33 Fun Things to Do in January of 2022

Courtesy of Trinity Repertory Company.

1/13–2/13
Tiny Beautiful Things
What: Commemorate the simplicities of life with Tiny Beautiful Things, a play directed by Curt Columbus based on the best-selling book by Cheryl Strayed. Take a deep dive into the journey of the anonymous “Dear Sugar” columnist, tasked with giving advice to those looking for answers in life. In this uplifting play about resilience, hear words of hope and wisdom from someone who used her own experiences to bring laughter and humanity to others. Visit the website for dates and times.
Where: Dowling Theater, Trinity Repertory Company, 201 Washington St., Providence.
More info: 351-4242, trinityrep.com

1/5–9
Night Lights at Blithewold
What: Admire the Night Lights and handmade bamboo ornaments that light the paths surrounding Blithewold’s gardens and arboretum. On Wednesday and Saturday nights, select from hot chocolate, coffee, non-alcoholic cider and other hot drinks with a kick from RI Cruisin’ Cocktails’ 1961 Shasta Trailer. Wed.–Sun. 5–7 p.m. $3–$10.
Where: Blithewold Mansion, 101 Ferry Rd., Bristol.
More info: 253-2707, blithewold.org

Theater
Stadium Theatre
Jan. 13, 14 and 16: The town of Almost, Maine, is so far north, you might as well say you’re in Canada. Plus, residents never stick around long enough to call it home. But one winter night, they find themselves dealing with love in unexpected but hilarious ways in this romantic comedy. Thurs. and Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $31. 28 Monument Sq., Woonsocket, 762-4545, stadiumtheatre.com

Courtesy of Bit Players/James Adams.

Ongoing
The Bit Players
What: Witness improvisation at its best from this group of energetic and fun-loving souls. Inspired by the hit show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?,” the award-winning comedy troupe presents side-splitting musical numbers, quick witty responses, games and characters made up on the spot from the audience’s suggestions, so every show is unique in this BYOB funhouse. 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Where: 4 Equality Park Pl., Newport.
More info: 849-3473, bitplayers.net

Providence Performing Arts Center
Jan. 25–31: Travel in time to observe the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ from the perspective of Judas. The musical phenomenon Jesus Christ Superstar celebrates its fiftieth anniversary with its award-winning music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. Visit the website for times. $41–$99. Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St., Providence, 421-2787, ppacri.org

Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre
Jan. 27–Feb. 20: Directed by Joe Wilson Jr., An Octoroon follows George Peyton and the beautiful Zoe, a one-eighth black “octoroon,” in a play that examines the context of race and identity in America’s society. Visit the website for dates and times. 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, 723-4266, gammtheatre.org

Trips and Tours
Clouds Hill Museum
Ongoing: Visit the Victorian private home-turned-museum and inspect the house’s interior, the Center for the Outdoors, the Arboretum Trail and other parts of the historic site. Call to schedule a tour. Adults $12, seniors $10, military and students with ID $8, children six through twelve $5. Clouds Hill Museum, 4157 Post Rd., Warwick, 884-9490, cloudshill.org

Kids’ Stuff
Holidays at the Newport Mansions
Through Jan. 2: Marvel at the colorful lights decorating the exterior and landscape of the Breakers mansion, then check out the Christmas extravaganza inside the Breakers and the Elms, filled with dressed-up evergreens, wreaths, flowers, the famous fifteen-foot-tall poinsettia tree (Breakers only) and other festive touches along the way. As holiday music fills the air, visit the Breakers Children’s Cottage with the young ones and peek inside Santa’s workshop. The Breakers and the Elms mansions, Newport, 847-1000, newportmansions.org

Music
Courthouse Center for the Arts
Jan. 8: Rock on to iconic tunes of the ’50s and ’60s by the seasoned musicians of Rave On. Reminisce and dance to the music of Buddy Holly, Elvis, Etta James, Richie Valens, Johnny Cash, Dion and others throughout the show. 3–5:30 p.m., doors open at 2 p.m. $23–$33. 3481 Kingstown Rd., West Kingston, 782-1018, courthousearts.org

Contemporary Theater
Jan. 13–Mar. 31: Put your vocal chords to the test during Wakefield Idol, Contemporary Theater’s famed singing competition with a $1,500 grand prize. Or, join the audience and support Wakefield’s talented performers. Thurs. 7 p.m. $30. 327 Main St., Wakefield, 218-0282, contemporarytheatercompany.com

