Rhody Weekend Must-Do's: January 18-21

Rhode Island is brimming with history, culture, and adventure – and this weekend sees all of those things on full display! From art events to expos, make plans to set out and hear storytelling, see theater and spectacles, learn about local history, stock up for outdoor explorations, admire fine art, and more. Bundle up and hit the road! 

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

ALL WEEKEND

Gear up for a year filled with adventure in the wilderness with the RI Boat, RV, and Outdoor Expo, bringing together a range of vendors for your maritime exploration needs. Each day, the first 200 kids will receive free fishing poles. Friday-Sunday, Providence 

The Rhode Island Black Storytellers celebrates the opening weekend of their 26th annual FUNDA Fest with food, music, family-friendly fun, and plenty of stories, from narratives to poetry and the spoken word. Read more in our latest. Tickets online, Providence, Newport & Westerly

Latine Rhode Islanders have congregated and shared stories at Doña Rosa’s Market on La Broa’ (Broad Street) for decades. Join Trinity Rep for the premier of La Broa’, a play drawing on Marta V. Martinez’s oral history project Nuestras Raíces. Tickets online, Providence

Drawing inspiration from the iconic winter festivals of Montréal, Lumina kicks off this weekend, transforming downtown with light and art installations in a month-long spectacle, with food trucks, hot chocolate, saunas, workshops, and skating. Read more in our latest. Through February, Providence

In preparation of the new fishing season, vendors and fishermen gather at Stock the Box Fly Tying Expo. Browse the show and stock up on new gear, take fly tying classes, and even learn tips and tricks from the masters. Middletown, Saturday-Sunday 

Two exhibits open at the Jamestown Arts Center this Friday: Dropcloths: Tales of a Process transforms the main gallery into a labyrinth of color and texture, and Centering: Clay and Community showcases the works of their recent residency program. Jamestown

SATURDAY, January 20

Join director of horticulture Dan Christina for Conifers of Blithewold, a walking tour of the mansion’s collection of conifers from near and far. Learn about the trees’ uses in landscape design, environmental uses, and in the creation of garden rooms. Tickets online, Bristol   

The Ashaway Library presents an afternoon with Edgar Award-winning author J.W. Ocker for Rhode Island: an Odd Itinerary, his customized armchair journey through the state, visiting oddities of nature, science, art, and culture. RSVP online, Hopkinton 

SUNDAY, January 21

The Blackstone Valley Historical Society presents Meet Me at the Biltmore: Author Talk with Amanda Quay Blount to discuss the true history and sensational drama of scandal, secrets, and high society at Providence’s iconic Biltmore hotel. 2-4pm, Lincoln

Meet David Lawlor, the visionary behind Run of the Mill, a documentary project that captures the essence of history and architecture before they fade into oblivion, bringing forgotten historic houses and mills back to life. 2-3pm, East Greenwich