Rhody Weekend Must-Do's: April 4-7

Get in touch with your creative side this weekend, whether that means attending a cultural film fest or exploring whimsical and real natural wonders. Literary gatherings, spring festivities, painting for a cause, happenings for dog lovers, and home and garden inspo are all part of the fun.

In case of weather delays or last-minute cancellations, always call the venue or check online for updates before you go.

ALL WEEKEND

The Rhode Island Black Film Festival celebrates Black culture, resilience, and civil rights. Join in person or virtually for compelling films and enlightening discussions, uniting global perspectives and uplifting diverse voices. Free tickets online, Thursday-Sunday, Providence

Get ready for the ultimate home improvement experience at the 74th Annual RI Home Show. This year introduces the House of Brews in partnership with the RI Brewers Guild, offering complimentary samples of local beers. Tickets online, Thursday-Sunday, Providence

Immerse yourself in the literary world at Bristol BookFest, highlighting the power of stories to inspire, unite, and enrich communities. The 2024 selection is Melville's classic, Moby-Dick, with stimulating discussions on the timeless tale. Friday & Saturday, Bristol

FRIDAY, April 5

Enjoy live music, indulge in delectable fare from local restaurants, and bid on fantastic prizes in a silent auction and raffle at the 19th Annual Misquamicut Beach Luau, a vibrant celebration benefiting the Misquamicut Business Association's initiatives. Tickets online, Westerly

Unleash your inner artist while supporting our furry friends at the Paint & Sip Fundraiser for Exeter Animal Shelter. Visit Phil’s Restaurant for an evening of creativity, camaraderie, and compassion. Tickets online, Wakefield

SATURDAY, April 6

Strut your stuff with your pup at the Daffy Doggy Paw-Rade, traveling from Black Dog on Bannisters to Queen Anne Square for awards and prizes. Saturday also kicks off the month-long Newport Daffodil Days with the Opening Ceremonies. Starting 12pm, Newport

Discover the beauty of newly blazed trails on the Latham Brook Preserve Hike, led by the Smithfield Land Trust. The scenic four-mile walk through lush woodlands and rolling hills lets explorers take in the natural wonders of early spring. Tickets online, Smithfield

Pore over artists’ books, zines, and experimental printed materials by student artists and the community at RISD Unbound, a free, open-to-the-public event sparking conversations about cultural publishing through exhibits and more. 11am-5pm, Providence

SUNDAY, April 7

Immerse yourself in a symphonic masterpiece with the Warwick Symphony Orchestra's Colors of the Orchestra performance, featuring clarinet virtuoso Richard Marchetti. Enjoy a captivating blend of vibrant hues and musical brilliance in this free concert. 3pm, Warwick

Embark on a mythical journey at Roger Williams Park Zoo's Dragons & Mythical Creatures exhibit, with 60 life-size animatronic beasts, from dragons to mermaids, blurring the line between reality and folklore. Opens Sunday, through August 11, Providence