Blackstone River Theatre
Jan. 15: Warm up with some Celtic and folk music by Fellswater, Boston’s dynamic Celtic music ensemble, at the Blackstone River Theatre. 8 p.m. $18; $20 at the door. 549 Broad St., Cumberland, 725-9272, riverfolk.org

Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra
Jan. 21 and 22: Fancy a night of fine classical music? The Amica Rush Hour concert (Friday) and TACO Classical Series performance (Saturday) features Beethoven, Wagner and Brahms led by conductor Bramwell Tovey and violinist Benjamin Beilman. Fri. 6:30 p.m., Sat. 8 p.m. $15–$63. The Vets, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence, 248-7000, tickets.riphil.org

Columbus Theatre
Jan. 26: Join American songwriter and producer Clarence Greenwood a.k.a. Citizen Cope, whose music is inspired by artists
including Stevie Wonder, John Lennon, Bob Marley and Outkast. 8 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m. $46–$56. 270 Broadway, Providence,
621-9660, columbustheatre.com

Sports
Dunkin’ Donuts Center
Jan. 2: Providence Bruins vs. Springfield Thunderbirds. 3:05 p.m. $15–$46.
Jan. 8: Providence College Men’s Basketball vs. St. John Red Storm. 7 p.m. $32–$85.
Jan. 14: Providence Bruins vs. Hartford Wolf Pack. 7:05 p.m. $20–$40.
Jan. 15: Providence College Men’s Basketball vs. University of Connecticut Huskies. 2 p.m. $32–$85.
Jan. 16 and 21: Providence Bruins vs. Bridgeport Islanders. Sun. 3:05 p.m., Fri. 7:05 p.m. $20–$55.
Jan. 23: Providence College Men’s Basketball vs. Butler Bulldogs. Noon. $32–$140.
1 LaSalle Sq., Providence, 331-0700, dunkindonutscenter.com

Benefits
Freezin’ for a Reason
Jan. 1: Dive into frigid water for a good cause. Alongside other adventurers, go for a quick plunge at Newport’s Easton’s Beach during the eighteenth annual Freezin’ for a Reason polar plunge challenge, hosted by the Newport Polar Bears Club. An hour later, partake in the after-party festivities. Proceeds support A Wish Come True, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses throughout Rhode Island. Noon (arrive early for parking). Choose your donation amount; tickets for the after party are $10. Easton’s Beach, 175 Memorial Blvd., Newport, 846-0028, awish.org

Museums
RISD Museum
Ongoing: Plan your in-person visit in advance online and check out exhibitions on view including “Extraordinary Realities” by Shahzia Sikander and “Works in Process” featuring artists William Edgar Brigham, Simon Lissim and more. Wed., Sat., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thurs. and Fri. noon–7 p.m. Adults $17, seniors $12, youth $8, children five and younger free. Free admission Thurs. and Fri. after 5 p.m. and all day Sun. 20 North Main St., Providence, 454-6500, risdmuseum.org

Audrain Auto Museum
Ongoing: Behold the extensive Nick Begovich Collection, composed of an eye-popping collection of unique cars accumulated by engineer, philanthropist and car collector Nick Begovich. Daily 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Members free; adults $18; seniors, military and students with ID $10; children six through seventeen $8. 222 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 856-4420, audrainautomuseum.org

Galleries
Pawtucket Arts Collaborative
Through Jan. 6: Members offer a little something for everyone in this holiday show, which features a holiday gift-ready range of work for $300 or less. Thurs. 5:30–7:30 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 1–5 p.m. 560 Mineral Spring Ave., Pawtucket, 724-2200,  pawtucketartscollaborative.wildapricot.org

Wickford Art Association
Jan. 7–30: View up to 100 creations within the teacher/student exhibit called “Leading By Example.” During the opening reception at 6:30 p.m., awards will be announced. Opening reception Friday, January 7, 5–7 p.m. 36 Beach St., North Kingstown, 294-6840, wickfordart.org

South County Art Association
Jan. 13–Feb. 5: The Member’s Invitational features creative works in a variety of media by artist members of the South County Art Association. Office and gallery hours Wed.– Sun. 1–5 p.m. 2587 Kingstown Rd., Kingston, 783-2915, southcountyart.org

