture Series: This month, Central Congregational Church presents Dr. Ted Widmer, historian, White House advisor, acclaimed author, and Rhode Islander to speak about his recent book, Lincoln on the Verge: Thirteen Days to Washington.

June 12

Rain Harvest Arts Festival: This unique event at Roger Williams Park combines water, science, and art, including chalk drawings, scavenger hunts, water testing demonstrations, and more hosted by the Stormwater Innovation Center.

June 12-13

Festival of Gardens: In partnership with The Garden Conservancy, the Providence Preservation Society offers tours of private gardens throughout the city, plus community gardens and one stewarded by PPS itself.

June 13

Pride Service: Beneficent Congregational Church hosts a special service featuring speaker Rachel Maddox, a notable Black, non-binary playwright, teaching artist, and critical educator.

June 17-July 27

Summer Series 2021: Festival Ballet returns to in-person performance this season on their new outdoor stage, showcasing a mixed rep program and rendition of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

June 20

Father’s Day Boat Tour: Celebrate Dad with a 50-minute, narrated family cruise along the Providence River and Waterplace Park.

June 21-July 2

Camp Sparkle: The Steel Yard hosts this two-week LGBTQIA+ youth day camp that provides hands-on training in the industrial arts.

June TBD

The Rhode Island Gay Men’s Chorus plans to present a Pride Virtual Video Celebration, so stay tuned on Facebook for details.

July 1

Iced Coffee Celebration: RI Food Fights is looking to find the best iced coffee in the state, and over 20 coffee shops in Rhode Island are competing for the crown. Various locations

July 11-24

Providence Restaurant Weeks: Fourteen days of dining specials for breakfast, lunch, and dinner available for indoor and outdoor eating as well as takeout to celebrate our foodie claim to fame.

July 18-31

FringePVD: The signature summer festival is coming back – with a mixture of “online and outside” events to celebrate and promote Providence-based performing artists.

August 1

Search for the #BestScoopShopRI: In the summer heat, RI Food Fights asks for your help to find which Rhody creamery has the tastiest frozen treats. Various locations

August 9-15

Flickers International Film Festival: This week-long festival draws film submissions from around the world, any of which could qualify for an Academy Award.

August 28

Brew at the Zoo: The state’s largest outdoor beer festival – described as a sudsy safari – takes place at Roger Williams Park Zoo, where you can sample 170 beers from 80-plus local and national brewers.

All Summer Long

Asian Lantern Spectacular: Every Wednesday through Sunday until July 4, walk through the Zoo as it’s transformed with countless lit lanterns, inspired cuisine, and an interactive kids area all in celebration of Asian culture. All proceeds will go to animal care and conservation initiatives.

Bloom Collective: A six-month-long pop-up on Westminster, this West End haven for local creatives also hosts the Armory Artisan & Vintage Market every Saturday and Sunday.

Public Roller Skating: The Providence Rink is open every Thursday and Friday this summer, online reservations encouraged. No skates? No problem – they have you covered! Bonus: At 5pm, the rink transforms into an outdoor Roller Disco with live acts, DJs, and Trinity Beer Garden.

PVDFest: Your favorite summer festival is back for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that consists of citywide creative events from June through August, and culminates in a downtown celebration September 25-26. Stay tuned for more details at PVDFest.com

SUNDAYS

Providence Flea: Browse some of the best-selected vintage finds and locally made art at this upscale flea market on the Providence River Greenway.

Virtual Drag Brunch LIVE: While at press time the weekly tradition had yet to return in-person at Massimo, find your favorite drag queens live online as they discuss hot topics The View style – only with cocktails in hand!

MONDAYS

“Go Figure” Art Classes: Sprout CoWorking brings guest art instructor and award-winning visual artist Mi Ok to the space each week for clothed figure drawing classes.

TUESDAYS

Trivia Tuesdays at GPub: In collaboration with Two Roads Brewing, enjoy two beers and an app for just $22 while you test your trivia talents for a chance to win prizes and gift cards every week.

THURSDAYS

Art on Tap: Through August 26, experience the WaterFire Arts Center in a new way as you tour the current exhibits before catching the sunset on the rooftop deck, where Troop PVD keeps the beer and wine flowing.

Thursday Night Trivia: Grab your go-to team and test your collective knowledge at Trinity Brewhouse’s weekly trivia tournament at the beer garden, hosted by Stump! Trivia.

FRIDAYS

Food Truck Fridays: Music, food trucks, and an air-conditioned merry-go-round. Eat anything you want and enjoy some late-afternoon sun at the Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Carousel Village through September 24.

Trinity Beer Garden Comedy: Every week, Glue Factory Comedy brings the best regional comedians to Biltmore Park for a socially distanced live show you can enjoy with a beer.

SATURDAYS

Open Air Saturdays: The pandemic-born tradition continues through warm weather days, transforming Downcity into a pedestrian hub for shopping, strolling, and sampling all Westminster and the surrounding streets have to offer.

Providence Artisans Market: Alongside the Hope Street Farmers Market, discover makers and artists of all mediums showcasing their work for sale in Lippitt Park.

TBD

WaterFire: While exact dates have yet to be released, the sacred Providence tradition returns this summer to gather friends far and wide around the river to watch the soul-warming glow of 100 braziers. The food vendors, buskers, and people-watching are worth a full evening.