Etcetera
Gurney’s Newport Resort and Marina
Ongoing: Bring out your warmest coat, mittens and scarf and get ready to twirl atop the ice at the Gurney’s rink. Novice or pro, skate by the sea alongside family and friends. Mon.–Fri. 2–9 p.m., Sat., Sun. and holidays 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Adults $12; seniors sixty-five and older, military and children twelve and younger $7. Skate rentals $10. 1 Goat Island, Newport, 849-2600, gurneysresorts.com/newport

Holiday Lights Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo
Through Jan. 2: Let your holiday spirit roam free at the Holiday Lights Spectacular at Roger Williams Park and witness more than a million illuminated lights all around you. Rain or shine, escape reality for a bit while admiring the dazzling lights that contrast the night sky, and listen (or sing along) to irresistible holiday jingles with family and friends. Trail runs from 5–9:30 p.m. Purchase your ticket in advance online. Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, 785-3510, rwpzoo.org

Blithewold Mansion
Through Jan. 7: Enter Blithewold Mansion for some calming afternoon tea and fine sweets and treats (feast your eyes on freshly baked scones with sweet cream) in the dining room and breakfast porch. Chat with friends and take in the view of the bay and gardens. Seating is limited to four per table, so reservations are required. Tickets also include a tour of the mansion and its grounds. Tues.–Fri. 1–3 p.m. $35–$50. 101 Ferry Rd., Bristol, 253-2707, blithewold.org

Artists’ Exchange Winter Art Classes
Through Feb. 19: Participate in winter classes hosted by the Artists’ Exchange, offering lessons in sewing, jewelry making, storytelling theater and more. Available for all ages and abilities. Virtual classes and workshops are also offered. Tues.–Sat. 4 p.m. Artists’ Exchange, 50 Rolfe Sq., Cranston, 490-9475, artists-exchange.org

Thirty-Sixth Annual Hangover Classic
Jan. 1: Get a running start on the new year while taking in scenic views of shorelines and spacious fields, including Colt State Park and Poppasquash Road. Win brag-worthy trophies for completing the five-mile trek, from categories including top two men, top two women, and first male and female from your designated age group. Bundle up according to the weather. Can’t run the race in person? Join virtually. 10:30 a.m. $25–$35. Colt State Park, Bristol, runsignup.com/hangoverclassic

Rhode Island Hotel Month
Jan. 1–31: During the third annual celebration of local first-class hotels, B and Bs and inns, take advantage of hot deals this winter at the twenty-nine participating hotels, including Graduate Providence, Hotel Viking, the Bradford-Dimond-Norris House, and Weekapaug Inn. Choose between a farm stay, a luxury resort and everything in between. Rates are up to 40 percent off and include special dining and attraction offers. Various hotels and properties throughout Rhode Island, hotelmonthri.com

Providence Restaurant Weeks
Jan. 9–22: Step outside of your comfort zone for two weeks and try out new meals from the various restaurants participating in Providence Restaurant Weeks. Show your support for local restaurants in the Creative Capital and order signature cocktails, specialty apps, family-sized entrees and more. Various locations in Providence, goprovidence.com/rw

Gnocchi Workshop
Jan. 21: Learn the basics of gnocchi, the iconic pasta dumplings. With the assistance of master chef Walter Potenza, discover the tips and techniques behind cooking traditional light and airy potato gnocchi and share the result with your family. Don’t forget your apron. Ages fourteen and up. 6–8 p.m. $60. Chef Walters Cooking School, 162 Mayfield Ave., Cranston, 273-2652, chefwalters cookingschool.com

Looking Ahead: February

Feb. 11: Amica Rush Hour Concert, Scheherazade!, the Vets, Providence, tickets.riphil.org

Ongoing in Feb: Providence Bruins vs. Rochester, Dunkin’ Donuts Center, Providence, dunkindonutscenter.com

Feb. 18–27: Newport Burger Bender, Newport and Bristol counties, discovernewport.org

Feb. 19–May 8: A New Age of Supercars, Audrain Automobile Museum, Newport, audrainautomuseum.org

Feb. 24–Mar. 27: August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean, Trinity Rep, Providence, trinityrep.com